Beaches, Beer and Blues - A Backpacker's Heaven (Byron Bay)

Member Name: genny symbio

Product:	Byron Bay
Date:	22/06/01 (112 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful beaches, friendly people, great nightlife, cheap accommodation and food, a great place to chill out!

Disadvantages: Gradually getting more touristy, hopefully won't go the same way as the Gold Coast or Bondi

Conveniently situated on the coastal route between Brisbane and Sydney, this lively little town has got to be one of my favourite places on the planet. Gorgeous beaches, friendly people, a great night-life... what more could a girl ask for?

The main landmark in Byron Bay is the lighthouse that can be seen from most parts of the town - there is a pleasant walk from here to the 'Most Easterly Part of Australia'. This is quite a good spot for nature-lovers to catch the whale migration during spring or autumn.

Accommodation remains affordable, despite the influx of tourists in recent years. My advice is to avoid the hostels in the town centre and opt for one a little further out of town - these tend to be a lot cheaper (usually around $15/£6 per night depending on the season) and have a free mini-bus into town every half hour or so. You shouldn't have a problem finding one of these hostels as they usually have a tout waiting at the bus stop every time an inter-city bus comes through. For the more intrepid traveller, there are at least two campsites that are within walking distance from the bus stop (around $10/£4 per person per night).

As for entertainment, the Railway Hotel has reasonably priced beer and food (the hamburgers are great) and usually has a band playing in the evenings, generally blues or alternative folk. If that's not your style, there are several other bars spanning the range from pub to wine bar, as well as a nightclub that is open until 5am (don't ask me its name, I could barely remember my own last time I went there!)

Other recommended activities: tours to Nimbin (Australia's 'alternative' heart - the place to go for bizarre clothing, solar panels and cookies that will make you hallucinate), jam sessions in the park (bring your own instrument or just hum along) or just chilling out on the beach (which, by the way, is infinitely better than that of the Gold Coast or Bondi and far
less polluted). Also watch out for the annual 'Jazz and Blues Festival'.

Just one word of warning though: last time I was there, I met a guy who said he'd come to Byron for a two week holiday? and was still there eight years later!

See you on the beach!!!


For more info on Byron Bay check out www.byronbay-online.com

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