About Byron Bay
Byron Bay, Australia’s most easterly point, is a beachside town located on the North Coast of NSW, Australia, about 170 km south of Brisbane and 780 km north of Sydney. The local indigenous name for the area is ‘Cavanbah’ and the traditional owners are the Bunjalung people.
Captain James Cook and his ship the Endeavour sailed past the area in May 1770. He named the headland Cape Byron after John Byron, circumnavigator of the world and grandfather of the poet Lord Byron. He also named the striking mountain in the Byron hinterland, Mount Warning, to serve as a warning to seafarers traversing the treacherous reefs along the coast.
Byron Bay has a history of primary industry production including a dairy factory, abattoirs, whaling and fishing and was a significant, but hazardous, sea port. The smell from the meat and dairy works was appalling and the annual slaughter of whales in the 1950s and 1960s made matters worse.
By 1973, when the Aquarius Festival was held in Nimbin in the Byron hinterland, its reputation as an alternative town was established. Over the years, with surfers in the 60′s, hippies in the 70′s, backpackers in the 80′s, and everybody since, Byron Bay has gained a reputation of having a relaxed and alternative atmosphere. Its atmosphere, coupled with its many beaches, Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, Cape Byron Lighthouse, unspoiled Byron hinterland, and nearby World Heritage listed national parks, has built Byron Bay`s reputation as a world-renowned place to visit.
Byron Bay has an excellent year round climate. The many Byron Bay beaches offer clean warm water with the chance to see dolphins and turtles regularly and migrating whales from June through to October.
You won’t find any high rise buildings or fast food giants; instead Byron Bay offers an interesting mix of unique galleries, local designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants and cafes. Community markets are held on almost every Sunday in Byron Bay or throughout the Byron hinterland where over 300 stalls transform sleepy hinterland towns into vibrant meccas of arts, crafts live music and locally sourced delicious food.
Byron Bay has an active nightlife and each year is home to two of the country’s most loved music festivals being ‘Splendour In The Grass’ and the ‘Bluesfest Music Festival’. Byron Bay also plays host to several annual surf festivals, food festivals, film festivals, the Byron Bay Writers Festival and more.
Byron Bay Accom
The friendly team at Byron Bay Accom have an intimate knowledge of the local area and are there 7 days a week. Phone (02) 6680 8666 or click here to visit their website.
