Byron Bay (Australia)

In spite of its reputation as an overrated hippy tourist village, I thoughtByron Bay was cool: a city where you live in flip flops year round; a relaxed, sporting and artistic city, which exudes positive and creative energy; a place for epicureans and fans of yoga, surfing and good food! I felt really at home there and could have stayed forever. Byron Bay has kept its charm amid lush surroundings, which the legislation has prevented from being disfigured by high-rise buildings, like on the Gold Coast! For me, this is the one seaside resort that you should not miss during a trip to Australia, especially if you are looking for relaxation and water sports!

I left the van at the Beaches of Byron campsite, a little outside of the city. In the campsite, the bush turkeys that you often see in the region roam freely between the tents and even steal your personal belongings! I saw one peck and scratch at a neighbour's tent! They don't hesitate to tear things up. Another started to make off with my toiletry kit in its beak! So mind your belongings in Byron! 

I loved wandering through the streets of the centre of Byron to do some shopping. On the seaside, a flock of vans occupied the beach parking area. There were people lying on the lawns, listening to an open-air concert: I loved the gentle, laid-back atmosphere. As for the beach in the town centre, it is very large and quite pleasant, but I advise you to carry on to Cape Byron beaches, just next door. Less crowded, they offer beautiful waves, which I appreciated surfing. Surfing culture is everywhere in Byron Bay. This is a place to learn the Australian lifestyle, governed by the sea and nature. It is a little like the Margaret River of the East, only bigger, with more tourists. In the evening, just like any self-respecting backpacker, I went out to a famous pub. Shuttles pick you up for free at the campsite and take you to the pub, where the atmosphere is incredible. It's the ideal place to meet other young foreign travellers. They organise a lot of games in the evenings - some friends even won a parachute jump!

If you go to Byron Bay, I would also advise you to make a small trip to Yamba, for sports and nature (1 hr 30 min further south by car). There you will find natural pools, which you can jump into from the cliffs! Finally, if you want to discover a typical hippy village, you can do like I did and visit Nimbin (1 hr 15 min further inland by car). The road winds through the country and the town is not easy to find. Nimbin is a colourful place. Soft drugs are allowed and the shops clearly display the fact. It is like another world!