One of the most popular holiday destinations in on the east coast,
Byron Bay is a gathering place for surfers, travellers,
young families, hippies, or anyone seeking a relaxed and alternative
atmosphere amid some delightful climate and scenery.
Apart from the golden beaches with perfect breaks which has made Byron
a surfing mecca since the sixties, the town itself has a mixture of
trendy cafes and restaurants, alternative boutiques, surf stores, pubs
and clubs. There's a healthy live music scene, a huge range of
accommodation, and a variety of activities from hang gliding to
learning to trapeze! Competition for tourist dollars is high making the
region predominantly good value, however the area does get packed
during high season so book ahead.
Inland and in the hills, the once declining dairy town of Nimbin has never been
the same since the Aquarius Festival in 1973, encouraging people to
get "back to the land". Now an active alternative centre with numerous
communes in the area, it's a unique place to come and experience the
counterculture movement.
In town and following the alternative theme are several cafes, a museum, art and craft stalls, and a
permaculture garden. A good opportunity to mingle with the super
friendly locals is at the dances and festivals held throughout
the year. The most famous of these is the Marijuana Harvest Ball at the
end of April. Out of town, the countryside is spectacular. Nightcap
National Park is close by and contains a number picturesque walks
including the historic Nightcap Track, which has some particularly superb
views over the western end of the range.
Back on the coast and about twenty kilometres north of Byron is the
seaside village of Brunswick Heads. Set on the mouth of the
Brunswick River, the area is well known for it's excellent fishing,
good surfing and swimming conditions. Not far from it's busier and better known
southern neighbour, the town provides a haven for those seeking a
quieter pace.
Further north and close to the Queensland border, Murwillumbah is located on the
banks of the Tweed River in the beautiful Tweed Valley. This mountainous
banana and sugar growing region makes a great base from which to
explore the towns backdrop of Mt. Warning and further west, the Border
Ranges National Park.
