Tag Archives: Byron Tours

5 Fascinating Facts about Climbing Mount Warning

Mount Warning or Wollumbin, as it was originally named by the Bundjalung people (who were the traditional custodians of the land), stands 1156m above sea level looking down over the primal Gondwana rainforest and its inhabitants. This famous icon of the Tweed/Byron area has been listed in the ‘Top 10 Australian Mountains to Climb’ by Australian Geographic, has been climbed by thousands of people and even acted as a warning to Captain James Cook over 200 years ago on his voyage along the East Coast of Australia (prompting him to name it Mount Warning to alert future sea travellers of the dangerous offshore reefs). However we’ve compiled this list of things you may not have heard about Mount Warning and the surrounding Mount Warning National Park, with the aim of inspiring you to visit (or revisit) this wondrous and ancient part of Australia!

1. Hello Sunshine

While you may know that Cape Byron is Australia’s most easterly point, did you know that Mount Warning is the first place in Australia to be touched by the sun each morning! A climb to Mount Warning’s summit to watch the dawn is a must-do climb for anyone with an adventurous spirit!

2. Step Up

The trail to the summit has over 1000 steps and is equivalent to climbing a 30 storey building. There is approximately 8.8 kilometres of track to complete the trip up and back down the mountain.

3. Incredible Diversity

The mountain provides a home to an unimaginable range of plants, animals, fungi and insects – with more than 200 species found nowhere else on earth! The mountain itself has 4 distinct environments – subtropical rainforest, temperate rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest and heath shrub land. As you ascend the mountain the weather can change considerably and temperatures can noticeably drop as you approach the peak.

4. Crowd Pleaser

Over 100,000 people climb Mount Warning every year. As you can imagine, that amount of traffic could have a serious impact on the environment. That is why all visitors are asked to only leave their footprints on the mountain, so that future generations may continue to enjoy this remarkable natural wonder.

5. Did I Just Hear a…

Throughout the climb you may hear strange noises coming from the bush including camera shutters, chainsaws, car alarms and even what sounds like people talking. This can be a little unsettling, but you’ve just encountered a ‘Albert’s Lyrebird’. This vulnerable species has the bizarre talent of mimicking and producing a wide range of sounds and noises.

There is an indescribable feeling of satisfaction and achievement that Mount Warning bestows on all who take on the challenge and succeed. Here at Bryon Bay Adventure Tours we have the honour of helping and witnessing so many wonderful people from all walks of life make this journey and gain new appreciation for the magnificence of this World Heritage listed area. Whether it’s for the wildlife, the landscape, the physical challenge or you can simply feel the mountain calling you – then come with us!

Our tours can get you there, bring you home and have the best time in between. Book Now.

Marine Life of Byron Bay: Up close and Personal

Looking for things to do in Byron Bay? A sea kayak is a great way to explore the Cape Byron Marine Reserve, which is a unique haven for local wildlife and marine creatures who thrive in our clean temperate waters. The area is home to over 500 species of fish, corals, sharks, rays and many marine birds. Many are permanent residents and can be found here year round, however between June and November each year the waters along the coast and in the Bay itself, play host to some of the ocean’s largest nomads the magnificent Humpback Whale.

For locals and visitors to Byron Bay the opportunity to have close encounters with most of these amazing creatures is simply a matter of having an adventurous spirit, a little curiosity and the right guide. Most people are surprised and delighted to find these creatures are just as curious to find out about us. Here are some of the most popular and the most interesting inhabitants of the Reserve:

Green Turtle
These endangered, mainly solitary ocean travellers graze on seagrass however the juvenile green turtles will eat jellyfish, crabs and sponges. They are marine reptiles and are often seen and encountered when coming up for air.

White Spotted Eagle Ray

Graceful and elegant the White Spotted Eagle Rays glide through the water gently flapping their “wings” which can reach up to 3.5 metres across. Sifting through the sediment on the ocean floor they feed on crustaceans and molluscs.

Sun Coral
Bringing a vibrant splash of colour to the ocean floor is the Sun Coral, which mostly extend their tentacles at night to capture phyto-plankton floating on the current. They will sometimes emerge during the day. This gorgeous soft coral is a favourite of aquarium enthusiasts.

Humpback Whale
Once a commercial whaling port, Byron Bay now provides a refuge along the migration path of the Humpback Whale, from Antarctica to its breeding grounds further north and on the return trip. Luckily for us this allows close contact for those who get out on the water. Hauntingly beautiful, the song of these gentle giants is both loved and revered.

Bottlenose Dolphin
Eternally popular, inquisitive, friendly and highly intelligent the Bottlenose Dolphin is probably the most commonly encountered ocean resident of the Bay. Dolphins have 100 teeth but after catching their fishy prey swallow them whole. The clicks, squeals and whistles can be heard under the water and above.

It’s impossible to truly convey the wonder of the Cape Byron Marine Reserve and its diverse and unique inhabitants. Our ‘Earth to Surf’ full day Byron Bay tour or our overnight ‘Ocean to Summit Adventure’ Byron Bay tour, which both include a Byron hinterland tour plus a spectacular sea kayaking tour in Byron Bay, is a great way to get up close and personal with the local marine life!

Call us today or click here to book online.

You Haven’t Experienced Byron Until……

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have seen the Humpback whales migrating up the coast during our winter months! Each year, the Humpbacks make their yearly pilgrimage from their Antarctic feeding grounds to their breeding and birthing grounds in the tropics. The population migrating up the East Coast is estimated at well over 17,000! They then make the return journey and this majestic sight is available off land-based viewing positions between May and November. As a local Byron Bay Tour company, we know the best vantage points where you can marvel at this annual spectacle. Join us for our Byron Bay Big Day Out Tour and revel in this show of nature at its most spectacular. There is a short window of opportunity to view this and we highly recommend you get in touch to book your Byron Bay tour today.

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have spent a day on a secluded Byron Bay beach!! Leave the crowds at Main Beach and the Pass for a day. Byron is home to many out-of-the-way and private beaches where you may be the only one there. Lie back on hot rocks and swim in translucent clear water. Sheltered from wind, these beaches are the locals’ favourites. Contact us to learn more about these secret treasures.

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have soaked up the colourful atmosphere at the Byron Bay Markets!! Enjoy our fully guided tours of these vast and colourful markets. We will even hold your shopping for you as you find that perfect gift, eat a delectable organic curry or dance to one of the bands or musicians who are there to entertain you. Nothing beats insider knowledge, and this is one venue that you need guiding through the labyrinth of stalls and attractions.

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have ventured into the hinterland area!! World Heritage listed, enthralling to behold, the escarpment to the west of Byron Bay is one of the most beautiful in the world! Often down steep and slippery roads, the best sights are accessible only by 4 Wheel Drive. We have the vehicles, the expertise and the sense of adventure to get you to the best and most isolated spots. Get in touch with nature today and book either our Big Day Out Byron Hinterland Tour of our Weekend Escape Tour.

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have gone shopping!! Byron is home to some of the best design houses in Australia. From custom-made surfboards, to handmade jewellery and locally crafted furniture using local woods, Byron is a haven for shopping. But, you have to know where to look. Join us as we venture into some of the shops, studios and workshops where you will definitely find that perfect surfboard, unique dress or Balinese statue. We will showcase for you the best that Byron has to offer.

Be inspired by this Minyon Falls video

Fantastic video created by NSW National Parks, showcasing the stunning Minyon Falls located in the Nightcap National Park. Be inspired! To book our Byron Hinterland Big Day Out tour orOvernight Escape tour click here.

Whale Watching Season Starts in June!

Mystical, natural and spiritual. Whale watching can be all of these. How appropriate then, that Byron Bay also gets credited with these properties and is such an awesome place to view the majesty of our ocean going friends.

From June, Byron Bay becomes the capital of Humpback whale spotting. Being the most easterly point in Australia, the whales tend to come very close to shore. Our Byron Bay Big Day Out tour takes you to some of the best vantage points for fantastic viewing, including the Byron Bay Lighthouse, where you are also rewarded with incredible district and ocean views. Grab a coffee from the convenient cafe adjacent to the lighthouse and settle in to watch for “breaching” and “spouting”. Don’t forget a camera and take your long lens if you have one. Of course you’ll also be likely to spot dolphins, sea turtles and perhaps sharks most days, as an added reward for your efforts.

Lismore Lantern Parade

Nearby, the hinterland also provides many highlights to tempt you during the colder months. Join 25,000 close friends celebrating art & crafts, regional cuisine, a spectacular lantern parade, street theatre, music, carnival dancers, illuminated puppets, fire art and pyrotechnics and much, much more at the Lismore Lantern Parade. The parade comes a light on the 22nd June 2013. This year’s theme is ‘imagine’ and will held on the longest night of the year, being the winter solstice. There will also be market stalls throughout the day and a fiery finale performance at Oakes Oval illuminating the night sky! The kids love it!

While you’re here, book our Big Day Out Byron Hinterland tour and explore the beautiful surrounding Byron hinterland. Our tour includes a 2 hour bushwalk through ancient rainforests in the World Heritage listed Nightcap National Park, a visit to the stunning Minyon Falls with breath taking views, delicious BBQ style lunch and a visit to the famous little town Nimbin, host of the 1973 Aquarius Festival. Click here to view our current specials.

Byron Bay Writers Festival & Splendour in the Grass Music Festival

The Byron Bay Writers Festival also springs off the pages and into the Bay this winter from the 2nd to the 4th of August. The big news this year is literary legend Peter Carey will be featured. Other draw-cards include Robert Drewe, Andrea Goldsmith, MJ Hyland, Cate Kennedy, DBC Pierre and Michael Robotham. Events during the festival include lectures, lunches, panels, launches, readings and workshops. Splendour in the Grass also returns in 2013 (26th – 28th July) and barely needs an introduction. If you’re lucky enough to have tickets, then you’ll be making history and be amongst the first to enjoy the festival from Splendour’s own purpose built site at North Byron Parklands.

If you’re visiting Byron Bay for either festival, why not stay a few days and enjoy all the region has to offer. We offer regular day tours of Byron Bay and the Byron Hinterland. Click here to book.

Local Markets

Looking for some retail therapy, hop along to one of the many local markets. Or better still, join us on our Weekend Escape Tour, where we visit a local community market each Sunday (markets are on a rotation basis).

The Weekend Escape Tour also includes a 2 hour bushwalk through ancient rainforests in the World Heritage listed Nightcap National Park, a visit to the stunning Minyon Falls with breath taking views, a visit to the famous little town Nimbin – host of the 1973 Aquarius Festival, camping under the stars, a Sunday market, Byron Bay Lighthouse walk and much more. Click here for all the details.

Community Markets:

· 1st Saturday, Brunswick Heads, Memorial Park

· 1st Sunday, Byron Bay Community Market, Butler Street Reserve

· 1st and 3rd Sundays, Lismore Car Boot, Lismore Shopping Square (undercover)

· 2nd Sunday, The Channon, Coronation Park

· 2nd and 5th Sundays, Lennox Head, Lake Ainsworth foreshore

· 3rd Saturday, Mullumbimby, Cnr Stuart and Myocum Streets

· 3rd and 5th Sundays, Nimbin Community Market, Nimbin Community Centre

· 3rd Sunday, Ballina Market, Circus Ground, Canal Road

· 4th Sunday, Bangalow Market, Bangalow Showground

Farmers Markets:

· Every Tuesday, New Brighton Farmers Market, New Brighton Oval

· Every Thursday, Byron Bay Farmers Market, Butler Street Reserve

· Every Saturday, Bangalow Farmers Market, Bangalow Hotel Carpark

· Every Saturday, Lismore Farmers Market, Lismore Showground