Hippies and Surfies

Trip Start Oct 21, 2006
1
23
115
Trip End Mar 21, 2008


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Australia  ,
Friday, November 17, 2006

Byron Bay is famous for its beaches and, simultaneously, its surfing. It is also known as a bit of a hippy hangout, from the group of hairy potheads that settled here back in the 70s and never left. This combination - surf, sand and stoners - gives the place a very easygoing, new age, long-haired kind of vibe. Middle-aged men with dreadlocks and baggy Thai-dyed singlets share the streets with blond and bronzed surfers, and fre-faced backpackers stagger to and from the numerous hostels. Jane at Byron Bay
Jane at Byron Bay

Having had a day off from sunning ourselves yesterday, we start again in earnest today in the gorgeous weather on the pristine curved main beach. Jim at Byron Bay
Jim at Byron Bay
 Another of Byron Bay's claims to fame is that it has one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast. This means that it gets sun all day long and is also good for the surfies, for some reason. We have some fun in the water then walk over the headland to the Cape Byron lighthouse, near which is officially Australia's most easterly point. Jim and Jane overlooking Byron Bay
Jim and Jane overlooking Byron Bay
 From there it is a short walk to Watego's Beach, scene of some of the most expensive real estate in the country. Jane buries me up to my head in sand for a laugh. Up to my neck in it
Up to my neck in it

Back at the hostel, we sign up for a surfing lesson tomorrow. I'm pretty keen to give it a go but Jane is a little apprehensive. Local wildlife
Local wildlife
Slideshow Print this entry Byron Bay hotels