Byron Bay
With resident hippies, surfers, rich urban escapees, actors and artists, this region has become a curious mix, with everyone knowing they live in a relaxed, unique destination. It sums up the travel brochure dream nicely with its quiet beaches, lush rainforests, buzzy seaside resorts and picturesque rivers and valleys.
Byron Bay's world-famous surf beaches will delight surfers and divers and those seeking an alternate experience will find new age therapies on every corner in Nimbin. The National Parks, rivers and rainforests will keep nature lovers happy, while abundant fresh local produce from Tweed Heads will satisfy the gourmands. Just be careful you're not seduced by the laid-back, blissful lifestyle. It's a fact that many tourists visit here, and decide to stay forever!
Locals have fought to keep Byron environmentally and socially aware. While tourism is a booming industry, it still boasts no McDonalds, no high rise buildings and no traffic lights.
A wealth of Byron Bay visitor information is available on the popular byronbay.com web site.
Lighthouse at the most easterly point - Photo Tim Hochgrebe
In the Directory
Photos
- Going Kayaking with the dolphins - Photo Tim Hochgrebe
- View over Watego's Beach Byron Bay - Photo courtesy Tourism NSW
- Humback whales in the bay - May to October - Photo courtesy Tourism NSW
Underwater Recommendations
Tropical and temperate currents meet at this part of the NSW Coast, resulting in an abundance of species. Swim amongst Leopard Sharks or Grey Nurse Sharks and experience Manta Rays up close and personal. Several species of turtles can be seen on a regular basis. Benthic growth such as hard and soft corals and sponges colour the rocky reefs and boulders. Try to find octopus and crayfish hiding under ledges and in crevices or search for colourful nudibranchs found at many diving locations.
Dive Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, which is now part of the Cape Byron Marine Park and has also been declared a critical habitat for Grey Nurse Sharks.
For a snorkel or a shallow shore dive try the Tassie II wreck at Main Beach
Don't forget to check out dive spots away from Julian Rocks, such as Spot X, Mackerel Bowl and Cape Pinnacle.
Getting There
Driving: Much work has been done to the Pacific Highway making for a more enjoyable drive. Byron Bay is about a 12 hour drive from Sydney and about 2-3 hour drive from Brisbane.
Buses: Buses arrive in Byron Bay regularly at the Bus Depot located in the centre of town and can offer a convenient, budget way of getting here. Most bus companies located on the east coast of Australia have a regular service to Byron Bay.
Trains: Currently there are no trains to Byron Bay.
Planes: Airports are located in Ballina (30minutes south), Lismore (40minutes west), or Coolangatta (60minutes north), with planes landing all the time.
In the Directory
Ikelite Australia - Underwater Photographics
Underwater Australasia is official dealer for all Ikelite products since 1999 and we can help you with all your Ikelite video and digital camera housings needs as well as accessories such as strobe packages, ports and more. Sales to Australia only.
QYSEA Australia
QYSEA Australia - we are the exclusive distributor Fifish V6 and other fantastic underwater drones from QYSEA.
Shopfront
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World Atlas of Marine Fishes
- This book is one of the most comprehensive marine life guidebooks available. A cooperative effort by well-known fish ID experts Rudie Kuiter and Helmut Debelius.
- $AU 147.95
- 5% Cardholder's Discount!
Articles
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Grey Nurse Shark rescued from fishing gaff in Byron Bay
by Simon
- I joined Sue and big Mark (from the Byron Bay Dive Centre) and (to avoid missing anyone) the Seaworld crew, Marine Parks and Fisheries aboard the Seaworld boat this morning for a rescue attempt. My job was videographer for the underwater part of the operation. All of the shark wrangling was done by Seaworld staff.
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A new way of living underwater - Habitat Waterford
- At first it seems like a very hippy-like idea and really fits into our part of the world, as does the Dome Shell factory. However, on further investigation, the instigator, Shaun Waterford, seemed more down to earth than expected and I decided to take a look for myself.
