I've been to Byron Bay about 20 times or so, either for day trips (when I lived on the Gold Coast) or for lengthier stays now that I'm back in Melbourne. Even though it can be quite busy, especially in summer, it remains one of my favourite spots in Oz.
Byron Bay is a small coastal town situated on the east coast of Australia. It is in northern NSW and it's about 40-50 mins drive south of the Queensland border. Cape Byron, in Byron Bay, is a headland, and it is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. The place itself is really pretty. Nice beaches, lots of greenery. The surrounding regions are also gorgeous and well worth checking out. If you surf there are a few pretty good surf beaches around. If you don't surf there is plenty of opportuity to learn. The town is pretty much a backpacker Mecca. There are literally busloads of backpackers arriving and leaving every couple of hours or so. Sooo many backpackers. It's a party place but it can be what you make of it. Want to relax? You got it. Want to relax in extravagant style? You got it. On a budget? No problem. I have slept in my car and on the beach many times (even though you are not supposed to). As far as partying goes there are a few decent pubs which attract sizable crowds, especially in summer and on the weekend. The entertainment consists of bands, sometimes DJ's etc. There are also about three clubs, the most popular of which is cheeky monkey's. It gets pretty full and shuts at about 3a.m. They play party and commercial tunes, not bad but nothing special. It's a bit of a meat market too. Byron Bay is getting a bit more commercial now and many locals complain about the increase in tourists and prices. I tend to think it has stil retained its laid back feel. I feel fully relaxed there, especially because of the nature. The majority of the people are backpackers themselves, everyone is there to relax and enjoy themselves and meet new people. There are plenty of backpacker hostels around but in peak season they can get pretty full. What else can I say? I have had some great times there. I may be biased cause I live in Oz, but I reallly love this country and places like Byron Bay.
Favourite spots:
Wategos beach - for bodyboarding The lighthouse on top of Cape Byron at night Anywhere along the main beach (or any beach) at nightime. The Beach Hotel - the main pub, or anywhere else I can get a decent coffee, vodka or beer. Ho'okupu - surf art / photo store (awesome!) ...as well as the many restaurants and eateries I have yet to try out!
What's really great:
The natural wonder of the place - THE MIGHTY OCEAN and sun!! The relaxed atmosphere. The diversity of people, characters, travellers, backpackers, nomads, wonderers. The beautiful girls who flock there.. (couldn't help myself) The local Aboriginal people who sit by main beach daily and share Byron Bay with the rest of us: RESPECT!
Sights:
The lighthouse..and the walk up.
The beaches for sure!!
the main street in town is pretty colourful and vibrant.
Accommodations:
Arts Factory backpacker hostel. Pretty different sort of hostel about a 5 min walk from town. This is the only hosel I have stayed at.
The beach :)
Nightlife:
Cheeky Monkeys: meat market, but fun if you're smashed.
C-Moog: bar and club. house/breakbeat... it's a bit more upmarket.
Hangouts:
A fair few.
Beach Hotel tops them all. Nice outdoor area, close to the beach. Good bands.
Restaurants:
? Don't know yet. But I am 100% sure there are some excellent ones. Especially if you like seafood.
The coffee andmussles at Beach hotel I have tried. Great!!
Other recommendations:
If you get tired of the crowd you can head south to Lennox Head which is a top little town just a few kilometres south of Byron Bay. It has a camping ground, hostels and a tea-tree lake as well as the beach.
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