Byron offers more than just sun, surf and sand. If you walk up Lee Lane from the Captain Cook lookout (off Lighthouse Road) you will find yourself in acoastal rainforest, with banksias, Bangalow palms, cabbage palms and melaleuca species. Emerging from the rainforest, you'll be rewarded by a wonderful view to the south along Tallow Beach and maybe by hang-gliders taking off from the wooden platform. A few more hundred metres and you come past the historic lighthouse cottages, to the lighthouse itself and then down the path to the extreme easterly point. Continue down the hill to Little Watego's and Watego's beaches and back along the paths to Byron Bay. You will almost certainly see pods of bottlenose dolphins from up here, and possibly rays and sea turtles.

In the appropriate seasons, Cape Byron is one of the best vantage points for whale-watching. From the end of June to August, the huge mammals migrate northwards to calve in the warm northern waters. Then, in September and October, they return with their new babies, sometimes stopping in the Bay for some whale R&R and to teach the young ones 'breaching' and 'slapping'. Most whale sightings are of humpbacks, distinctive by their spinal shape, but it's also possible to see other species.

 

The weekly roving markets of the Byron area are famous for their range of produce, new age funkiness and great atmosphere. Byron Bay, The Channon and Bangalow have the biggest and best markets on the first, second and fourth Sundays of each month respectively. Ingenious art and craftworks fill the markets - truly beautiful things made by local people using unusual and natural materials. Give your house a gift and yourself a lift with something made or bought in Byron.

 

How about a basket full of fresh, organic, locally-grown food? Then you better head along to the Farmer's Market. This is the old idea of a market to support local growers and feed the townsfolk, refreshed and updated to include the innovative alongside the traditional. Byron's produce includes both tropical and temperate fruit and vegetables, as well as meat, eggs, coffee and a whole range of gourmet items to enhance your cuisine. 

Byron Bay's  reputation for creativity carries through to the range of goods also available in the many of it's boutique stores. Everything from designer homeware and decorator items through to kitchen accessories and handcrafted individual jewellery pieces.A unique and extensive range of fashion and fashion accessories are available including local surfwear and  alternative shops such as Cat's Recycled Emporium, who sell a mixture of locally made clothing, jewellery and homewares.

 

Byron Bay has a wonderful array of food to choose from, covering many different tastes and cooking techniques. Experience the freshest award-winning seafood and gourmet fish and chips. Sample authentic Indian, Japanese and Middle Eastern delicacies. Wander down Johnson Street and order a vege burger or a legendary Earth'n'Sea pizza.In keeping with the general philosophy of the area, much of the food available is organic and wholesome, making it not only delicious, but good for you.But remember, Byron Bay is still a country town, so be sure to be seated by 8.30 - 9.00 as most restaurants close after 9pm.

The Beach Hotel is somewhat an institution in Byron Bay. Directly opposite Main Beach, with views over Julian Rocks, it is also the perfect place to head after dark. Featuring a brasserie with the freshest of local seafood, an extensive choice of wines and nightly entertainment, The Beach Hotel is a great starting point for a night out.If cheap food and sing-along tunes are your idea of a good night out then head to Byron's most popular Party Bar - Cheeky Monkey's Restaurant & Bar. At any time of the year, on any night, you can be guaranteed to find Cheeky Monkey's Restaurant & Bar bursting at the seams.

Places like Cocomangas offers Australian style tapas dishes served in an alfresco setting overlooking the heart of Byron Bay. The upstairs bar with its cushiony lounge atmosphere, has music from 10pm nightly and there's plenty of room to shake your thing.

 

Byron Bay and the Surrounds play host to a multitude of events each year - so many it's impossible to list them all here! However the following have proven to be the most popular for tourists and locals alike.
If music festivals are your thing be sure to check out 'Splendour in the Grass' held annually in August and the much acclaimed 'Blues & Roots Festival', held every year over the Easter Period. Be sure to get in quick though - these events sell out very quickly!

 

For all you food lovers out there - the Taste of Byron festival will be just perfect for you. Each year in September dozens of farmers, fresh food producers and local restaurants get together to showcase their wares . The Taste of Byron food festival is a daytime street festival with restaurant stalls and gourmet products from all over the Byron shire. With over 40 different styles of cuisine represented - you are guaranteed to find numerous delights to tickle your tastebuds!

With everything from comedy festivals and yoga workshops to surfing contests and fun runs - there is never a bad time to visit Byron.  Whatever time of year you go, you are bound to find something on!

 

Accommodation in Byron and Surrounds is as diverse and unique as the locals and tourists you will find there. There is everything from the most luxurious and decadent beachfront holiday homes and apartments to cheap and cheerful caravan parks and holiday cabins. Whatever your taste or budget, there is something for you at Byron Bay.