Tag Archives: What to do in Byron Bay

Wild Side – A Guide to Creatures You May Encounter on a Byron Bay Adventure Tour

A spontaneous brush with any wild creature is a special event. While zoos will often allow you to get up close to the animals, there is something indescribable and uplifting when you come across a creature in its real habitat. At Byron Bay Adventure Tours we believe a traveller cannot say they have truly experienced a place until they have gotten in touch with its natural wonders. From cheeky and daring to shy and elusive, the creatures we encounter on our tours are all unique, marvellous and form a vital part of experiencing Byron Bay. From forest dwellers and ocean travellers, feathers, fur and fin, let’s take a look at some of the wildlife you might meet on a Byron Bay Adventure Tour!

Australian Brush Turkey

You’ll need no introduction; there’ll be no waiting in bushes in silence to meet one of these guys. The Australian Brush Turkeys (or Bush Turkeys as they are also known) will make themselves very familiar with you from the get go. From strutting around down near the beaches looking for a stolen snack to scratching through the leaf litter in the rainforest, they are quite common in Byron Bay. But here are some things you probably won’t know. Building a huge mound of leaves and mulch, the father turkey makes a giant nest which acts as an incubator to hatch the chicks. He will carefully monitor the temperature adding or removing leaves to keep it just right until the nestling emerge. Once they hatch, the young are entirely independent and fend for themselves. Seeing them on all of our tours is pretty much a given.

An Aussie Favourite

Everybody loves a Koala – but finding one in the wild is not always an easy task. Although they sleep for between 18 and 22 hours a day, they seem to be quite adept at disappearing. They can be very elusive one day and simply be there in plain view the next. This is what makes a koala encounter so magical and fascinating. Our Mt Warning Day Walk Tour and our Overnight Escape Tour are good choices if seeing a koala is high on your list of things to do.

Lounging Lizards

Powerful, fast and extremely suited to their habitat, the Lace Monitor (more commonly known as the goanna) will pop up on many of our hinterland tours. With sharp claws, it is an expert tree climber and runner – so look above and below because you can never be sure where they will pop up. They serve a much needed purpose in the forest ecosystem, acting as clean up duty and scavenging for what they can find in trees or on the forest floor. Try our Overnight Escape Tour and you’ll get many chances to get up close to one of these ancient reptiles.

Friends with Fins

The Cape Byron Marine Reserve is a haven for sea creatures of every description, but none so keen to interact with you than the dolphin. A number of dolphin species visit the bay and they are known for their love of catching waves just as much as the surfers. Intelligent, inquisitive and full of personality – get out on the water with us and we can introduce you to them. Our Earth to Surf Tour and Ocean to Summit Tours both give you the chance to feel the fresh salt air on your face and the buzz of getting close to these delightful characters.

Hiding in Plain Sight

A master of disguise, the Tawny Frogmouth flies on silent wings and can disappear before your eyes. With plumage made to beguile onlookers into believing it’s a broken tree branch, they are often called owls but in fact belong to the nightjar family. Keep your eyes peeled day and night on any of our Byron Hinterland Tours and you might be lucky enough to catch the small movement that will be the only giveaway that they are there. If you come with us on our Overnight Escape Tour or Mt Warning Sunrise Walk Tour you might also spot one around the campsite or hear its strange unmistakable low ooh-ooh-ooh in the night.

With Byron Bay and the surrounding hinterland teeming with a mix of environments, our area and its wildlife is like nowhere else on the planet. We’ve only touched on some of the most commonly encountered animal friends on our Byron Bay Adventure Tours, but for expert bird watchers to fascinated children, the chance of meeting up with many more is guaranteed!

5 Tips For Staying Fit on Holidays – Byron Bay Guide

We all know including exercise, fresh air and sunshine into our regular daily routines is one of the most important elements of staying fit, healthy and ready for all the hurdles life throws at us. So when we break out of regular routine and go travelling, away from our 24 hour gyms and personal trainers, does this mean we can’t keep up our healthy habits? Absolutely not – especially if you’re coming to Byron Bay, a place where we embrace healthy living. We’re going to show you 5 easy tips that you can include in your getaway that will leave you feeling fantastic, give you new vitality and the knowledge that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. This is the real deal and we’ve headed out into nature to work our bodies, and inspire our hearts…

1. On Top of the World: You vs. MT Warning

Standing tall and proud above you, with its feet in the Wollumbin World Heritage Area and its head often in the clouds, Mt Warning is a fitness challenge and an amazing naturescape all in one! With 1000 stairs spread over 8.8kms up and back, you’ll be working your legs, lungs and as the track steepens in the final stage of the climb, you’ll be in the midst of a total body workout. But the best thing about this 4-5 hour full body training session is that when you reach the top, the view is so magnificent, the feeling of achievement so great that the hard work melts away and all you’re left with is sound of the wind and your heart beat. Every climb is unique, so from summer to winter or from to dawn to dusk, your brushes with wildlife, the view and the whole experience will change. That’s why we offer a range of Mt Warning adventures from day trips to overnight camping and sunrise climbs, giving you total control over your climb and everything you’ll need to make it to the top. Sound great? Check out the options here.

2. Pump It Up: Pedal Powered High

Hitting the Byron hinterland rainforest on a mountain bike, expect lots of mud splattering, laughter and plenty of clean forest air. You could not find a better way to get into the wilderness, see waterfalls and cold mountain streams and get your pulse rate high, than this. You’ll feel the rush of downhill speed, get up a sweat and be cooled by the rainforest which is home to some unique creatures that sometimes like to say hello. High adrenalin and high calorie burning adventure at its best! Click here for more info.

3. Paddle Pop: Sea Kayaking

If we told you there was a way to get a low impact workout that increases your flexibility and works your whole body, especially your arms, torso and abs all while sitting down would you believe us? Join us out on the water for a sea kayaking adventure that, aside from the workout, could lead to some salt water encounters with turtles, dolphins and even whales. Earth to Surf is not a meat laden plate with a side of seafood, it’s a healthy and refreshing way to get a glimpse of Australia’s most easterly point from the sea. Gain a whole new appreciation of the beauty of the Byron Bay coastline and its marine creatures and let the salt air and spray wash away your stress.

4. A “Light” Workout: Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk

If you’re staying in Byron Bay you can’t help but notice that morning and evening there are so many locals and visitors walking and running in workout gear up and down the Lighthouse Walk and there’s a very good reason. This track offers a great combination of hill climb resistance, stairs and stopping points for stretches all with a magical view 365 days of the year. During whale season you’ll have the best vantage point to get a glimpse of these majestic ocean giants. Our Byron Bay: Big Day Out Adventure Tour will take you there followed by a “post workout” treat – a BBQ lunch.

5. Double Trouble: Ultimate Work Out Combos

There are those of us (the Byron Bay Adventure crew included) that feel a single activity is just not enough to give us the rush and the workout we are looking for. Including different types of exercise does in fact make your health regime more successful overall and so, to cater for these types, we have created some great combination tours that pair up our adventure activities and also add the amazing experience of camping out under the stars with some new found friends. Our Overnight Escape, Ocean to Summit and Bike n Hike Tours can give you this “ultimate workout” over 2 days and mixes it all up with some enjoyable down time to rest your working bodies. You are on holidays after all.

Being fit and healthy takes commitment, but as we have shown you it can also be a huge amount of fun. Byron Bay Adventure Tours are passionate about helping people enjoy healthy outdoor adventure, but we are always committed to taking the time and care to do it safely and without putting you, ourselves or the pristine environments we visit in any danger. When we drop you home after a Byron Bay Adventure Tour we want you feeling on top of the world.

Byron Bay Winter Wanderlust

As the summer crowds thin and the temperatures begin to ease, Byron Bay reveals a whole new side! Winter is the perfect time to enjoy clear starry nights by the camp fire (not to mention mugs of hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows!), the magic of the humpback whale migration, forest mountain biking, daytime rainforest hikes and leisurely strolls through the streets of the regions many pretty hinterland towns. If you’ve never considered Byron Bay in the wintertime, then read on to find out why we love this time of year!

On a Byron Hinterland High!

Winter is the perfect time to explore the Byron hinterland and the cooler months lend themselves perfectly to our new full day Byron and Beyond Tour! After a visit to the Byron Bay lighthouse to watch the humpback whales glide past Australia’s easternmost tip, our tour heads bush with our first hinterland stop being Crystal Castle. Breathe in the fresh air, while strolling around the stunning Shambhala Gardens, including towering pillars of amethysts, enormous Ganesh and Lakshmi statues and the southern hemisphere’s only Kalachakra World Peace Stupa (an amazing project that was personally blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama).

From here we take you on a journey through rippling valleys of macadamia, pecan and coffee plantations and mountain-tops covered in lush sub-tropical rainforests. We’ll visit the rural area ofEltham, including a beautiful old farmhouse pantry for a home cooked lunch, as well as Bangalow, an arty and chic village that is much-loved by locals and visitors. From rainforests to farmlands to oceans and more, you’ll be surprised at what’s around the next corner on the Byron and Beyond Tour.

Adventure Temperature

Getting adventurous in Byron Bay during winter is the ultimate way to warm up! Cool crisp mornings leading into clear and glorious sunny days, with average temperatures hovering around 22 degrees. The Nightcap and Border Ranges National Parks conceals hundreds of walking trails for exploration and if you’ve ever contemplated making the odyssey to the peak of Mt Warning, especially if you have kids in tow, then winter is an excellent time to climb. But with shorter days you’ll need good planning and an early start to make sure you don’t end up coming down in the dark. One fantastic way to do this is by camping overnight at the foot of the mountain before you climb. Nothing beats spending a night around a cosy camp fire star gazing, followed by a morning bush walk to soak up the first sun rays to touch Australia. We have a range of Mt Warning Tours to suit everyone including our Mt Warning Sunrise Walk, Mt Warning Day Walk andThe Overnight Escape Tour.

Somewhat different to the feeling of Mt Warning is the ancient landscape around Minyon Falls. Even travelling along the high mountain road into this National Park will spark something in you that it hard to find anywhere else. Looking out from the top of the falls you will see a view spread before you that’s been locked in time including ancient palms, dramatic escarpments and age-old rock pools. Hike, explore and enjoy a hot BBQ lunch with our Big Day Out Hinterland Tour including the cascading Minyon Falls, as well as a visit to the historic town of Bangalow.

The forest trails around Minyon Falls and Rummery Park are also well known as ideal terrain for both beginner and experienced mountain bikers and will get you into the thick of it without feeling the heat. If you’re travelling light then no problems, all equipment including superior quality front-suspension bikes are provided on our Bike ‘n Hike Adventure Tour! Why ignore the outdoors this winter? LIVE IT! You won’t regret it.

Winter Whales

Byron Bay welcomes visitors all year round from every country and walk of life, but none are more special than the humpback whales that stop and play on their yearly migration. Timing your Byron Bay visit to coincide with these immense creatures can lead to some incredible encounters. Soak up the sun and ocean views as we take you to some of the best whale spotting vantage pointson one of our many tours including our Byron and Beyond Tour, Big Day Out Byron Bay Tour or The Overnight Escape Tour.

But for travellers with an affinity for the ocean and who dream of having the chance of an up close encounter with these remarkable creatures – then a sea kayak adventure out on the Bay is a must-do! Our Earth to Surf Adventure Tour or Ocean to Summit Adventure Tour both include kayaking with our tour partner Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay. The township of Byron Bay and its residents adore the whales and you’ll find them celebrated in galleries around towns by artists and photographers so after your whale watching experiences be sure to take a piece of Byron Bay home with you.

Double Up!

If you’re planning your first trip to Byron Bay, or you’re heading back to uncover more of its secrets, then you may find it difficult to decide on what to do and see. Tossing up between climbing Mt Warning or mountain biking? Kayaking and seeing the hinterland? Then our best advice is – don’t. Take two bites of the cherry and get the best insider information by having locals show you around in a way that gets the best out of every minute.

Pick from a number of tours that offer a range of experiences including the Byron and Beyond Tour, The Overnight Escape Tour, Earth to Surf Adventure Tour, Bike ‘n Hike Adventure Tour andOcean to Summit Adventure Tour. We’ve put the best of our knowledge together to show visitors what makes this part of the world unlike any other. Because here at Byron Bay Adventure Tours we have a real romance with the wildlife, scenery and landscape of this area, especially in winter.

We look forward to sharing it with you soon.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.