Enjoy the vibe of Byron Bay

Shops along Jonson Street in Byron Bay PHOTO: Tourism NSW

Backpackers sitting outside Arts Factory Backpackers in Byron Bay, Northern Rivers PHOTO: Sharyn Cairns, Tourism NSW

Cape Byron lighthouse, Byron Bay PHOTO: Mike Leonard, Tourism NSW

Couple walking along Main beach in Byron Bay, with lighthouse in background PHOTO: Mike Leonard, Tourism NSW

by Kirsty Wallett, Australia

Byron Bay is one of those special places that attracts all kinds of people for many different reasons, and once you've been there, it's hard not to fall in love with Byron.

The idealic beach town is located on the far-northern coast of New South Wales, Australia. Whether you're a lover of surf, sun, camping, natural foods or nature, you'll find something to satisfy your passion in Byron Bay.

The first thing that strikes you as you drive into Byron bay from the nearby Pacific Motorway is the lushness of the surrounds. It doesn't take a genius to realise that Byron Bay is in fact nestled in a bay, located at the most easterly point of the Australian coast. This means sweeping cliff views, perfect point-peeling surf and flourishing national park.

Byron Bay, because of it's natural and tourist appeal, can be a busy all year round. The trick is picking the right time to visit. Alternatively you can go when you want, and embrace the relative craziness of the good-natured crowds!

In the summer months as a tourist you'll have to contend with crowds on the weekend, and a traffic jam on the way in and out of town. The Christmas and New Year period is very busy so the ultimate time to go is between February and April; you'll still enjoy warm ocean and weather temperatures, without the overcrowding. Even on a busy weekend in Byron Bay, there's always plenty of room at the Beach Hotel for a beer with a view and you can usually find cheap caravan park accommodation if you book ahead. The First Sun caravan park, located right on the beach front near the town centre is both a beautiful location and budget friendly.

One of Byron's main point breaks, The Pass, is a great place to catch a wave if you're still developing your skills on a surfboard. Be careful though, the locals can be impatient with surfers who don't know proper wave etiquette, so it's best to book in a surf lesson with one of the local surf schools if you're a beginner.

Every Easter long weekend, music fans flock to Byron Bay for Bluesfest, Australia's biggest blues and roots festival. It is pretty much impossible to get accommodation when the festival is on, and what is available is very pricey. Unless you're heading to the festival, which itself is an incredible experience, avoid visiting that weekend.

The Great Northern hotel, just a few blocks back from the beach, is an established music venue and has featured acts such as Ben Harper in the past. Many major international blues, rock and folk bands have played one-off shows in Byron while touring Australia's major cities.

With such breathtaking scenery Byron Bay is a favourite with skydivers and there are several local operators to pick from if your idea of a relaxing holiday is jumping out of a plane.

If you prefer something a little more laid back a walk up the main headland to tour the 110-year-old lighthouse is worth the exertion, with a 360-degree view of the ocean and rainforest surrounds.

Byron's town centre is littered with gourmet restaurants and funky cafés, and the region is home to many organic, gourmet and wholefoods companies, so you definitely won't go hungry. Byron's craft and produce markets are held the first and third Sunday of every month at the Butler Street reserve, and are some of the best in the region.

Public transport is limited in Byron Bay but there are a few options. A bike or hire car is probably the best way to get around, but once you're in the town centre, most of the main attractions are within walking distance. Ballina Airport is nearby and airport transfers are available. Greyhound buses also travel to Byron Bay regularly, with the depot located in the town centre.

Byron Bay won't disappoint whether you're visiting for a week or a weekend. Just make sure you do as the locals do; relax and keep an open mind.

Fact File

Tourist information
http://www.visitbyronbay.com/

Byron Bay Visitor Centre

80 Jonson Street
Byron Bay NSW 2481
+61 2 6680 8558

The Beach Hotel
http://www.beachhotel.com.au

The Great Northern Hotel
http://www.thenorthern.com.au

Greyhound Buses
http://www.greyhound.com.au

Byron Bay Shuttle
http://www.byronbayshuttle.com.au/

Skydive Byron Bay
http://www.skydivebyronbay.com

Byron Bay Food Blog
http://byronbayfood.com.au/

Byron Bay Markets
http://www.byron-bay.com/markets/

Where to stay

Byron Bay YHA
http://www.yha.com.au

First Sun Holiday Park
http://firstsunholidaypark.com.au/

Belongil Tree House
http://www.byronstay.com/treehouse.html

Arts Factory Backpacker Lodge
http://www.byron-bay.com/artsfactory/

Byron Bay Backpackers
http://www.byronbaybackpackers.com.au/

For more tips on travelling Australia and the world, along with the occasional rambling travel story, visit Kirsty's blog at www.thetravelater.blogspot.com or follow Kirsty on Twitter @kirstywallett