With surf boards strapped to the roof and camping gear loaded we crossed the "border" from Qld into NSW. We had left the behind the glitz, tall buildings and fast pace of the Gold Coast and had entered a more rural and relaxed environment. Driving past farmers fields and beautiful eucalyptus trees we eventually arrived in the small hamlet of Byron Bay. We were instantly reminded of Tofino - a tropical Tofino that is. It is a place where everyone from backpackers to the wealthy (I was told Mick Jagger vacations there) stop on their Australian tour. It is a very quaint town set off the main highway route and has several glorious beaches and is backed by wetlands and national parks.
The picture above shows our camping spot at Clarkes Beach looking towards Byron Bay's Main Beach. This was also the popular spot to surf - the dark spots on the water are surfers bobbing up and down waiting for the perfect wave. On our first afternoon, we had plenty of time to play at the beach and stayed until the sun set. Even in the cooler climes of autumn, the water is still warm and inviting.
Byron Bay is a surfing Mecca. Known more for its less-intense waves, it invites surfers old and young to bring their long boards down to catch a mellow ride. Dave had a blast playing in the waves over the weekend and was able to get some magical rides in.
On our second day, in the Byron Bay area, we went to see the Cape Byron Lighthouse. To get there you wind your way through eucalyptus forest to a rocky headland with sheer cliffs on one side looking out over Arkawal National Park and Tallow Beach. This headland is a popular spot for hand gliding.
The lighthouse, built in 1901, sits on the most easterly point on mainland Australia. The views from this point are absolutely stunning. To the east you look out into the ocean for as far as the eye can see, to the south is an endless stretch of beach and to the north are the town and beaches of Byron Bay.
When you tire of the view from up on the cliffs, you can hike down the cliff (via stairs) to another lookout point closer to the water's edge. We were told that you can see sharks and manta rays from this point but unfortunately there were none around the day we were there - much to Ruben's disappointment. The water is very clear and had there been sharks or manta rays you could easily spot them.
The rest of our time in Byron Bay was spent touring around the town, looking in the shops and eating some great food. There is an organic donut shop well known for their tasty donuts - we could not resist and they held up to their reputation!
After packing up camp, and before heading home, we decided to head a little further south to an area called Lennox Heads. Our timing was perfect and we managed to take in a community market. Markets are very popular in the city and in the hinterland (I will write more on this in another blog), and are a great mix of food, music and crafts. This particular market is situated in a beautiful setting, with the Pacific Ocean and beach on one side and Lake Ainsworth on the other. We stocked up on fruits and vegetables and the kids bought themselves a souvenir (Gemma a beautiful handblown glass bead and Ruben a special rock).
Before we made our two-hour trip back to Brisbane, we decided to look for migrating Humpback whales but were foiled again. The views from Lennox Head can be seen below.
Bye for now Heather, Dave, Gemma and Ruben
1 comment:
Looks beautiful - I'm glad Australia kept alive the English tradition of markets. They do make London a more human place.
Oz looks like an amazing place in many respects - although a place can always look amazing from the outside. But all that sun and light and warm water must be liberating after Vancouver island . . .
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