d n o y e B d n a y a B Byron
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IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES, A DIASPORA OF HIPPIES, SURFERS AND CONSERVATION ACTIVISTS CHAINED THEMSELVES TO GIGANTIC TREES TO BLOCK THE LOGGING OF THE SUB-TROPICAL RAINFORESTS SURROUNDING BYRON BAY, A SLEEPY FISHING AND SURFING TOWN AT MAINLAND AUSTRALIA’S EASTERN-MOST POINT. Watch the video of Byron Bay below.
Video courtesy of Elements of Byron and Air Swing Media.
EVOLVED FROM AN ANCIENT CALDERA, 30 MILLION YEARS OLD
Inspired by the majestic, timeless nature that has dominated the region’s landscape and sustained its Aboriginal people (the Bundjalung nation) for millennia, this brave and important campaign stopped the destruction of living, Gondwanan rainforests formed in an ancient, volcanic caldera. It was a seminal act; the landscape is now a tapestry of inter-connected National Parks, protected Marine Parks and a UNESCO World-Heritage site for future generations to treasure. From this, emerged the unique blend of old school traditions, new age philosophies, activism and spirituality that is now indelibly part of Byron’s DNA.
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SPECTACULAR NATURE, VIBRANT VILLAGES Byron Bay and its surrounding villages and towns have a human scale. Driving south from the nearest international airport and metropolis of the Gold Coast, high-rises and motorways give way to an entirely different vista, as majestic Wollumbin (Mt Warning) looms dramatically into silhouetted view. Wollumbin signals that you are in a place where nature really thrives, its jagged peak catching clouds and standing sentinel over a cornucopia of biodiversity shaped over millennia. Fertile farms, ancient rainforests, verdant pastures and spectacularly beautiful coastline are the canvas for an eclectic group of towns and villages that the region’s communities call home.
HARMONIOUS THRIVING COMMUNITY It’s a place which attracts and nurtures creativity; where farmers, conservationists, tradesmen and women, artists, academics, surfers, students, counterculturalists, developers and entrepreneurs co-exist in relative harmony, united in their good fortune to live, learn, work and play in such an extraordinary place.
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A BLISSFULLY LAIDBACK WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA Byron Bay and Beyond is a destination collective of quality, independent tourism suppliers in Byron Bay. From budget and midrange to luxury accommodation, hinterland attractions, aquatic and coastal activities and Byron’s largest fleet of sedans, limousines, shuttles and coaches, here are all the components of an authentic Australian itinerary. Byron’s accessibility, distinctive character and natural beauty make it a compelling part of any Australian itinerary. Indeed, three days to relax, rejuvenate and explore Byron is a perfect introduction to Australia.
QUALITY SUPPLIERS, SUPERIOR SERVICE Distributed and contracted by leading travel distributors in Australia and around the world, these are the tourism businesses you can rely on to deliver superior customer service for your clients and give them an authentic Australian holiday or vacation experience they’ll cherish.
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9 Reasons NINE REASONS TO INCLUDE BYRON IN YOUR CLIENTS’ AUSTRALIAN ITINERARIES.
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IT’S EASY TO GET THERE
As Australia’s eastern-most town, Byron Bay is easy to find! Two hours south of Brisbane (BNE), 45 minutes from Gold Coast Airport (OOL) and 25 minutes from Ballina-Byron Airport (BNK) gives travellers plenty of options to get to Byron any day of the week. A transfer with Go Byron from any of these ports will have your clients slipping into Byron time by midday!
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AN AUTHENTICALLY AUSTRALIAN BEACH HOLIDAY
The time-honoured Aussie tradition of packing up the car and the kids and heading for the coast is enjoying a renaissance among families, groups of friends and couples seeking to simplify complicated lives. Situated on prime coastal land with direct beach access, RV Parks like Byron Holiday Park not only cater to RV and motorhome travellers, but offer spacious, high quality cabins, cottages and villas for those wanting a beachside home away from home in Byron.
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YEAR ROUND HOLIDAY CLIMATE
Byron Bay and its surrounds enjoy a temperate to subtropical climate all year around. It really is the “Goldilocks zone”; not too hot, not too cold, just about right. Experience this from a stylish hotel room or spacious apartment at Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments in the centre of town, and you’ll know you’ve arrived in your Aussie holiday nirvana.
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4.
BAREFOOT LUXURY
Blessed with natural beauty, Byron Bay is an evergreen destination with high net worth individuals and celebrities wanting to go incognito. Billionaires, movie stars and style goddesses are more likely be seen on a Malibu surfboard than in a Maserati in Byron Bay, preferring to blend in with the locals. The five star Elements of Byron is the absolute beachfront resort of choice in Byron Bay if you’re seeking understated luxury with high attention to detail.
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YOUNG AT HEART
Byron Bay has always attracted youth, student and gap-year travellers contributing to a vibrant energy, enthusiasm and optimism that you can see in the streets. It’s one of the reasons it’s so appealing to all demographics, because it’s truly a destination for the young at heart. Located in the heart of town less than 100 metres from Main Beach, Byron Bay Beach Hostel offers affordable private and multi-share rooms, and is the epitome of Byron’s fountain of youth vibe. 11
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WHALES, TURTLES AND DOLPHINS
Cape Byron Marine Park is blissfully free of commercial fishing, jet skis and powerboats, making it a sanctuary for marine life large and small. The visceral thrill of getting close-up and personal with dolphins, turtles and whales (in season from May to November) is priceless. Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay’s ocean kayaking tours are pretty much a must-do experience for anyone wanting a nature-based experience to remember.
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HEALTHY MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
With such an embarrassment of riches, Byron Bay is a dream destination for many, but locals like to keep it real with a focus on living and eating well, a daily dose of exercise and a really strong pride in the communities that make it such a unique destination. Housing the biggest and most beautiful crystal collection in the world amid subtropical landscaped gardens, Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens is a place that truly embodies this healthy mind, body and spirit ethos.
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8.
CHRIS HEMSWORTH SURFS HERE
Actor, Viking god and Tourism Australia global ambassador Chris Hemsworth gave Byron Bay top billing in his 5 best places to visit in Australia. Which makes sense, given he lives and surfs in Byron! Its wave-rich coastline has attracted surfers from around the globe for generations, and there’s no better way to get that feeling only a surfer knows than with Bondi’s original and best surf school Lets Go Surfing, who operate private and group surf lessons right from Main Beach in Byron Bay.
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9.
YOU’LL FEEL AT HOME IN THE HEART OF NATURE
Surrounded by Marine Park, National Park and World Heritage wilderness, Byron Bay is blessed with an abundance of ways to commune with nature and the wildlife that it sustains. The built environment is low rise and lets nature in, as is evident in the awardwinning Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, whose luxury, residential-style architecture and ambience sit in absolute harmony with the 45 acres of littoral rainforest and adjacent coastline it shares.
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Quintessential Byron itinerary DAY 1 - RELAX Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Transfer to Byron Bay with Go Byron. Door to door on demand in private style, or sharing a ride in a comfy shuttle, Go Byron will see you riding better in style from Ballina-Byron, Gold Coast, or Brisbane Airports.
As the sign into town says, Cheer Up, Slow down, Chill Out, you’re in Byron Bay. You’ve got a couple of days to relax, rejuvenate and explore, so we recommend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Quality local produce, talented passionate chefs, good vibes and great people watching are on the menu tonight.
Welcome, you’re now on Byron time... Byron Bay shines when it comes to unique accommodation. From deluxe rainforest suites in the heart of nature at the Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, absolute beachfront luxury at the stunning Elements of Byron, or contemporary villas and motorhome sites by the beach at the mid-range Byron Holiday Park. If you like being right in the heart of town, Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments’ elegant, spacious apartments are a home away from home experience, while Byron Bay Beach Hostel offers heritage quality for a budget price steps away from Main Beach.
If you’re too excited to sit still: • • • •
Hire a bicycle (pedal-powered or electric). Grab a towel and head for the beach. Start your new book by the pool. Treat your body like a temple with a spa treatment. • Take a ride in Byron’s solar powered train. • Prepare your retail therapy plan with a stroll around town and a spot of window-shopping.
Indulge in-house at Graze at Elements or The Restaurant at The Byron at Byron, go for cocktails and tapas at sunset at a beachfront restaurant, get acquainted with the local pub scene or slide into a sidestreet cafe playing house DJ mixes.
Grab a bite to eat at one of scores of cafes and restaurants before check-in, then kick off your shoes and celebrate your good sense in choosing to stay in Byron Bay! 16
DAY 2 - REJUVENATE Morning Kickstart your day with an early walk along the beach or if you’re keen, a walk to greet the first rays of the sun from Australia’s most eastern point, Cape Byron Lighthouse. Byron does seriously good coffee. There are dozens of plantations and local roasteries, so your morning brew is as local and as fresh as it gets. Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay are local experts in ocean and river kayaking tours, a brilliant way to rejuvenate. You’ll thrill to a guided ocean kayaking tour on the protected waters of Cape Byron Marine Park with dolphins, turtles, seabirds and in season, whales. Or you can chill on a serene river kayak tour along the brilliant shallow water estuarine system of the Brunswick River, home to an incredible array of marine and birdlife. After an active morning, treat yourself to a hearty lunch in Byron, Bangalow or Brunswick Heads. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, a meatlover or fresh seafood
only, Byron fuses global food influences with a passion for growing and buying local.
Afternoon Surf culture is a big part of Byron Bay, so if you want to experience the feeling that ‘only a surfer knows’. (It’s called stoke) take a surf lesson. Or you may want to try Stand-Up Paddle Board. Founded over 20 years ago on famous Bondi Beach, Australia’s greatest surf school Let’s Go Surfing, operate group, family and private lessons right on Main Beach. If you’ve had enough action for today, now’s the time for a bit of shopping. Byron’s fashion, food, arts, surf and wellness industries make for a unique mix of retail therapy options.
Evening Go with the flow for eats and drinks tonight. Fish and chips by the beach, room service, some self-catering or simply a cheese platter and dessert. Your rejuvenation process is underway.
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DAY 3 - EXPLORE Full or half day
Evening
Today’s the day to explore, and here’s a few options:
Treat yourselves to a special night out tonight in Byron Bay, with a show at the Byron Theatre, a live band at the Great Northern Hotel or a dégustation experience at one of Byron’s fine diners.
Join a guided tour to the summit of Cape Byron Lighthouse to learn about its amazing engineering or soak in breathtaking views. Visit the unique Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, home to the most beautiful crystal collection in the world. If it’s a weekend there’s local markets in Byron, Bangalow, Mullumbimby, The Channon or Lismore for a true local experience. There’s live music from local performers, local farmers selling fresh produce and artisans displaying unique creations. Self-drive or take a guided tour to the Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park. Go diving at Julian Rocks or tandem skydiving over... everything!
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DAY 4 - DEPART DEPART FOR ONWARD DESTINATIONS, RELAXED, REJUVENATED AND READY TO EXPLORE! Depart Byron Bay via Ballina Byron, Gold Coast or Brisbane International Airports with Go Byron Airport Shuttle or private transfers with GoPlus+
Trade Inquiries: For priced Byron Bay itineraries or packages like this one, contact Russell Mills rus@surferrosa.com.au
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a e s e h t r o f Take 3 From sunrise at Australia’s most easterly point Cape Byron Lighthouse to the golden glow of sunset over Cape Byron Marine Park, dolphins, turtles, whales and seabirds join surfers, swimmers and beach lovers to rejoice in Byron Bay’s breathtaking natural beauty. Conservation and enhancement of the rich natural environment, marine life and coastline is a core value that unites the communities who live here and enchants hundreds and thousands of international visitors each year. Keeping our beaches and waterways pristine and clean is why Byron Bay and Beyond supports Take 3 for the Sea, an Australian conservation organisation whose vision is to be a leader in reducing plastic pollution in Australia and around the globe. #TAKE3FORTHESEA
Image: Ferdi Rizkiyanti
TAKE 3’S MESSAGE IS SIMPLE:
“Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or… anywhere and you’ve made a difference.”
www.take3.org
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l w o b d o o f s u o i c s u l s ’ n Byro BYRON BAY ENJOYS A SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE WITH BALMY SUMMERS AND MILD, DRY WINTERS. THE TEMPERATE CLIMATE MAKES IT A PERFECT PLACE TO HOLIDAY AS WELL AS A PRIME AGRICULTURAL REGION.
Our farms produce macadamias, avocados, bananas, coffee, pork, vegetables, bush foods, dairy, flowers and so much more. Some of these local producers are now iconic brands, bringing the flavour of Byron to the rest of Australia and the world. Local producers are also leaders in managing the soil and biodiversity. There is a plethora of organic and zero-chemical producers ensuring that bees and other fauna and flora are protected. In 2016, Byron was awarded the Most Outstanding Food region by Delicious magazine. Make sure you come to Byron and experience the incredible produce!
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Absolute beachfront resort with 193 private villas dotted throughout 50 acres overlooking ocean, forest, lake or pond. The central pavilion is home to the restaurant and bar with views across the sunken fire pit and lagoon pool. Other features include adults exclusive pool, spa, beach lounge, poolside cafe, rainforest walks, and horse stables.
Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments (43 rooms) is located in the absolute heart of Byron Bay and just 125 metres from the beach. Offering hotel style rooms and self-contained one, two and three bedroom apartments, this is a highly rated property. Elegantly appointed and surrounded by restaurants, cafes and retail with free underground parking, Wi-Fi and private lap pool. Relax in your home away from home and explore Byron Bay’s charms on foot or bicycle.
The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa is an intimate resort set amongst a 45 acre subtropical rainforest. Each of the 92 beautifully styled and self-contained suites provide the perfect balance between luxury and authenticity. Just minutes from the centre of Byron, this delightful, property allows you to unwind, relax and rejuvenate. Dine on local produce surrounded by the lush rainforest canopy at The Restaurant, indulge in a luxurious day spa experience, lounge by the infinity pool or start your day with a complimentary yoga class.
Sales contact: david.jones@elementsofbyron.com.au elementsofbyron.com.au
Sales contact: russell@byronbayhotelapartments.com.au byronbayhotelapartments.com.au
Sales contact: annissab@thebyronatbyron.com.au thebyronatbyron.com.au
Affordable, quality accommodation for couples, student groups and independent travellers, this completely new building sits within the heritage façade of the historic Byron Shire Council chambers. The property integrates state of the art design into a space rich in Byron Bay’s cultural and social history. Byron Bay Beach Hostel is steps away from Byron Bay’s Main Beach and accommodates up to 250 guests in en-suite queen rooms and multi-share dormitory configurations.
Byron Holiday Park is set on 28 acres of beautiful coastal parklands 5 minutes from iconic Byron Bay with direct beach access. Featuring 70 modern villas, cabins, studios and cottages configured to accommodate families, couples, groups and independent travellers, Byron Holiday Park offers space and comfort with a contemporary laidback coastal vibe. 135 powered & unpowered sites, bicycle hire, onsite café, swimming pool and free Wifi make this picturesque property perfect for self-drive holidays.
Home to the biggest and most beautiful collection of crystals in the world. Relax and rejuvenate among tranquil, verdant nature, landscaped gardens and a labyrinth of sculptures, crystals and monuments of the world’s deities. Experiences include guided and selfguided tours walking through subtropical gardens surrounded by enormous stone statues and extraordinary crystals, some as old as 500 million years. Specialised experiences include aura reading and a meditation immersion in a giant, 20-tonne amethyst crystal cave.
Sales contact: russell@byronbaybeachhostel.com byronbaybeachhostel.com
Sales contact: russell@byronholidaypark.com.au byronholidaypark.com.au
Sales contact: info@crystalcastle.com.au crystalcastle.com.au/
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Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay operate ocean and river kayaking tours with dolphins, whales and turtles in Cape Byron Marine Park and the Brunswick River. Led by a passionate team of trained surf-lifesaver guides with expert environmental and cultural knowledge of Byron Bay on land and sea, these must-do experiences provide unparalleled proximity to dolphins, whales and turtles, or a serene glide along the crystal clear eco system of the Brunswick River. Sales contact: goseakayakbyronbay@live.com.au www.goseakayakbyronbay.com.au/ www.brunswickrivernaturetours.com.au
Established in 1995 from the back of a Kombi van in Bondi Beach, Lets Go Surfing excel at teaching adults, families, kids and groups how to have fun, connect with nature and challenge themselves through the adventure of learning to surf and stand up paddle board. LGS operate accredited and award winning surf and stand up paddle board schools in Bondi, Maroubra, La Perouse and Byron Bay. Byron Bay’s subtropical climate and multiple surf breaks make it the perfect place to find your inner balance on the waves, and there’s no better company to do this with than Lets Go Surfing!
Byron Bay’s one-stop shop for transport. Go Byron has the region’s largest fleet of shuttles, taxis and private transport connecting daily with Ballina, Gold Coast and Brisbane airports. Private transfers operate in modern four seater sedans, Mercedes people movers and Chrysler Super-Stretched Limousines carrying 10 passengers in personalised style. Modern, air-conditioned shuttles with generous luggage allowance operate frequent daily transfers providing a unique door-to-door service from Ballina-Byron and Gold Coast Airport to Byron Bay accommodation.
Sales contact: julia@letsgosurfing.com.au letsgosurfing.com.au
Sales contact: rus@surferrosa.com.au gobyron.com.au
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Our best visitors return every year
www.visitbyronbay.com 24