Byron Bay is a global tourist destination, with its numerous beaches,
unspoilt hinterland, relaxed lifestyle and a famous lighthouse. It is an
important centre for alternate living and its world famous surfing beaches.
Cape Byron is Australia's most easterly point, 153° 39´ east, located on
the north coast of New South Wales, 800kms north of Sydney, 175kms
south of Brisbane.

With average summer temperatures of 21C - 28C, and average winter
temperatures of 15C - 21C, both locals and visitors are able to enjoy plenty
of outdoor activities including the many festivals throughout the year. Byron Shire has a population of close to 30,000, while the town of Byron Bay has a population of about 9,000.

Cape Byron was named by Captain Cook in 1770 with the adjacent bay
becoming known as Byron Bay when settlement commenced there
around 1870. The shape of the Cape creates the many different kitesurfing beaches, so there is almost always somewhere to kite, and often a range of
choices. The wind statistics shows that for 50% of each month Byron has around 15 knots. From September to January we get strong and consistent northerly sea breeze of 20-25 knots.

Today the visitors can sample a huge range of activities, from
tandem hang-gliding and parachute jumps, to kayaking, surfing
(or learning to surf), bike or horse-riding. The marine park at the
Julian Rocks, just off the main beach, is the meeting place of tropical
and temperate currents, which provides SCUBA divers and snorkellers
with some amazing scenery. There is a great walking trail to the top of
the Cape, with stunning coastal views, and the lighthouse is the spot to
watch for whales in the season.
If some retail therapy is necessary, there is a great range of original
crafts, clothing and gift ideas, and coffee shops everywhere to revive
the tired shopper. The restaurant scene has moved right along from
the days when tofu and lentils ruled to lots of listings in national food guides.
There is plenty of nightlife and bands in pubs and clubs.