Nothing can make you feel more relaxed than the rejuvenating breeze flowing through your hair and the sound of the calming waters rushing to the shore. Pair that with food that bring your taste buds on an exotic journey with natural sights that make your jaw drop! This is exactly what Byron Bay has to offer the traveller as well as so much more.
To date, Byron Bay is one of the most frequented tourist spots in the New South Wales area, and for good reason. It is an ideal getaway for those who wish to experience a nature-centric escapade, making it a top destination for backpackers, families, and even groups who just want to have a good time. With its pristine beaches, exquisite delicacies, and picture-perfect scenery, lively night life, it leaves visitors wanting more.
Brief History of Byron Bay
Originally known to indigenous Australians as “Cavvanbah,” this place was given its new name based from the admired naval officer John Byron. It was brimming with natural resources, so much that the first industries revolved around logging, whaling, and dairy farming.
Because of its ideal location, it has been a popular hub for agriculture and product export. Long after such activities were halted, many tourists still flocked to the area, thanks to the railway that brings people to Byron Bay as well as recent highway upgrades. This became the springboard of its status as a favorite destination for many.
Beaches You Should See
What’s the signature attraction in this area, you ask? Arguably the beaches! The pristine sands and cerulean waters are more than enough reason to plunge in and get your worries washed away. There are a lot of great beaches in Byron Bay, but here’s a rundown of the popular ones.
- Belongil Beach and The Wreck
- If you are a dog lover, then you can definitely bring that pampered pooch here! It is a long stretch of white sand and blue seas, making it a calming sight. Somewhere near the top end of Jonson Street, you will see the wreckage of the SS Wollongbar, which has been turned into a great snorkeling spot.
- King’s Beach, Bray Beach, and Whites Beach
- While they are not necessarily ideal for swimming, especially during rough weathers, it is considered a wonderful natural sight. It takes a great deal of strength and stamina to reach the area, but arriving here would be worth the trek.
- Main Beach, Clarkes Beach, and The Pass
- For those who are fond of braving the waters, these are great spots for you. These three beaches, especially The Pass, are favorites of surfers for the glistening and rushing waves. It is both stunning and adventurous, so surf’s up!
- Wategos Beach and Little Wategos
- Sometimes you just want to find a laidback location where it is safe to let kids roam free. Fortunately, this spot is one of the safest in Byron Bay, not to mention it gives you a glimpse of the famous Byron Lighthouse.
Indulge in Great Food
The beaches are not the only ones that are worth traveling to Byron Bay for. Who could forget delectable eats? Here are some of the famous restaurants and cafes in the area that will create a complete experience.
- Three Blue Ducks at the Farm
- There’s something enticing about the paddock-to-plate food philosophy, and that is what this restaurant is about. With the rustic feel of every delicacy, it’s a must have for foodies.
- Bay Leaf Cafe
- If you are looking for more sophistication and attention to detail, then this cafe is what you need. From their coconut quinoa porridge to the avocado on sourdough, it’s definitely something you would want to try.
- St. Elmo
- Yes, you are in Australia, but that doesn’t mean your taste buds can’t go somewhere else. This restaurant combines both traditional and contemporary dishes, creating something that can only be found here.
- The Belgongil
- The Belongil is a well known local venue which serves as a trendy cafe by day, and a sophisticatedly boho wedding venue by night. This place has a lot of their meals on instagram and is well known by food bloggers.
Sights You Don’t Want to Miss
For those bitten by the travel bug and would like to see something that you’ve never seen before, Byron Bay also offers a lot of scenery that will surely captivate. Here are a few of those that you should definitely find time to explore.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Aside from being Australia’s most powerful lighthouse, this towering edifice is a witness to history. Simply marveling at its beauty takes you back in time, not to mention its location gives you a great sweep of the neighboring areas.
- The Wreck
- Sometimes nature’s wrath can give us a new playground, and one of which is the wreckage of SS Wollongbar. Get your snorkeling equipment ready because you are in for an enchanting underwater exploration.
- Arakwal National Park
- If you are a hardcore nature junkie, visiting this park is going to be worth your while. It houses numerous bird and frog species which are known to be close to extinction. Better be one of the few who can still catch a glimpse of these protected animals.
Are those reasons enough for you to visit Byron Bay? Get your backpacks ready because you will be in for a real treat!
