When in Australia, if you want to experience something more than the hyper-urban areas and the obvious tourist attractions, you should definitely visit Byron Bay, one of the most beautiful coastal towns you can find there. Located in New South Wales, not too far from Brisbane, the town has a lot to offer to any type of traveler. So, in case you’re interested in spending some time in the lovely Byron Bay area, here is some useful information on what you can expect there.
Where to Stay
Don’t be fooled by the fact that Byron Bay is smaller than such cities as Sydney or Brisbane, as it won’t disappoint when it comes to accommodation variety. If you’re looking for a good hotel, you’ll surely find something that suits you quickly, from some more affordable motel-type ones to the five-star luxurious hotels with a view to die for. If you want to remain practical and don’t care much about hotel extravaganza, you can opt for one of many hostels in the area, where you’ll have an incredible opportunity to meet other travelers, exchange travel stories with them and perhaps get an idea for your next destination. Some of these hostels are in the very town center, while others are near the beach, so that you can choose the spot that works best for you. Finally, there is a plethora of short-term rental apartments and rooms you can easily book online and stay in for as long as you need. You can check out their exact location on the map, so that you know how far you are from the beaches or the sights you want to see.
What to Do for Fun
There’s something in the town to anybody’s liking, no matter what sort of music you listen to or what kind of a night out you’re hoping for. With its abundance of clubs and bars, you’ll be able to dance the night away to anything from electronic beats to some phenomenal acoustic live music. It would be unfair not to mention the buskers, as you can enjoy their performances all day long for a small donation, if you can afford it. Even those looking for some adult entertainment will have their minds blown by the amazingly attractive Byron Bay strippers, who can come to your party and make sure it’s the best one you’ve ever thrown. After all, when you’re on vacation and want to do and see something spectacular, a strawberries-and-cream or a pearl-and-pop show with some of the prettiest girls you’ve ever seen will certainly do the trick. Finally, if you want to see the sunset and then spend your evening and most of your night sipping drinks and dancing till you drop, Byron Bay will meet all your expectations and then some. Add to this the daytime fun you can have at one of the beaches, as surfing, swimming and sunbathing are something you shouldn’t miss, and there won’t be a boring moment while you’re there.
What to Eat
Some travelers love trying new cuisine, which is probably one of the reasons they visit different parts of the world in the first place. Others like their food to stay closer to home, as the familiar is what they swear by. Whichever category you fall under, you shouldn’t worry about staying hungry in Byron Bay. Whether you’re up for a burger, a veggie buffet or you just want a slice of a hot pie, you’ll easily find a place that will have precisely what you want to eat and at a price you’re comfortable with. You can pick if you want to eat while walking, sit on a beach with your sandwich, or wine and dine in a high-class restaurant, and you’ll be happy either way. After all, the town now welcomes tourists from around the globe all year round, meaning that there is a lot of competition and the food places have had to step up their game, which is something you’ll be grateful for. And if you don’t trust anybody else’s cooking but your own, you can hit one of the supermarkets there, or better yet, a farmers’ market or a seafood market, and prepare your own meal if your accommodation allows it.
How to Get There
If you look at a map, you’ll find Byron Bay in the northeastern part of NSW, about 100 miles south of Brisbane, or about 480 miles north of Sydney. There are several bus departures from Sydney to Byron Bay, but bear in mind that this is a nine-hour drive, so you might prefer the overnight option. If you’re taking one of the buses from Brisbane, you’ll have plenty of departures to choose from, and it will take you about three hours to get to your destination. If you’re driving, you’ll get to Byron Bay faster than by bus, but the fastest way to reach it is by plane. Ballina Airport is the closest to the town and it will take you approximately 15 minutes to get from there to Byron Bay. The next best thing is the Gold Coast Airport, from which you’ll need 45 minutes or more from to get to your accommodation. Finally, Brisbane Airport is about two to three hours away, and there are bus drives to Byron Bay available throughout the day.
Now that you know the basics, perhaps you should start planning your trip to Byron Bay. After all, we’ve only scratched the surface and it’s up to you to discover the rest of what this lovely, dreamlike town has in store for you.
