Vacationing In Byron Bay On The Australian Coast

Byron Bay, located on the far north coast of NSW, is not a major metropolitan center by any stretch of the imagination. The entire Byron Shire region boasts a population of just over 30,000 while the city of Byron Bay itself, Australia's easternmost city, has just about 5000 permanent residents. Their small population doesn't stop them from playing host to over one and a half million visitors every year, though.

The massive popularity of Byron Bay is a fairly new phenomenon. Until the late 60s, it was just a peaceful country town whose only claim to fame was as the largest producer of dairy products within the Southern Hemisphere. Back then, the only tourists were the surfers who came there to ride the "secret spot" known only as The Pass. The Pass did not remain a secret for very long, though when the Flower Children heard about Byron Bay from the Soul Surfers who found it, it quickly developed into a haven for the seventies' alternative lifestyle community.

These enterprising new arrivals started many of Byron Bay's first holiday oriented businesses. They opened surf shops, gift shops, galleries, arts and crafts shops, cafes and, most importantly, backpackers' resorts. Word spread about Byron Bay mostly by word of mouth and by the early eighties, it was on every young globetrotter's "must see" list. Attracted by the laid-back lifestyle, the spectacular beaches as well as the magnificent surrounding countryside, they came in droves.

1990 marked a turning point and challenge for Byron Bay. That was the year the initial "BluesFest" music festival occurred at the Arts Factory. Even the organizers of the event had no idea how popular it would become. It quickly outgrew its original venue, but continues to this day, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

Byron Bay found prosperity in tourism and continued growing, but has always kept its ideals and the locals have resisted all attempts to create highrises or huge developments within the region like those that are found in Surfers Paradise. This determination to keep hold of its unique, laid-back atmosphere has paid off. Today, Byron Bay remains true to its values but still welcomes its millions of visitors with open arms.

There is a lot more to Byron Shire than what Lawson and Jonson Streets, the main streets of town, have to offer. You can get a better perspective from the Byron Bay Lighthouse. From high above the town on Australia's eastern tip, you command a sweeping view of the entire scenic panorama. Up there on the green hills behind Byron Bay are many other fascinating places to explore and you can easily do so by shuttlebus tour or by car.

Today, surfers and alternative lifestylers mingle freely with families and jet-setting visitors in Byron Bay. There's something for everybody there. If you want an inexpensive but healthy vegetarian meal, it's as easy to find as is gourmet restaurant. Whether you are looking for a luxurious five star resort or a reasonable backpackers lodge, you will find the perfect Byron Bay Accommodation for your needs. In particular, if you are looking for fun and relaxation, you'll find it in abundance in Byron.

Take a few days off, find accommodation byron bay, things to do and other travel related information about the area on bookitnow.com.au. Or visit our Australia blog for more Australian holiday ideas.