Byron Bay: A Journey of Sun and Rain
Byron Bay, known for its stunning beaches and surf culture, is a destination that captures the hearts of travellers from around the world. Ultimately it was one of the places on my list that I wanted to visit once we moved to Australia. Recently, I was able to tick this one of the list and visited this coastal gem, although our arrival was greeted with heavy, heavy rain. But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining, and in this case, it was the last day of our trip when the sun finally emerged, allowing us to experience Byron Bay in all its sunny glory.
One of the first spots we drove up to was the iconic lighthouse perched atop Cape Byron which is the easternmost point of the mainland of Australia. Despite the intermittent rain showers, the views from this point were stunning, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We were also lucky enough to spot many dolphins playing in the waters below who live here year round. During winter (and spring) it is also possible to watch migrating humpback whales but we were a bit early for that.
The next day at dawn, we made our way to Tallow Beach to witness the sunrise. The golden hues painting the sky as the sun peeked over the horizon made for a beautiful start to the day, while listening to the sounds of waves and watching the many surfers in the ocean. While the weather was still promising, we headed to “the pass” lookout. This is another iconic spot in Byron Bay between Wategos and Clarkes beach. Perfect for a morning of people watching.
We attempted to visit the nearby waterfall, Killen Falls, but heavy rain flooded the road, preventing us from reaching the parking lot and forcing us to turn around. Instead, we drove to Springbrook National Park in Queensland and hiked the Twin Falls loop. The hike was stunning, especially walking behind the waterfall (not to forget we also had to walk through one), and the rain and haze only added to the atmospheric beauty of the experience. It only took us about and hour and a half to complete and just before we got back to the car a pademelon popped up on the trail.
Besides the beautiful beaches, Byron Bay has many restaurants to choose from. We tried various popular spots like The General Store, Combi, Raes, and Topshop, but the best food we had was at Light Years, an Asian fusion restaurant. The mix of flavours and the lively ambiance made our dining experience there unforgettable, an absolute must-visit.
On the last day, Byron Bay treated us to a full day of sunshine, which we happily spent at Wategos Beach. We stayed until sunset, soaking in the beautiful views before grabbing our final fish and chips by the sea. Afterward, we headed to the airport to catch our flight back home.
Byron Bay’s charm is undeniable, making me hope to return and experience it again someday.
