Lord Byron

Where to stay
Being a beachside town that draws in a steady stream of surfers, backpackers, yoga practitioners and music lovers alike, there are plenty of places to rest for the night. The former hippie town has cheap stays to luxurious accommodations scattered around. If you’re on a budget, check out Aquarius Backpackers Motel  and Byron Bay Bunkhouse. Both located right smack in the middle of town and is just a stone throw away from the main beach. Atlantic Byron Bay is a boutique guesthouse also located in the centre of town. You can opt for shared rooms or get your own private ensuites. If you’re up for something different, check out their American Airstream, which is basically a high end caravan situated in the garden area of the compound.

If you’re the type that wants to stay in style and luxury, you’ll have to go to the Byron at Byron Resort. Built into part of a 45 acres rainforest area, the resort is also home to a variety of wildlife and plants. You’ll also find a top notch spa and wellness centre here. Byron Bay has a host holiday house for rent as well. Beach House on Armstrong is a five minute drive away from the Byron Bay town. Located close to Tallow Beach, this bungalow has a heated pool, barbeque pit, sun deck, kitchen, washing machine, internet connection, and enough room to fit eight adults comfortably (or more). One of those spots for people who are thinking of spending more than a weekend in a homely environment.

Getting around
There’s limited public transport within Byron Bay. You could rent a car from Earth Car Rentals where you can opt to carbon offset your usage. (How very Byron.) If you want to be even more environmentally friendly, you could rent bicycles from Byron Bay Bicycles. Or better yet, just walk. It’s healthy and definitely greener than most alternatives. But if you’re looking to travel in style, giveGrant of Bangalow Limousines a buzz and he’ll take care of all your travelling needs.

Where to eat
Byron Bay is known for its organic and fresh produce. So you can be assured that almost every food joint here uses the best of the best in their dishes. Snack fans will be happy to know that Byron Bay Organic Doughnuts (Pier Arcade, 7 Lawson Street, 02 6685 7587) serves arguably the best handmade organic doughnuts in the area (maybe the world). Delicious, fluffy and best of all, healthy (well, better than the franchised sugar laden varieties). For something more substantial, check out Fresh Byron that uses organic and fresh produce from the area in their breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. The restaurant offers Asian, Indonesian and Italian cuisines. If you’re craving spice, give Bollywood Kitchen a try.Fishmongers Shop serves amazingly fresh fish and chips. Give the wasabi-marinated snapper a try. It’s quite an interesting combination but if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, try the grilled tuna fish. It might seem pricey but the generous portions and freshness makes it a value for money. Don’t miss out on the Byron Beach Café. Located on a sand dune facing the main beach, don’t mistake this place for a tourist trap. The food is mouth watering and has an amazing view. Make sure you order the chocolate milkshake made with Belgian chocolate.

 
Where to shop
It’s pretty silly to be going to a beachside hippie town to shop. But if you can’t fend off your shopaholic compulsions, there are plenty of boutiques located in the centre of town for you to go crazy. For something a little different, check out the Byron Bay's Craft and Produce Market in Butler Street Reserve. The market takes places on the first Sunday of the month, covering an area of a few acres. You’ll find a variety of handcrafted wares, artworks and locally grown produce, among others. There are also performers such as fire eaters, musicians, jugglers and the sorts at the market.

What to do
There are plenty of activities in and around Byron bay. Speak to the good people at Cape Byron Kayaks for a trip out to see dolphins up close on a kayak. They guarantee you a return trip if you don’t see dolphins, whales or turtles. What’s a visit to Byron Bay without a surf or two? If you don’t know how, visit Byron Bay Surf School. For something off the beaten track, talk a stroll on the Byron Bay Artist Trail for free. Located 3km off town centre, there are plenty of local artists showcasing their works and a number of restaurant and cafes to visit.

For nocturnal activities, check out Beach Hotel Bay Streetor The Great Northern for local bands performing on stage. Party animals should check out Cheeky Monkeys or Buddha Bar. Most importantly, don’t miss a trip up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. The view here is simply spectacular. It’s from here that you can also walk to Australia’s most easterly point.

Highlights
Byron Bay plays host to a number of festivals and events each year. Of course, during Easter weekend in April, don’t miss Byron Bay Bluesfest– see our preview feature overleaf. The week-long festival has been going on for 21 years and showcases a chunk load of local and international acts. Music fans should keep their dates in July free for Splendour in the Grass. Since 2001, the music festival has seen a host of local and international bands coming through. We’re talking Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys, Death Cab for Cutie, Sarah Blasko, MGMT, Augie March and many others. It’s a two day festival with plenty of activities, food, drinks and of course music. It’s not just about the music at Byron Bay. The Byron Bay Writers' Festival attracts writers from around the globe as well as Australia to participate in this three days festival. The festival offers workshops, talks, lectures and readings, among others.

Getting there

Fly
Rex, Jetstar and Virgin Blue all fly to Balina daily with regular shuttles to Byron from the airport. Flghts start at $119.

Bus
Greyhoundbuses depart from Central Station. Seats start at $82.50. Or conjur a Bluesfest mix tape and drive!

Book activities around Sydney through Time Out