Byron Bay - Stop #8

30th November - 2nd December

Byron Bay is paradise for all surfers and also for all chillers. In Byron Bay, things are really laid-back, and there are unique rules: many people just walk barefoot through the town, and everyone seems to simply enjoy the day.

We arrived at the bus stop in Byron Bay on the evening of November 29th, and we were welcomed by a very kind hostel worker (who are also all backpackers). She took us in the shuttle bus to the hostel, which was only 500 meters away. We wondered why there was even a shuttle for such a short distance?! That's when we realized that we had arrived in the completely relaxed Byron Bay. And of course, we were happy that we didn't have to walk a step with our heavy luggage!

We even got our own dishware in a box.

30th November

Unfortunately, it rained the entire day. I used the day to organize a lot of things for New Zealand: job, hostels, how to get from A to B...

1st December

The rain had stopped and the sun was shining again. ☀️ It got really hot again. 😌

We had a super relaxed day. First, we went to the kilometer-long beach. ⛱️

Here I could finally go back into the sea, as from here onwards (from Rockhampton) you no longer have to fear jellyfish. And in case a shark should appear, there are lifeguards on site. 🦈 Whether they can really help you or not is another question... But at least they keep an eye out for the sharks.

I loved jumping into the waves in the sea, they were extremely high here. 🌊 But once you got past them, you could swim comfortably. 🏊🏽 I could have done it all day long. 😍

Jenny, on the other hand, didn't enjoy it as much and was rather bored on the beach. 🙈

But at some point, the beach got really crowded, because it's swarming with so-called "Schoolies" here in Byron Bay. (Schoolies are teenagers who have just finished school and then travel along the east coast to celebrate.)

So we decided to take a walk along the coast to the easternmost point of Australia and to the lighthouse. But first, we walked along the kilometer-long beach before the actual trail started.

That was a viewpoint at the end of the beach.

Cape Byron Walking Track

So now we could finally start the actual trail...

In general, I have come to love these coastal walks in Australia. Every time, I am amazed by the breathtaking view of the coast.

On the way, there was also a chance to see dolphins again, but unfortunately we didn't spot any...

Then we reached the easternmost point of Australia.

This turquoise water 🌊 is simply wonderful. 😍

The path led to the Byron Bay Lighthouse and took just under 2 hours.

For the way back, we decided to take the faster route through the town and discovered this lovely Christmas decoration. 🎄🐬🎅

In the evening at the hostel, we had some animal company. The beautiful colorful parrots sat in the trees above us.

In the hostel kitchen... typical surfers. 🏄🏽

2nd December

Today, Sabine arrived in Byron Bay. The four of us were reunited. 🙈🤣

Sabine, Andy, Jenny, and I.

First, we chilled on the beach and listened to the musician.

We walked together along the coast. But I didn't go all the way up to the lighthouse. Instead, I turned back at some point because I had to take the bus to Sydney in the evening and still had to pack my stuff.