| The New
South Wales town of Byron Bay is a beach-front resort popular
with national and international visitors.
NATURAL WORLD
Byron Shire is located at the eastern end of mainland Australia
and extends from the sandy beaches of the bay to rainforests in
the interior. The area is noted for its wildlife, including migrating
whales.
Whale watching season runs June to September. Humpbacks migrate
from the feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warm equatorial
waters of the Great
Barrier Reef where the mothers give birth.
ABORIGINAL TOURISM
The north coast of New South Wales is the traditional territory
of the Bunjalung people. Two sub-groups (or clans) included the
Byron Bay area in their territory. The Arakwal were in the south;
the Minjunbal had the north.
ARAKWAL NATIONAL PARK
Arakwal National Park protects natural and cultural heritage and
is co-managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and traditional
owners. Created in 2001, the park is located two kilometers southeast
of town.
Previously the land now within the park boundaries was mined. The
area is now being rehabilitated.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Cape
Byron Lighthouse opened in 1901 and has the most powerful beacon
in the country. More than 500,000 people visit it each year.
MARKETS
Farmers' Market takes place on Thursdays.
SPORTS
Learn
to surf in Byron Bay
HISTORY
Byron Bay was christened by Captain James after John Byron, grandfather
of the poet Lord Byron.
WEATHER
Be prepared for the heat. This area is the humid subtropics and
receives a great deal of rain. While this makes the surroundings
lush and green, it can also be draining. Says one Byron Bay resident:
"Hiking and biking in the humid subtropics is a different beast
from more temperate climes."
Average summer temperatures is 21C - 28C and the average winter
temperatures runs 15C - 21C.
NEARBY
Nightcap
National Park is located 40 kilometers northwest of town and
is honeycombed with more than 100 kilometers of trails. UNESCO
designated the park a World Heritage Site.
Nimbin
is nearby.
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