ONE OF our Voice of Byron regulars found this terrific Lonely Planet article by Penny Carroll giving ten reasons why people fall in love with our town.
It’s the ultimate Aussie beach town, seducing all who pass through with an irresistible combination of natural good looks, welcoming hippie values and a laid-back-surfer attitude. If you’re yet to experience the magic of Byron Bay, here’s a handful of excuses to add it to your Australia bucket list.
Sunset spirit
Byron might have developed a sophisticated shine in recent years but its hippie heart still dances to the beat of bongo drums. Head to Main Beach at dusk on a balmy evening and you’ll find an eclectic cast of free spirits celebrating the sunset with drumming circles, interpretive dance and hypnotic fire twirling. The vibe is inclusive and the upbeat energy is infectious – claim a patch on the grass and join the party.
Wildlife encounters
Time your visit to coincide with whale migration season (May to November) and you’re practically guaranteed to spot a few giants of the deep playfully breaching in the bay, perhaps as tempted by Byron’s vibe as we are. But if you miss the whales there are plenty more locals to meet and greet: bottlenose dolphins and ancient turtles cruise the cape (take a kayak tour for a close encounter), while echidnas, wallabies, brush turkeys and a diverse range of seabirds call the coastline and its surrounding rainforests home.
Crowd-pleasing surf breaks
‘Grommet’ or pro, Byron’s majestic headland dishes up world-class waves. The north-facing Clarkes Beach offers a gentle launch pad for learners, and when you’re ready to take on the green water, the long, peeling waves of iconic break ‘The Pass’ will do nicely. Thrill-seekers should watch out for a hollow right-hander created by the wreck of the SS Wollongbar off Belongil Beach, while Watego’s, sheltered from southerly swell, delivers a leisurely ride for chilled-out longboarders.