4th February 2015, we drove 2 hours from Brisbane to Byron Bay with our friends Tim and Rach for a 3-night stay.

Byron Bay is a popular destination for its beaches, surfing and humpback whales seen between June and November.

A small coastal town with great beaches, restaurants, pubs, cafes, shopping and hiking trails.

Accommodation

• Bayview Beachfront Apartments –

Located just a few meters opposite the Main Beach in a great location on Bay Street. These beachfront apartments are great and have everything you need to be comfortable.

We stayed in a 2 Bedroom Deluxe facing the courtyard, lap pool and beach.

The Bayview Beachfront has 1 and 2 bedroom self-contained apartments and is only a short walk to the shopping and dining.

The lap pool is sensational and where I actually gained the courage to get into swimming again.

Our 2 bed apartment cost $1,310.00.

www.byronbayview.com.au

Beaches 

• Byron Bay’s Main Beach –

Need I say more, white sandy beach right in front of town with a view of the mountains. You’ll have no trouble finding a spot to stretch out on the beach.

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• The Pass –

The Pass is located between Clarkes Beach and Wategos Beach. The Pass is a gap between Fisherman’s Lookout and the headland.

Dining

• Miss Margaritas –

This great fun little Mexican vibe restaurant is located on Jonson Street in a street adjacent to other restaurants and the Beach Hotel across the road.

You cant go wrong with cocktails and Mexican food here. Don’t forget to check out Happy Hour from 5pm – 6pm.

Drink Recommendations: Classic Margarita

Food Recommendations:  Chilli Con Carne Nachos

https://www.missmargarita.com.au/

• Asia Joes –

Loved the food here, highly recommend this small unique Asian restaurant with delicious food. Make sure to have an entree and a couple of mains.

Asia Joes is also a licensed & B.Y.O restaurant. B.Y.O Wine corkage is $1.50 per head.

Food Recommendations: Pad Thai and Beef Massaman Curry

http://www.asiajoes.com/

Night Life

• The Beach Hotel –

This pub is located across the road from the Main Beach, here you will find live entertainment and a beer garden. There is also a bottle shop located at the pub accessed on Jonson street.  We did not dine here but we did stop by for a drink.

Open Daily from 8am – late.

http://www.beachhotel.com.au/

Attractions 

• Cape Byron Lighthouse –

Built in the 19th century to protect ships passing along the coast, here is where you will enjoy fabulous views of the coast.  The conservation area also has a heritage accommodation, walking tracks, a cafe and scenic lookouts.

Opening hours are 9.30am to 4pm. Entry is free however there are fees to access the Cape Byron Lighthouse carpark.

Why not bring along a bottle of champagne and take in the sunset like we did.

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/cape-byron-lighthouse

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• Crystal Castle –

If you are spiritually inclined or not I think this is a place everyone who passes through Byron Bay should visit. Crystal Castle has a beautiful Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. Time was not on our side that day so make sure you allow a few hours to enjoy the magnificent crystals and the gardens.

Maybe go on some daily guide experiences – https://www.crystalcastle.com.au/see-and-do/daily-experience/  Guided experiences are included in the daily entry pass.

Entry Fees: Adult Day Pass $28.00 and Child Day Pass $22.00 (4 to 14yrs). Please see website for other passes.

https://www.crystalcastle.com.au/

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Activity

• Walking trails –

We enjoyed the walking trail from the Main Beach to Cape Byron Lighthouse via the most easterly point of the Australian mainland track. This track is approximately a 45 minutes walk. Hopefully, you are passing by at the right season and are lucky enough to see turtles or whales.

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Markets

The markets are quite popular in Byron Bay, however, we missed out on this short visit.

• Bangalow Markets – http://bangalowmarket.com.au/
• Byron Community Market – http://www.byroncentre.com.au/markets/
• Byron Farmers Market – http://byronfarmersmarket.com.au/
• Byron Flea Market – https://www.bys.org.au/byronflea
• The Nimbin Markets – http://www.visitnimbin.com.au/member/322

Take the time to visit Byron Bay, it’s a great location for a nice relaxing getaway.  I hope to visit this gorgeous place again one day and next time more than 3 days.