Byron

Family members had Byron Bay on their bucket list and I had always been near it but never visited. The scenery from the lighthouse was stunning, just as all the beach vistas we see in West Australia.  People were out there watching for whales passing by heading to the north.  There were people of all nationalities and ages mingling with the locals sightseeing and doing the fitness trails up the hill and along all the designated beach tracks, including Mums pushing the prams up the steep climb

The shopping precinct was choc a block with young people from families to teens and up to say those in their 70’s out enjoying the nightlife, the bars, food venues and the ambience of the holiday area.  Shops were open in the evening, though not all, and prices ranged from budget prices for knick knacks to exorbitant for exclusive type clothing, jewellery and art works.

To our delight the caravan park had bathroom facilities like those in Beacon WA with ensuites for individual use and they were brand new and very roomy.  The downside was that many people left them messy and a number of guests were found showering with their pet dogs! A pet wash was also provided at the park!

The next shock was the planned walk to the beach through the ‘”easy access” track from the caravan park!  I would estimate the track was a kilometre long – easy to walk, but past long grass, infested with rats and their babies - sadly did not have the camera at hand to snap evidence - as well as signs warning of brown snakes being prevalent in the area!  There were also stagnant pools of water on the pathways and signage of the direct access to the beach through the dunes was non-existent!   We nearly kept walking along the path to who knows where!

I think the surrounding villages and waterfalls were worth a visit and the views are wonderful.  I think many would enjoy Byron but it is definitely a preferred destination for the young and beach crazy!