Byron Bay. The first thing most Australians will tell you is that it is a tourist trap or too touristy now. But as a tourist and traveller I still had to check it out.

First off Byron is beautiful, regardless of how many tourists there are. Just don’t expect to meet a lot of Australians, especially if you are a backpacker. Lots of travellers on work holiday visas look for work in Byron if they want the warm weather, beaches, and surf. But that doesn’t mean you won’t meet great people! I met some fantastic people in Byron that were all fellow travellers.

Getting to Byron is fairly easy as you can take a bus in either direction, lots of people came from either Brisbane or Sydney. I stayed at the Arts Factory Hostel, but there are many good hostels! Even though I didn’t chose my hostel (Mojo Surf booked it for me, as I was doing a surf camp and starting in Byron) I still think I would’ve chosen the Arts Factory, or it would have at least been a high contender on places to stay. It matched my energy a bit more. Quite laid back, mostly uses the outdoor spaces and feels like you are in nature. The main downside was being a little further from town and the beaches then other hostels (10-15 min walk) but it was still easy enough to get to if you are someone like me who likes to walk anyways.

I feel like my experience in Byron was a little different compared to most people who just go to travel and chill. As mentioned, I was in a surf camp, but it didn’t stop me from getting to experience Byron. How I spent my time included surfing (can do this even without a surf camp, just go and hire a board near the beach!), hanging out at the beach, walk through the Main Street and chunk of town and go in and out of the shops, and went to Drag & Dine at the Balcony Bar. If you are in Byron on a Monday night, go check out the Talent Show at the Arts Factory, free for anyone who is staying there but $5 cover for anyone else that is in town. It’s an awesome show of anyone around Byron that wants to share and perform. There were many talented singers performing when I was there. It’s just a cool thing to do and experience with all the other travellers and locals in town.

One thing I didn’t get to do and wish I did, was the hike to the lighthouse. I believe this is the most easterly point in Australia. It has some beautiful views that i missed out on. It would also be a fantastic sunrise viewing location, so next time I swing by Byron Bay it will be on my list of things to do (maybe not the sunrise part, as I am more of a sunset girlie)

Overall I have fond memories of Byron, I will probably head back to spend some more time there once I make a bit more money and have my own car.