Where we are

Cape Byron is Australia's most easterly point, 153° 39´ east, located on the North Coast of New South Wales. With its numerous pristine beaches, unspoiled hinterland, and relaxed lifestyle, Byron Bay is a popular tourist destination.

Byron Bay accommodation, the relaxed traveller's paradise, is just a three hour drive from Brisbane and with its casual, carefree feel, boasts something for everyone. Located just off the Pacific Highway, 800 kms north of Sydney, 175 kms south of Brisbane. Airports are located in Ballina (30 mins south) or Coolangatta (60 mins north) and buses and trains arrive regularly.

Byron Shire has a population of close to 30,000, while the town of Byron Bay has a population of about 9,000.

Byron Bay enjoys warm summers and mild winters average temperature 25 degrees.

Over the years, with surfers in the 60's, hippies in the 70's, backpackers in the 80's, and everybody since, Byron Bay has gained a reputation of having a relaxed and often alternative atmosphere. Its atmosphere coupled with its many beaches, Julian Rocks marine reserve, Cape Byron lighthouse, unspoiled hinterland, and nearby world heritage listed national parks has helped cement Byron Bay as a world renowned place to visit.

The magical mix of residents, with their strong and varied points of view, has helped shape the Byron Bay we all love today. You won't find any high rise buildings or fast food giants, instead you are free to choose between a wide variety of places to stay, and get to enjoy an interesting mix of restaurants and cafes - many boasting award winning chefs.

Other highlights include:

Shopping the unique galleries and boutiques
The Byron Shire Markets held in different towns on each weekend
The East Coast Blues and Roots music festival held over the Easter long weekend
Nightlife
Annual food festival
Writers festival
Film festival

Captain James Cook named Cape Byron in 1770 after John Byron, the grandfather of the famous poet Lord Byron. In 1828 Captain H.J. Rous called the bay to the cape's north Byron Bay.

Evidence shows Aborigines have lived and visited this area, which they call Walgun, for at least 22,000 years. At Palm Valley there is a midden and open camp site which is over 1,000 years old.