Introduction
Byron Bay sits nestled on the easternmost tip of Australia, and is renowned for its pristine beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant community. This coastal town, found in New South Wales, attracts visitors from around the world seeking a blend of natural beauty and bohemian charm. Byron Bay is not just a destination; it’s a lifestyle. Its stunning beaches, such as Main Beach and Wategos Beach, offer surfers and sun-seekers perfect spots to unwind. The town itself is a hub of creativity, with art galleries, alternative health practices, and a thriving food scene that embraces organic and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re drawn to its surf culture, eco-friendly ethos, or simply the opportunity to relax in a stunning natural setting, Byron Bay offers a unique Australian experience unlike any other.
Location
Byron Bay lies three hours and 250 km south of the Sunshine Coast. Simply hop on the Bruce Highway and continue south. After about 70 km past the New South Wales border, you’ll spot the exit for Byron Bay on your left.
Weather
Byron Bay weather in November sits at a balmy 25 degrees through the day and around 18 degrees at night. While we were there, we were estimated to have 25-27 degrees through the day and 20 degrees at night.
Who am I?
Now if you are a regular Madhatterpress visitor, you will be up to speed with who I am. My name is Joanne, and I am the CEO of Madhatterpress Website Remember to have a look around the site and subscribe before you leave.
Why Byron Bay?
Apart from driving through it on the way to/from somewhere else, I had not been to Byron Bay in many years. I had debated a solo trip, but once I discussed it with Dad, we came to the joint conclusion that it was a great location for both of us.
Byron Bay was one of the first holiday destinations that my late husband and I visited after emigrating. Now it was time to make some great new memories.
Accomodation
There are many places to stay around Byron Bay and the hinterlands, but after much searching, we decided to keep it simple. We booked a two-bedroom cabin at Discovery Parks, just off Ewingsdale Road
Discovery Parks is 9 minutes by car from the centre of Byron Bay. The cabin, number 293, had a lookout onto the lake. Everything you could need was ready for use in the cabin. There were air conditioners and TVs in every bedroom as well as primary areas.
The downside is that there was maintenance work going on. We knew this before arriving but unfortunately our cabin was right next to the work site!
Diary of the trip
Monday 11th
Monday 11th, the first day of the trip was the day of travel. We set off around 9am and had a breakfast at our local place Sweet Pieces Cafe – then it was time to hit the road. A pit stop for a coffee and before we knew it, we were there. We had to deal with jumping forward an hour (which we had forgotten all about!)
The first stop after checking in to Discovery Parks Byron Bay Was to head just around the corner to Stone and Wood Brewery. After checking out the pale ales there, it was off to the main beach and to The Beach Hotel The food was beautiful – I highly recommend the Korean chicken burger! We watched the world go about their business and mapped out a couple of places to go. After the pub, it was time to reccy a couple of those places and then it was back to the cabin.
While the evening ended with a relaxing catch up of emails and me watching the latest episode of “From,” the night ended with a massive downpour, thunder, and lightening. What a way to end the day.
Tuesday 12th
The day started with no rain and the gentle hum of the machinery working on the site. We were notified that a concrete truck was expected to arrive Wednesday morning and that the maintenance guys would knock to give us the chance to move the car, otherwise we would be blocked in for an indeterminate time.
After a shower and breakfast, we headed out, even though rain was forecast. A drive and explore was on the cards and that is exactly what we did. Starting off at Myocum, we ventured to Mullumbimby. Then a drive along Coolamon Scenic Drive to see what secrets it may open up. Then it was on to Montecollum and across to Rosebank via Coopers Creek. We followed our nose, quite literally, to see where roads would take us, but once it was clear that the rain was not giving in, we headed back to the cabin.
Dinner tonight at the local RSL and a relaxing evening catching up on some things for the Madhatterpress website was the order of business for the end of the day.
Wednesday 13th
We were awake early today (06:45) due to the work going on at the site we were staying. We had been warned that work involving delivering a new cabin would be between 7 and 9am and that some roads out of the site would be blocked, but a concrete truck arrived at 6:30am and that was it. I was awake.
After eggs on toast for breakfast, we were off out for a drive. Today, it was down towards Ballina & Lennox Head. A pit stop at Stone and Wood brewery as well as the Byron Bay Cookie Company and the day was almost over. Time to head back to the cabin. It was an evening in as we were both tired from the early morning call by the site work that was going on.
Thursday 14th
Having slept well after a long day yesterday, we woke to blue skies. A trip into town for a souvenir for a relative and a cup of coffee, then it was off to somewhere just for dad. Common People Brewing Company A couple of beers and a portion of garlic focaccia bread later, it was time to head back to the cabin. We needed to pack so we were ready for the morning. Thursday evening was fish and chips at the camp food van. I am going to go out on a limb here and be brutally honest. It was not nice. Not worth the money paid for it.
After dinner, it was off to Byron Bay Lighthouse for sunset. Here’s where fate was to play its hand. There are minimal parking spaces at the top by the lighthouse, so it was down to fate as to whether we would be lucky: we were. While there was not a spectacular sunset, it was nice to see it from a different place to home.
I took the chance while I had a couple of spare hours on my last night to do the washing. Why not? That way I was going home with minimal washing to do.
Friday 15th
We were at the usual time and ready to go by 930am – which was 0830am Queensland time. Then it was time to hit the road. The journey home took a little longer than usual, a little over 4 hours. This was due to an accident, a couple of breakdowns on the hard shoulders and everyone rubbernecking for a good look. But we made it home for the usual post holiday shakedown.
Washing, unpacking, food shopping and watering the plants.
Did it tick the boxes
I don’t think I have ever been somewhere that doesn’t ’tick the boxes.’ Every holiday ticks a box, some tick more boxes than others. This Discovery Park, while local to most of Byron, had its downside due to the work going on. While we knew that work was happening before we booked, we never expected we would be in the cabin next to the worksite (no one ever does do they!). It meant a couple of early starts as noise woke us. We had to move the car from our cabin parking spot otherwise we would have been blocked in for a few hours. Roads in the site were blocked from time to time due to new cabins being ferried in and the water/electric was switched off intermittently. It made it a little inconvenient.
Will I be back
I have never been somewhere I never want to revisit but this visit has made me want to relook at places other than cabins for us to stay.
