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A Perfect Ten: Byron Adventures for the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Sunrise views from Cape Byron to Surfers Paradise with Byron Bay Adventure Tours

Sunrise views from Cape Byron to Surfers Paradise with Byron Bay Adventure Tours

Just across the border, Byron Bay is the perfect short break for visitors to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. As you drive south across the QLD-NSW state border, the contrast between the Gold Coast’s urbanised glitz and glamour and Northern Rivers NSW’s low-rise landscape and laidback vibe is visually striking.

High-rise buildings and traffic lights give way to meandering country roads,  fertile farms, ancient rainforests, verdant pastures, spectacularly beautiful coastline and perfectly formed towns and villages with a human scale. Seeing Mt Warning (Wollumbin) loom into silhouetted view signals that you are in a place where nature really dominates the landscape, its jagged peak catching clouds  and standing sentinel over a cornucopia of biodiversity shaped over millennia.

Taking place from 4-15 April 2018 in venues across the Gold Coast,  the XXI Commonwealth Games will see 70 nations and territories competing in 23 sporting events. Here’s ten reasons why visiting Byron Bay and surrounds pre or post the Commonwealth Games:

  1. It’s close. Gold Coast Airport straddles the NSW-QLD border and its only 45 minutes from Byron Bay via the Pacific Motorway.
  2. Blissful weather. The sub-tropical climate in autumn is just heaven on a stick. Crisp, cool evenings and warm sunny days reward visitors to the Northern Rivers outside of peak season.
  3. Blues, Roots, Soul and Rock n Roll. The 29th annual Byron Bay Bluesfest takes place over the Easter weekend, just two days before the start of the Commonwealth Games. Its the perfect opportunity to combine sporting and cultural events into a once in a lifetime holiday experience.
  4. Day and overnight trips for any size group. From couples, to families to an entire sporting team,  Byron Bay Adventure Tours can accommodate almost any size group on nature-based, eco-certified adventures into Byron Bay’s iconic coastal and hinterland attractions and places of interest.
  5. A breathe of fresh air away from the crowds. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, escaping to Byron and beyond for a few days  offers space to breathe away from what will be an extremely busy two weeks on the Gold Coast.
  6. Get Physical. All that sporting prowess is bound to inspire spectators to get physical. Byron Bay Adventure Tours specialise in active, nature-based adventure. Our tours combine sightseeing with adventure sports like bushwalking and mountain-biking along beaches and through National Parks,  hiking to the summit of Mt Warning, kayaking with dolphins, yoga and learning to surf. Check out our Earth to Surf Adventure combining a bushwalk to the base of Minyon Falls and kayaking with dolphins.
  7.  Align your Chakra. A visit and delicious lunch at the iconic Crystal Castle  is included in our great value Byron & Beyond Tour.  Walk in the exquisite natural surroundings, contemplate life and unwind among the crystals and statues of eastern deities. You can join daily workshops and experiences, including the Music of the Plants experience.
  8. Aerial Views from Cape Byron to Surfers Paradise await you at the summit of Mt Warning on our sunrise walk.
  9. Market culture. From Byron’s weekly farmers market to the North Coast’s oldest continually operating craft market at the beautiful village of The Channon, there’s a vibrant community market within a short drive of Byron Bay on any given weekend. Artists, farmers, craftspeople, purveyors of second hand treasure and producers of a bounty of food gather to sell their wares in  Byron, The Channon, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads and Bangalow, among many other villages.
  10. Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit –Whether you seek therapeutic treatment for a sporting injury through Reike, massage, Bowen or acupuncture therapy, or the flowing connection of movement and breath through yoga, if you need healing, there’s someone to heal you in Byron and beyond. Daily poolside yoga is a great way to start the day in Byron Bay.

For a perfect ten score of nature-based and cultural experiences during the Commonwealth Games, Byron Bay Adventures Tours have got you covered.

Byron Bay Healthy Holiday – From Head to Toe

2. Body Movin’

The easiest way to work out is when you don’t realise you’re doing it. You can improve your fitness and decrease stress levels without ever setting a foot inside the hotel gym. Try adding some of these enjoyable, but highly effective Byron Bay activities to your break away.

  • Kayaking. A perfect low impact workout to increase fitness and improve strength and flexibility. You think you’re enjoying ocean spray, sunshine and getting close to dolphins and turtles but actually you’ll be working your arms, shoulders, chest, torso and legs. Get paddling with our Earth To Surf Adventure Tour or Ocean to Summit Adventure Tour.
  • Mountain Biking. While your body is busy burning 600-1000 calories per hour you’ll only be noticing the awesome adrenalin hit and marvelling at the beauty of hidden forest tracks. The ultimate “office body” combat for your legs, thighs and butt, so do yourself and your body a favour and book our Bike ‘n Hike Adventure Tour.
  • Hiking. Exploring the lush hinterland rainforest or getting to the top of Mt Warning won’t just connect you with nature, recharge your energy levels and still your mind, it will also deliver a whole body workout and a huge sense of achievement. We have a range of great hiking tours. Click here to view.
  • Walking. You won’t notice you’ve walked 1.5 hours along the Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk as you marvel at the migrating humpback whales (between June – early November), dolphins, sea turtles and perhaps some sharks. You’ll also be rewarded with incredible district and ocean views! Our Big Day Out Byron Bay Tour can take you there!

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3. Heart to Heart

Slowing down to spend meaningful time with friends, family and your partner doesn’t just make us happy. Studies show that having great connections and getting together with other people reduces the risk of many health problems such as heart disease and even dementia. So gather a group of old friends or make some new ones on a guided adventure tour like our Big Day Out Byron Bay Tour.

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4. Food for Thought

Eating fresh healthy food can super charge your body and heal you from the outside in. It can be super tasty too. Use the momentum of being on holidays to focus on what you put into your body and try these simple ways to avoid over indulging.

  • Explore Byron Bay’s fresh local produce from the markets
  • Eat breakfast! Take advantage of having the time to include a healthy start to your day and try to continue this habit once your holiday is over
  • Try staying in self-contained accommodation to allow you to prepare some meals yourself and avoid eating out every night
  • Allow yourself some treats. Extreme deprivation will only lead to binging out in the worst way
  • Get busy. Don’t revolve your days around meals
  • Moderate your drinking. By all means have a drink but moderation is the key

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5. Put Your Feet Up

Schedule in some time to do nothing. Both your brain and your body need a chance to unwind and be at peace. Having rest days also helps you gain maximum benefit from your exercise.

Feeling inspired? It’s just so easy to have a fun-filled but rejuvenating Byron Bay holiday that feeds your body, mind and spirit. No extreme measures, no deprivation – just balance and whole lot of adventure. Come and join us for some unforgettable tours, which just happen to be healthy for you too!