If you want a holiday destination that is warm in the summer and mild in winter and has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere then look no further than Byron Bay. Add to this the fantastic surfing opportunities and the sparkling beaches and you have the perfect holiday destination with wonderful Byron Bay cottages to stay in. This coast side town is situated in New South Wales in Australia and is the easternmost point on the mainland.

Byron’s reputation as being a laid back and friendly place comes, in part, from it’s heritage. For many thousands of years Aborigines have been coming to the area to swap stories, trade goods and get married. Though much of the evidence of this history has been wiped out both by natural and man made forces some of it still remains. The oldest example of such evidence is a Aboriginal site that is 1000 years old situated at palm valley.

The relaxed atmosphere is also helped by the lack of cars. The areas inhabitants and visitors are encouraged to use sustainable sources of transport such as walking and cycling.

Not only are the beaches around the bay beautiful and clean, they are also a surfers paradise offering many spectacular surf breaks. You can take surf lessons if you can’t resist the waves. Not only are the beaches ideal for surfing they also offer dog friendly options and beaches with barbeque’s built in. Whale watching is a huge industry in Byron Bay and it is possible to gain spectacular views of the whales from a number of the beaches.

If nature is your thing you will be spoiled for choice. The Cape Byron headland reserve has a deserved reputation as being one of the most beautiful places in the world. It boasts breath taking cliff drops, rain forest’s teeming with wildlife and breathtaking ocean views. You can take a number of tours in this area including a night tour with night vision goggles for a unique view of the animals.

One of the highlights that you can not miss if you visit the area is the Julian rocks marine reserve. This underwater paradise consists of rock left by a volcano that erupted 20 million years ago and is the habitat of a dazzling array of marine life. Over 500 types of tropical fish swim around the reserve and you can see them by going on one of the dive expeditions that are available. You might also catch a glimpse of some leopard or gray nurse sharks.

You will be spoilt for choice regarding food, whatever your tastes. The regional markets provide a wealth of fresh local produce and the relaxed atmosphere makes them a pleasure to visit. If self catering isn’t for you then there are over 100 restaurants you can sample. If you want to go on to a show or nightclub after your meal then there are plenty to choose from that will ensure you are never short of things to do.

A trip to Byron Bay is full of adventure and surprises for those who want them as Sky diving and paragliding lessons are available. For people who want a more relaxing and undemanding holiday the beautiful beaches and nature reserves provide the perfect break that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Visit our website to see some of the great Byron Bay attractions.