Byron Bay

A year round tropical paradise

Byron Shire is truly a shire for all seasons, nestled on the north coast of New South Wales approximately 2 hours drive south of Brisbane and a 40 minute drive south of the Gold Coast. The area offers a year round tropical paradise of beaches and rainforests with the average temperature in summer of 27 degrees and 22 degrees in winter. When visiting this region all roads lead to the township of Byron Bay which is dominated by the Cape Byron Lighthouse. By night the lighthouse is Australia's most powerful beacon, by day the backdrop for hang gliders which soar in the thermals off the Cape. Those who prefer more down to earth explorations can meander along the world famous Cape Byron Walking track and watch dolphins waltz in the waves below or play with the surfers in the waves at Wategos Beach. Not to be outdone by the Dolphins those giants of the deep, the Humpback Whales can be seen breaching and playing off the waters off the Cape as they migrate north in July/August and return in September/October.

Where the ocean meets with breathtaking coastal rainforests

The Cape which sits 100 meters above the Pacific Ocean is now recognised as the best land based whale watching site in Australia and is fast attracting similar status world wide. The whale watch season begins on the 1 st July and attracts visitors from all over Australia and overseas. Beach life, Byron style means what ever you want it to: a sunrise surf at Tallows, at The Pass or at Broken Head, breakfast at the world renowned Beach Cafe, a relaxing family brunch at the Pass Cafe or fishing at many of the long beaches or small hidden alcoves which dot the coastline. If you hanker an aquatic adventure you can experience the environmental wonderland of the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve. Just a few kilometers off shore, where warm and cool currents unite, the Reserve offers a wealth of marine life to both the snorkeling beginner or the experienced scuba diver. There are over 400 species of marine life in the Reserve!

Ideally situated on the east coast between Brisbane and Sydney

While you are in the area, don't neglect the Byron Hinterland - a lush, rolling patchwork of tropical fruit, sugar cane and macadamia farms, state forests, national parks and world heritage listed rainforests. These natural wonders are interwoven by a network of quaint towns and villages whose shops, galleries and weekend markets offer an array of arts and crafts, many created by the region's own renowned artists.

Accommodation in Byron Shire caters for all walks of life. Camp in tent sites and cabin accommodation where the morning is greeted with the sun drenched waves crashing onto the beach, enjoy Resort style accommodation set in lush tropical gardens or if being pampered is your fantasy why not try many of the Bay's and surrounding areas great Bed and Breakfast or Guest Houses. Backpackers are also a way of life, with many hostels catering for many thousand visitors each year making Byron Bay Australia's third most popular destination.

Activities such as rainforest tours, bush walking, hang gliding, tandem sky diving, ultra light flights, Harley tours, cycling, canoeing, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, horse riding, deep sea fishing, vintage car tours and Australia's only flying trapeze school cater for all walks of life. And when the sun finally disappears behind the hills you can dine at one of the areas many superb, award winning restaurants, enjoy a local band or theatrical production... or stroll along a serene moonlit beach, looking forward to your next day in paradise.

For further information visit the popular Byron Bay Visitor Guide website & / or download this handy Byron Bay Fact Sheet.