It's important to sometimes leave the skyscrapers of Sydney and explore one of the Utopia's of Australia, Byron Bay.
After a seriously long road trip of never ending roads, a mean hangover and bottomless coffee we made it out of Bondi and to a place I could only dream that one day I could call home.
After our first night which consisted of the cheap cider sold at our hostel; Aquarias and a bar called 'Cheeky Monkeys,' we decided to explore.
First stop: the lighthouse.
It's a pretty awesome walk up to the lighthouse, even on the overcast day we experienced. Listening to Tenacious D and singing like the hungover, tourist pommy's that we were marched up to what can only be described as a perfectly white and picture perfect building.
It is always busy, especially at weekends. So if you're driving, do yourself a favour and park further down the hill. The parking is cheaper and the walk up the hill is pure lush.
The Bay is a beautiful escape with numerous beaches which stretch for miles. I for one don't surf, but due to the horrendous storm which hit the entire East coast, the waves got pretty huge and if i'm honest, pretty terrifying. The day after the storm was the perfect opportunity to take some pictures of the beautiful landscape.
The shopping in Byron Bay is something else. The rainbow shop was where my friend picked up some tie dye goodies for her little one. Anyone who is a fan of bright colours and typically the rave scene of the 90's and 2000's, this is your stop!
Spell and Arnhem are two of my all time favourites, but be sure to check out the markets on a Sunday leading up to the beach as there's locally brewed organic coffee to die for, and handmade jewellery and goodies.
Our last evening turned out to be the best. Our flight got cancelled due to the storms the day before, which we later found out damaged much of our beloved Sydney. Not cool. With all the stress of study commitments and family commitments we decided to just take a breath and watch the sunset; polished off with plenty of drinks, of course. A Byron sunset is unlike any i've ever captured before. If only I had my new camera, eh?!
Places to go:
1. BAY LEAF - the vietnamse coffee and mushroom toast is to die for.
2. The lighthouse - and if you have time, go at sunrise or sunset as well as during the day for a mini hike.
3. Nimbin - Pick up your cookies and everything slightly herby. It's an interesting place but I skipped it this time as it's one street and a one time thing.
4. Crystal Castle - I didn't actually get time to go myself but everyone at the hostel was raving about having a picnic in the sun there.
5. Bach hotel - On a Sunday night this place goes off! Amazing DJ's, but get there early because it closes at midnight.
6.
There's nothing quite like escaping everyday routines and obligations and being free.
Travel often. Be free. Remember to follow your own path instead of settling on all of someone else's adventure.
Run around in the sun and the sea and laugh until your cheeks and stomachs hurt. You can travel cheap and live cheaply so stop dreaming and just do it. You won't regret it, you'll just ask why you didn't do it sooner.
