Linda's Walkabout: Upscale Hippy Beach Town: Byron Bay

Seeing a weekend coming up with nothing special planned, I decided to jet up to Byron Bay to scuba dive and explore what I'd heard was a quaint beach town. It was only an hour and 15 minute flight to the northern coast of New South Wales so an easy weekend getaway.

I arrived on Friday at Ballina Airport, rented a car and drove about a half hour north to check into Planula Bed and Breakfast which was simple, clean and efficient. While there was no TV, it was a beautiful setting in nature. It was about a 15 minute drive outside of the centre of town so not the most convenient, plus it was important to be mindful of how many glasses of wine I enjoyed because it was a dark, dirt road back to the B&B. Dinner Friday night was at Kinoko Japanese restaurant which was average.

Previously, the furtherest north in NSW I've been diving was in Wooli, being further north I was hoping for warmer water as well. The most popular dive site in Byron Bay is Julian Rocks and I was recommended to dive with Sun Dive. It was a well staffed outfit with solid instructors, but it's van/boat transport process was a bit tedious. From the dive shop in town, we took a van to the beach where we assisted the launch of the boat before jumping in to head on the short ride to Julian Rock. This was done for each of the two dives I did. I was hoping to do three dives, but there wasn't enough interest.

On to boat ride out to Julian Rocks, we saw a pod of whales. I'd never been this close up to whales in nature so it was an incredible site to see the adult and baby whales surface numerous times!

Sept. 21: Dive #183

Dive site name: Cod Bommie Wide Trenches in Byron Bay, NSW (19 degrees C, 8 meter visibility, 45 minutes at 20.4 meters)

I saw several nurse sharks, two sting rays and many nudibranchs. As we exited the swim through there was a large school of very large fish.

Sept. 21: Dive #184

Dive site name: Nursery/Spit Bommie in Byron Bay, NSW (19 degrees C, 8 meters visibility, 45 minutes at 16.8 meters)

We saw two stingrays, what I later realized is a dead and decaying wobbegong carpet shark that had likely been there for so long it looked like an ancient white ghost.

After showering, I headed into town to check out the shops. There were a ton of swimsuit shops and some boutiques. Just before the sun set I headed to the famous Balcony Bar where the best views of the sun set over Byron Bay are reputed to be. I snagged a seat on the outdoor balcony and enjoyed a tasty cheese board and glass of wine.

Then onwards to a wine and spanish tapas bar at St. Elmo's which was wonderful and very crowded with customers so I was lucky to get a seat at the bar. Seated next to me was a lovely couple who'd driven in from regional NSW who recommended heading the next day to the Byron Bay lighthouse, the Bangalow Markets and brunch and great views at Byron Beach Cafe.

I had the mexican rancho eggs, chorizo, avocado, smoky paprika capsicum sauce, piadina bread which was AMAZING! Highly recommend this place for breakfast and truly spectacular views of the beach and Julian Rocks where I dove the day prior.

There were amazing views from the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Parking was full, but I lucked out again and as I was heading out I saw an expanded parking lot where I could squeeze in my rental car.

Then I headed to the Bangalow Markets. I had seen these tops at one of these boutiques on Saturday and was interested in them as they featured photos of Byron Bay. They didn't have the right size for me, but at the markets the women who designs the shirts was there and I found one that fit perfectly! And it makes for a wonderful memory of my weekend in Byron Bay.