Escape: Beaches, Beauties and Sunshine – Byron Bay, Australia

Endless sunshine, white sandy beaches, a laid back lifestyle, A-list celebrities and the occasional shark attack (!), Byron Bay on the northern coast of New South Wales in Australia is a world famous holiday destination located on one of Australia’s most beautiful coasts.

This one-time hippie enclave attracts visitors from all over the world and it’s pretty easy to see why – stunning stretches of coastline, perfect weather, a food and bar scene to rival the capital cities and an enviable boho chic lifestyle makes it attractive for all kinds of visitors and travellers from Australia and abroad.

While its growing popularity and influx of celebrities has meant that million dollar property prices are the norm, traffic in and out at peak holiday seasons can be a challenge and it is no longer the quiet escape that it once, it still retains much of its original beauty and vibe, albeit now with a more polished facade.

Without a doubt the main attraction in Byron are the endless sandy beaches that the surround the town, including Tallows Beach and Belongil Beach and of course Main Beach which sees flocks of visitors every day sunning themselves on the golden sands and grassy green slopes of the beach directly in front of the town.

The Cape Byron Lighthouse is also a must-visit, it is Australia’s most powerful lighthouse and is located on the most easterly point of the mainland. The views are spectacular and if you are lucky you may see frolicking whales in the sea from the lookout. The steep hike up to the lighthouse also makes for a great workout!

If you get sick of the beach, the town has plenty of shops to explore selling everything from classic high street surf wear to gorgeous homewares. Two of our favourites are Mar-Kett and Spell and the Gypsy Collective which was made famous by Miley Cyrus and Elsa Pataky’s much publicised shopping trips.

There are so many accommodation options, from high end luxury to caravan parks and everything in between. We like The Atlantic for well-styled, laid back cottages right near the centre of town and Rae’s on Wategoes for a upmarket boutique beachfront hotel with a wonderful restaurant and bar.

We have recently stayed a The Manor by Byron Beach Abodes which was a wonderful private home suitable for a family or group. For a resort style stay try The Byron at Byron (it has a great day spa too!).

There is no shortage of great restaurants and bars to enjoy the regions nightlife with everything from burgers to sushi available. Some of our favourites include Top Shop for great breakfasts and post-surf burgers, Miss Margarita for casual Mexican and a little further afield (and not to be missed) is Three Blue Ducks at The Farm, Harvest at Newrybar and Fleet in Brunswick Heads (make sure you book ahead!).

There is no real ‘bad’ time to visit Byron Bay however try and avoid school holidays and long weekends when tourists from the southern states flock to the town for some much needed sunshine.

For more information including events visit the Byron Bay Visitor Centre here.

Want to explore more in the area? Visit here for more NSW northern beaches and here for a great luxury beach hotel in Cabarita Beach.