The adventure started from Gold Coast southward to Byron in a rented Tarago MPV. Time on the clock ticked 3600 times and we reach Byron area already. Plains of green grassland and clear blue skies really soothe me. FOr a moment I felt like blown away by a zephyr. Byron is located not less than 80km south of Surfers Paradise, the center of Gold Coast, Queensland. The route from GC to Byron is easy and the network of roads are easily understood. Went up Pacific Highway southbound to Sydney and Byron is just en route. Toll? There's no such thing as toll here.
Mount Warning could be seen from afar since it is the tallest peak in that area whose name previously was Wollumbin which means 'father of all mountains'. It is not listed as the top 20 tallest peaks in Australia, though, but with the height of 1156 meters, Mount Warning can be quite a warning to those who wish to set foot on it's peak.
Meanwhile, Byron Bay is a small township located in the northern part of New South Wales state in Australia, within Byron Shire county. Nearest towns include Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads. Populations in Byron can be estimated to be between 5000 to 6000 only.
Among the attractions to Byron Bay is whale watching during July until September each year. Humpback whale who are on their great migration will pass around the Cape Byron area. Speaking of that, we managed to witness a group of fish, most probably whales somewhere the near the cliffs on Cape Byron.
Other than that, Byron Bay also shares similarity with Gold Coast as surfers' haven. Huge waves, strong winds and perfect weather are all a surfer can hope for to get on his board. Handgliding is also another form of extreme adventure that one can try out.
Cape Byron housed an important landmark of Byron Shire, a lighthouse. This structure was built in 1901, more than a century ago but it looks like it was just being built only recently. White and clean, situated on top of the hill.
Visitors can pay a visit to Cape Byron and watch the beauty of the most easterly point of the Australian Mainland.
It was simply astonishing. Captain James Cook, who was first to discover Cape Byron in around 1770 named this place after John Byron, a renowned sailor who used to sail around the world.
During our visit, temperature was estimated to be between 20 and 24 degrees Celcius. It was just after summer season and it was sunny and windy. Humidity was almost negligible. We could spent all day outdoor under the sun without causing us terrible sweat.
At the small town of Byron, there are restaurants and cafes, surf shops, and convenience stores but very limited options on halal food. In fact we didn't find any. So we just had a piece of garlic bread we bought at Domino's. Just enough to get us up and going.
Next attractions of Byron are of course, the beaches. There are a few beaches along Byron Bay; Clarkes Beach, Main Beach, Belongil Beach, Wategos Beach and also The Pass. We chosen Clarkes Beach as that was the first one we passed by. Made a stop there for a swim in the sea. Clarkes Beach is actually extended from the Main Beach but is less crowded than the latter. Hot sun was right on top of us but the water seemed to be so cold. Other than swimming, visitors can enjoy kite-gliding and surfing at the beach. As usual, all beaches in Australia are guarded by beach patrol units. Also can be found at almost every beach are facilities like bathroom, toilets and BBQ pits.
