A Journey into Australia’s Bohemian Black Hole
Recording the highest concentration of influencers and antivaxxers in Australia, Byron Bay is probably the only place on earth where the ‘Hippies’ are rich. Well known for the legendary surf beach, Byron Bay is also home to an impressive population of insta models and other Botox pumped cool kids trying to connect back with their spirit animal lost at last year’s find yourself festival.
Full of yuppie shops and vegan beetroot juice cafes, the town is very small and mostly animated by the local hobos hanging around the main gardens during the day. Each evening the part of the main beach the joins town is swarmed with, well everybody, every man and his $3000 pure breed dog is there. Every hippy with their custom vans and every C grade celebrity. All lounging around on the grass taking in the setting sun and all the “good vibes”.
We can see why so many flock to Byron, it is absolutely stunning. Perfect beaches, unique shopping, coastal light house walks and plenty to do, it is a good time. Just be careful, things add up quick. Voted as the most expensive city in the country, Byron really takes the over priced, vegan, dairy-free cake.
The Cape of Byron is the located on the most eastern point of Australia’s mainland. It’s coastal walk is a highlight, dressed in rocky hills and bright blue oceans. Starting at the main beach walking away from town, you head up and over the hill with picture perfect views of your typical surfer dudes shredding the waves before their busy days of doing nothing. The walk is fantastic for spotting dolphins and if you can make, there is a beautiful lighthouse which has operated since 1901.
There isn’t much when it comes to accommodation in Byron, you have two choices…The cheaper of the two is staying at the local caravan park averaging on $35 AUD unpowered, where you are giving a small section of grass to park your camper or car for the night. Or the second, to rent one of the luxurious hotel, motel or Airbnb’s scattered thought out the town, but that again adds up quickly. Staying long term is Byron gets more difficult, the over populated town doesn’t have a lot of property’s available for rent and live unless you have the couple of millions to spare.
There are only a few National Parks hidden in the outer Byron Bay are. As you head towards Nimbin and the Northern Rivers Region of NSW, you come to a vast and green landscape that is home to many wildlife and the odd stoner or two. Bordering Nimbin is the Nightcap National park, home to the Australian Platypus and a large variety of birds. This national park is truly a hidden gem, having one of the best campsites we had seen for awhile, Rummery Park, with only 6 spaces for campers it offers the perfect peaceful camping experience everyone is aiming for.
Lost within the red gum and pine forest, the park is a great place for a day hike or a spot of bird watching. Look out for the Kookaburra, one of Australia’s most impressive birds, these guys are mysterious gathers and will swipe food and rubbish from your campsite if you are not careful. They have a loud, distinctive call that sounds like laughing and is widely used as a stock sound wave in most Australian films to reference life down under.
So if you happen to visit Byron Bay remember to make your stay short and sweet so that it doesn’t upset your bank account too much. And rather than spending all your hard earned money on some overpriced tie-die t-shirt, save it and visit all of the beautiful scenery around the Byron region. Be in touch with nature instead of botox & tiktok.
Forever Traveling, Chris & Claire.
Things to do in Byron Bay:
- Bask in Byron’s Bohemian Vibes (With a Side of Avocado Toast): Byron Bay, the self-proclaimed mecca of all things organic, is the ideal spot for those who enjoy paying $15 for a slice of bread with avocado. Embrace the hipster chic atmosphere, where man buns and kombucha flow freely. Don’t forget to capture that perfect Instagram shot of your artisanal, fair-trade coffee cup against a backdrop of distressed surfboards.
- Yoga with a Side of Ocean Views: Because a yoga class isn’t complete without a sea breeze gently caressing your perfectly tousled hair. Join one of the many beachside yoga sessions where you can contort your body into seemingly impossible positions while pondering the existential question of whether your chakras are in alignment with your brunch plans.
- Retail Therapy, Byron Style: Indulge in a shopping spree along the bougie boutiques of Byron Bay. Whether it’s ethically sourced bohemian clothing, handcrafted jewelry, or eco-friendly surf gear, be prepared to part with your hard-earned dollars in the pursuit of looking effortlessly cool. After all, true style knows no budgetary constraints.
- Crystal Healing Workshops: Unleash your inner mystic and join a crystal healing workshop. Byron Bay is the place where the energy of crystals magically aligns with your desire for inner peace. Who needs traditional medicine when you can let the good vibes of a carefully chosen crystal cure all your ailments? Just be sure to consult your wallet’s chakra afterward.
- Sunset Drum Circles: Because nothing says “I’m at one with nature” quite like joining a sunset drum circle on the beach. Channel your inner rhythm, beat that drum like it owes you money, and revel in the collective energy of people pretending they’re not just there for the ‘gram. Bonus points if you can find a drum made from recycled, sustainably sourced materials.
Greetings from 
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