Byron Bay Accom...
Byron Bay and Northern Rivers region is an area of natural wonderland on the most northern stretch of the New South Wales coast. Its beauty lies in its unspoilt beaches, volcanic mountains, lush countryside and World Heritage listed national parks.
Byron Bay and the surrounding area is an alternative place and magnet for people to either drop out of the mainstream or to party. It's rocking nightlife, the sun and surf, and the many adventures into the tropical hinterland is what Byron Bay means to most Australians. An adventurous paradise famous for it's laid-back lifestyle.
While it still has more than its share of alternative types there are now top-ranking guesthouses aimed at the more discerning tourist. With superb restaurants serving up anything from Asian-accented Modern Australian cuisine to the quality vegetarian options you might expect, Byron Bay gives you a vast variety of options to suit your taste.
So why do people think Byron's the place to be? Well, the relaxed way of life has a lot to do with it, as do the three gorgeous beaches. Then there are rainforest walks, colourful local markets, whale-watching from the cliffs, and some of Australia's best diving. Scuba dive at Julian Rocks and you may come face to face with wobbegong and grey-nurse sharks, or loggerhead turtles and manta rays.
Inland from Byron Bay, the country is a tropical mix of fruit farms and rainforest, which lead up to the ancient Mount Warning volcano. This impressive natural addition to the north coast forms a spectacular mountainous backdrop with it's lush countryside and three of the state's most dramatic World Heritage-listed national parks.
Mount Warning, Nightcap and Border Ranges national parks cover some 42,000 hectares. The neighbouring Cape Byron is Australia's most easterly point.
The parks attract eco-travellers from around the world. Many come to conquer the 1,100-metre Mount Warning, a once-active volcano. The 4.4-kilometre walk to the top takes about five hours there and back. Challenging tracks wind through rainforest communities, with a steep rock scramble near the summit. But once at the peak, you're rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the bowl-shaped Tweed Valley.
On Mount Warning's caldera rim is the 31,683-hectare Border Ranges National Park, a habitat for threatened flora and fauna, such as the rare Albert's lyrebird. Walking tracks offer stunning views from Bar Mountain, Blackbutt Lookout and Antarctic Beech. The park has picnic areas, shelter sheds, and camping areas at Sheepstation Creek and Forest Tops.
Koalas, red-legged pademelons and Albert's lyrebirds are among the exotic wildlife of the 8,080-hectare Nightcap National Park, which contains significant populations of threatened plants and animals.
Highlights include the lush rainforests of Terania Creek, the breathtaking Protestors Falls and Minyon Falls, with its magnificent 100-metre waterfall. Nearby is the start of the scenic 30-kilometre Whian Whian forest drive.
For another taste of alternative lifestyle, visit the Byron Bay Hinterland to taste home-grown and organic food and enjoy old-fashioned Australian hospitality. The Channon markets have become an attraction with many unique arts, crafts, foods and local artists.
Four-wheel drive operators take visitors past tropical fruit farms to the rainforest, while river cruises, diving, white water rafting, hang gliding, fishing, canoeing and surfing are also popular. Rainforest walks offer unique views, waterfalls and adventure.
Past Byron Bay is the thriving university town of Lismore, a cosmopolitan community surrounded by rich farmland and tropical forests. It's also the gateway to Nimbin, a settlement known for its laid-back lifestyle, alternative shops, and the surrounding organic farms and rainforest.
Not only is Byron Bay famous for it's hinterland but the white sandy beaches which stretch for almost 37 kilometres, are an alluring place to relax and revitalise. Bask with summer crowds at Main Beach or find your own private paradise in many secluded hideaways. You can even enjoy nude bathing at Tyagarah Beach.
Byron Bay is also known as one of the best surfing spots in the world. The number of world champions that come from the area is indicative of the exceptional surf here. Good year-round swell and brilliant breaks draw a constant stream of surfers.
Some of the world's most respected surfboard designers and manufacturers are located at Byron Bay. Surf shops selling the greatest in gear, rent out boards and arrange surfing lessons.
Scuba diving is also a major attraction. Julian Rocks, a granite rock outcrop featuring Cod Hole, is favoured for its wide diversity of both tropical and temperate marine and reef life. Some 400 species are known to the area. Curious but placid Grey Nurse sharks are often encountered on dives here as are turtles and many species of soft and hard coral. Other popular spots around Julian Rocks are Nursery, Hugo's Trench, and Kendricks reef.
Pods of adult whales and their young are a common sight for travellers to Byron Bay. Every year, these gentle giants migrate north to warmer waters in winter and southwards to summer feeding grounds in Antarctica. They can be viewed from rocky Cape Byron or by sea.