Byron Bay Area Guide
In a lucky twist of fate, Byron Bay was named in 1770 after John Byron who would become the grandfather of the poet Lord Byron. When the area was finally settled in 1880, the name was firmly associated with the poet and the local streets are named after other poets and writers. Beautiful Byron Bay is a popular tourist destination with backpackers and writers alike. Famous for its surfing and its festivals, this is a town of contrasts, but its artistic streak is what the locals are most proud of.
The artistic population swells during Byron Bay's two most popular festivals. The East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival, or just Blues Fest, is held over five days on the Easter Long Weekend, this event attracts tens of thousands of people each year to watch live performances by some of the best local and international musicians. Its not all about the music though, the festival also hosts hundreds of stalls selling everything from street-food to paintings.
The Writers Festival has also made Byron Bay famous, or has Byron made the writers famous? Either way, held over a weekend The Writers Festival at Byron transforms the town into a book lovers paradise. With interviews and readings from local, national and international authors, over seven thousand people visit Byron just for this festival. Don't worry if your visit doesn't coincide with these festivals, trip to the Arts and Industry Estate will satisfy all your artistic urges.
Home to studios, galleries and workshops of hundreds of artists, this community within a community is a great place to learn more about art, or pick up a great bargain. Meet the artists and learn from the best, a visit to The Estate is a must.
Should you be visiting Byron Bay between June and November you wonÕt be alone, the whales will appreciate your company. Small tours head take visitors daily to see the Whales as they swim past the Bay on their annual migration. Dolphins sometimes join in the fun, frolicking off the ships bow. Make sure to pick a tour that has a whale expert on board with a hydrophone - then you can listen to the Whales perform their songs, live.
If you have a lot of time on your hands during your time in Byron, take a course in Thai Massage, at Byron Thai Massage. The course takes three weeks, and you'll emerge a certified practitioner in basic Thai Massage, if you don't have that much time you can still visit the centre for a Thai Massage treatment or a yoga class. Your body will feel completely different after a Thai Massage, so be prepared to find tense muscles your didn't know you had!
Byron Bay wouldn't be the eccentric place it is today without the all year round presence of surfers. Byron is the perfect place to catch some waves, or learn how. There a plenty of places where you can hire a board or take some lessons. For those who have never ventured into the surf before, or for those who want to improve their skills - there's a surf school and instructor for everyone. Some are also willing to do mixed level classes, so if you've never surfed, but your partner has, you can both get the best instruction but stay together.
Byron is also home to many a market; On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the Month, Byron hosts its Community Market selling local crafts and wares, every Thursday morning is the local farmers market - from 8am to 11am, get their quick to buy the best and freshest food and flowers.
Finally, every Saturday night is a market just for artists, buy from established or up and coming artists you can find something to satisfy all artistic bents.
After a long day on the beach, do your food shopping while you eat at the Red Ginger Asian FoodStore. Eat in house or get Yum Cha to take away, this is the ultimate asian grocers experience. The the last remaining original building in Byron Bay, is the Balcony Bar and Restaurant. Head up the red carpet stairs to the balcony for some cocktails and fantastic food, the view is free.
Byron Bay is a place to get away from it all, regardless of what youÕre escaping from, you'll find enlightenment and relaxation in the calm waters of the Bay.