Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a town in the state of New South Wales on the eastern most point of the mainland of Australia. Shire population is in excess of 30,000 people (ABS estimate 2003).
Byron Bay is located about 800 km north of Sydney and 200 km south of Brisbane. Cape Byron, a headland adjacent to the town, is the eastern-most point of the continent of Australia. The Cape Byron Lighthouse was opened in 1901, and is one of the most powerful beacons in Australia. The town has several beautiful beaches and it is a resort popular with both domestic and international tourists and is a favourite town for backpackers who often try to circumnavigate Australia.
The town has a laid back and friendly atmosphere where recreational drug use is accepted and a part of town life. There are many pubs and bars, and many alternative lifestyle events including yoga retreats, pagan gatherings and all night dance raves.
During the winter months (June-August in the southern hemisphere), whales swim past Byron Bay making it a favourite destination for wildlife lovers. Most common are the Humpback whales but many other species are also to be found making their annual sojourn to the north.
There is a very strong community feeling in Byron and resistance to capitalism's inroads has been strong. When a franchise of McDonalds attempted to open in the town, it met with so much community resistance it was not able to serve a single burger and had to shut down before it got off the ground.
Byron Bay. Sugar cane burns in the distance. (Or maybe an American fast food outlet?)
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