WHY GO? Mainland Australia's most easterly point is also renowned for its laidback atmosphere, expansive beaches, fabulous food and eclectic shopping.
WHAT TO DO
Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse for a bird's eye view of pods of dolphins catching waves.
Learn how to "Hang 10" yourself by attending a surfing camp with Byron Bay Surf School (http://www.byronbaysurfschool.com/), Surfing Byron Bay (http://www.gosurfingbyronbay.com/), Black Dog Surfing (http://www.byronbaylearntosurf.com/) and East Coast Surf School (http://www.eastcoastsurfschool.com.au/).
Venture into the hinterland and go rock climbing, mountain biking, hang gliding and skydiving or take a 4WD or quad bike tour. Cool off with dolphin kayaking, kite boarding, SCUBA diving at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve and white water rafting - visit http://www.byron-bay.com/, and http://www.byronbayguide.com.au/ for tour operators. If a spa or yoga retreat (www.byronbayyoga.com.au) is more your style, drop the kids off at Byron Bay Kidz Club (http://www.kidzclub.com.au/) while you tune out.
Browse amongst antique stores and enjoy a relaxed lunch in Bangalow - a nearby village filled with 19th century buildings - also home to a handicraft and produce market on the fourth Sunday of every month. Butler Street in Byron Bay hosts a similar market on the first Sunday of every month.
EAT Bay Leaf (Tel: 02 6685 8900) Great for a hearty breakfast, try the pancakes with crispy bacon and maple syrup. Fins (http://www.fins.com.au/, Tel: 02 6685 5029) - awarded two chef's hats in the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide for eight years running. Renowned chef Steven Snow's menu features seafood - with line-caught fish whenever possible, organic produce and fresh, locally grown herbs. Try the sashimi tower with tamarind scallops - divine! Fishheads Restaurant and Takeaway (http://www.fishheadsbyron.com.au/, Tel: 02 6680 7632) serves fresh seafood on a stylish beachfront deck in relaxed surrounds. A take away menu is available at any time of the day and includes grilled or battered fish with chips, crumbed calamari and freshly shucked oysters. Balcony (http://www.balcony.com.au/, Tel: 02 6680 9666). Service can be slow so grab a table with a view and people watch when dining at one of Byron Bay's most historic establishments. Hang out with the locals at The Rails (Tel: 02 6685 7662) - a relaxed pub close to the railway station with live music every night.
STAY Rae's on Watego's (http://www.raes.com.au/) is great if you've got transport and money to burn, otherwise check out www.byron-bay.com, www.byronstyle.com.au, and www.byronbayaccom.net for boutique guesthouses, cottages and beach house rentals on Tallows, Clarkes and Main beaches.
WHEN TO GO Maximum temperatures from September through to May average 25°C.
GETTING THERE Fly into Ballina or Gold Coast Airports - 30 and 60 minutes away respectively - with Virgin Blue (http://www.virginblue.com/) or JetStar (http://www.jetstar.com/).
Posted Dec 06
