Byron Bay - NSW

Byron Bay is a coastal town located on the far-north coast of NSW, Australia with a permanent population of around 6000. Home to Australia's most easterly point and the iconic Cape Byron lighthouse, the region is known for its spectacular beaches, unique shopping and dining experiences, world-class festivals, and vibrant community spirit.

Bryon's popularity as a surfing destination began in the 1960s. In the late 1970's nearby Nimbin hosted the Aquarius Festival and the hippy, happy, alternative town was established. It wasn't until the late 1980s, that cash-rich conspicuous consumer tourism began to develop with the cash-poor surfers and hippies being overshadowed by the development of retail precincts and upmarket accommodation and food outlets.

Today, Byron Bay is one of the most up-market residential areas on the Australian east coast with the growth in multi-million dollar mansions. At the same time, the town has not lost its attraction to a diverse range of visitors including surfers, backpackers and general tourists interested in the natural attractions of the area, and also supports a healthy cross section of creative persons including artists, craftspersons and musicians, while its more recent hippy/new age past is reflected to a degree in a prevalence of alternative "new-age" shops, "spiritual" services such as meditation and yoga classes, and holistic healing/"wellness" retreats. Over 2 million tourists visit Byron Bay each year.

The area is noted for its wildlife, with whale watching a tourism drawcard. The merging of temperate and tropical waters make it ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. Most diving is done at Julian Rocks and part of the Cape Byron Marine Park. Subtropical rainforests are nearby, and areas such as the Nightcap National Park and its Minyon Falls are within easy reach of the town. Byron Bay features several beaches that are popular for surfing and the scenery attracts skydivers. An oceanway allows visitors to walk and cycle from the centre of town to Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Byron Bay is a popular destination for Schoolies week during late November and early December.

For more tourism details, see website link and nearby Place list.