Almanac Travel: R and R in Byron Bay

 

 

Well, I’m happy to say, it has been another magical visit to paradise!

 

Having said that, paradise is Byron Bay of course where the weather since our arrival has been in the low 20s, with clear blue sunny skies, and definitely shorts and T/shirt weather. Very pleasant indeed!

 

Tallow Beach

 

This is our first visit to Byron since pre-Covid, probably 2016 or 2017 was the last time we were here.

 

Noticeable to me is the near absence of the many ‘trippy hippy’ and ‘freaky’ people who frequented Byron during our previous visits  though a cahoot of much older men still exist seeking the dream, living on the streets and beaches to maintain their presence. Many of the itinerant pleasure seekers have moved on and out of Byron due to the rising costs of living in Byron, the changing lifestyle, and money moving into the town. Begging is non-existent from what I can see.

 

Money has always been here but similar to towns of Byron’s ilk, once they become popular the profit makers and developers tend to move in. Although resistance to development in Byron had some success for many years it has now weakened. As the influence of money, the pressure applied to local government to relent on development constraints increases, and the shackles are slackened then development rapidly expands, and becomes a one way trajectory. Unfortunately for some, a plus for others.

 

Many of the businesses here are decidedly up market catering for customers for whom money is no object. Like Lorne on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Byron Bay is now thoroughly bourgeois in outlook and appeal though a smattering of the alternative type businesses still exist but have become more sophisticated and up market and integrated in order to survive.

 

 

 

For people who need not work for a living or who are able to holiday in Byron Bay it is indeed a very attractive proposition and destination. Its natural beauty abounds and can be appreciated for little or no cost. And there is plenty to do and see here.

 

There are many foreign visitors here at the moment. Walking the main drags it is not uncommon to hear, English, American, French, and German accents, plus a smattering of other accents I do not recognise.

 

Main beaches

 

For the past few days we commenced our mornings with walks along one of Byron’s fabulous beaches. From our accommodation it is a short walk to Belongil Beach. With a low tide, the long, wide panoramic scenic beach is an invigorating walk alongside the crashing surf and crystal clear sea, the participatory involvement of swimmers, surfers, joggers, and sunbathers taking place along the way adds to the feeling of inclusiveness. It makes one feel so alive!

 

From the headland

 

Whales in the bay and from the headland

 

Another long walk to the lighthouse on the headline provided some spectacular scenic views of Tallow Beach, back over the town, and along the main beach towards the distant mountainous hinterland and to the north. The many visitors admiring the scenery received an added bonus of a parade of whales passing by on their journey north to breed, some interacting with many dolphins also on view. I was amazed by how close the whales came to the headland, in some instances no more than 50 metres from the shoreline bringing many gasps of delight from onlookers particularly the overseas visitors. Some whales even found their way into the bay providing an outstanding spectacle of breeching, sensational.

 

 

Meryl and I have quickly adapted to and settled into the laidback lifestyle of Byron enjoying many coffees from the abundant cafes, sitting in the sun and watching the world go by. One of life’s pleasures! Lunch today was a magnificent vegetarian meal from the Hare Krishna café, a fabulous venue for a wholesome and enjoyable meal.

 

I’ve spent a lot of time in the bookshop here which is a very good independent bookshop with an excellent array of current releases and backstock and an owner who knows her stuff. Came away with more books for the pile beside the bed in the apartment.

 

The Solar Train

 

Our intention to visit other areas of interest around Byron probably will not eventuate,  we are just enjoying ourselves so much chilling out without the need to travel elsewhere. Everything we are doing is within walking distance so there has been no need for the car, and we like it that way.

 

It will be hard to leave!

 

 

More from Col Ritchie can be read Here

 

 

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