Surfing holidays: Byron Bay, Australia
This time of year the seas are getting cold and the surf season in Europe is coming to an end. So where is the best place to head for a great winter sun surf destination? Why one of the best surf destinations in the world of course – New South Wales, Australia! This week we focus on one of the great Aussie surfing capitals – the hippy surf town of Byron Bay.
Where is it?
Bryon Bay is located on Australia’s east coast in New South Wales. It is a small town not too far from the city of Brisbane. The town is surrounded by beautiful beaches and tropical rainforests.
What’s it all about? Byron Bay is all about the surf, the alternative life style and healthy organic vegetarian food. It’s a quaint beach town full of laid back quirky cafes, surf shops and beautiful pristine beaches. The town even has its own surf festival every year, a three day fusion of surfing, art, music and film.
What’s the surf like?
As to be expected the waves are world class here. It has a good swell which holds and can even reach up to seven metres. On the week days you can usually find a lot of space, but come the weekend, you’ll find it gets very crowded. The beach is shark protected by nets but watch out for rocks and undertows.
Surf equipment rental and lessons:
There are so many surf schools in Bryon Bay that you won’t even have to go looking for them. Some good options to try are Mojo Surf School who have won tourism awards for their excellent surf camps; Go Surfing Byron Bay, Black Dog Surfing and Kool Katz Surf School.
If you don’t need lessons and just want to rent surf boards try Byron Bay Surf and Bike Hire or Black Dog Surfing will also rent you boards.
Accommodation options:
For a real Byron Bay experience stay at the Belongil Beach House set in tropical gardens right on the beachfront. It’s a bit of walk to the main town but it’s worth it to stay in this beautiful rustic guesthouse with a communal kitchen, outdoor chill out areas with hammocks and free body board rental.
Byron Tree Tops Studio and House offers beautiful and peaceful rental accommodation set among the tree canopies.
For something a bit different, hippy and alternative just like Byron Bay itself then try the Arts Factory Backpackers Lodge. Here you can choose to sleep in a variety of unique groovy accommodation including a love shack, a tepee, a luxurious Balinese garden burée or rainforest camping.
Interesting fact: Byron Bay is also a popular wedding destination for Aussies.
Best suited to: Surfers of all levels.
