We absolutely loved Byron Bay! Such a cool place with amazing beaches, a hippy vibe and renound for its surf culture. A place where everybody told us to stop on the way down the south coast, and we're glad we did! It has been nicknamed North Bondi due to its great surf and popularity and is now loosing its small seaside charm, as people flock here from all directions. We had already booked hostel accomodation here as Erika had some vouchers for mainbeach Backpackers. As we had got a late bus down from Surfers, we watched the end of a movie in the tv lounge and then headed to bed. Our dorm was so humid and hot but I don't mind the heat and Chris had blagged a bed next to the fan so it was all good.

Eager to see what all the hype was about we were out and about early the next morning exploring the town and headed to mainbeach for the day. We had no plans but to relax on the beach and soak up where we were. It was great, Chris was in the sea literally all day riding the waves in like a huge water baby, while Erika and I sun bathed, cooling of for a swim occasionally when the sun got to unbearable. We had made a picnic that morning for the beach which was lovely, staying at the beach all afternoon.

The next day we took the gorgeous coastal walk up to Cape Byron, it was stunning! Walking along the cliff tops we saw dolphins and went past many bays such as Clarks and Watigo, full of local surfers who clearly knew the best beaches. While venturing out onto the peninsular, Australia's most easterly point we spotted 3 dolphins literally riding the waves that were crashing against the cliffs, jumping out the water.The water was so clear you could see them swimming in the wave, amazing!! From here we took the long climb up the steps to the picturesque lighthouse. The weather was gorgeous and the sky was deep blue making for a great picture of the lighthouse! Up here we had another picnic and got some cold drinks after a hot climb for the cafe. After soaking in the views we headed back down the road way this time which offered even more views of cosy corner and Tallow Beach, so long! That afternoon Chris played some poker with the lads from our hostel while Erika and I hit mainbeach again for some more bronzing! Later Erika found him near the locals shops at a hippy event in the park blagging free hot dogs from the church lovers!

While we were here we planned on going out for some drinks but thought we would wait until saturday so had a movie night with the other travellers. However we still didn't make it out the following night in the end as we both got to drunk on goon before going out, it was hilarious though and saved us a hefty chunk of money. However the following day was god awful. We bummed about, swimming in the sea as it makes you feel about 20 times better, ate rubbish such as the local fish and chips as we couldn't be bothered to cook and felt sorry for ourselves, completely self inflicted though so we expected no sympathy and got none funnily enough haha! That night we met up with Erika who had done a day trip to Nimbin for the day and headed on a late afternoon bus to Coffs Harbour. xxx