Get in touch with your inner surfie in Byron Bay

Situated on New South Wales' chilled-out north coast, Byron Bay is the place to get in touch with your inner nudist, stoner, surfie, yogi or bongo-banger. 

A mecca for hippies and yuppies alike, this rainforest-flanked east coast resort town boasts 30 kilometres of sandy beach as its playground.

Jaded city slickers, artists and alternative lifestylers have been flocking here for years to surf with pods of dolphins, bang bongos as the sun sets over rainforest hinterland, watch whales migrate from the Cape Byron lighthouse and munch their way through gourmet restaurants after indulging in some of the strongest marijuana on the planet.

Byron Bay is firmly fixed on the backpacker circuit and the town has the bars, clubs and budget hostels to cater for them. You'll also find plenty of mid-range and luxury accommodation here and more New Age healers than you can shake an incense stick at vying to massage or medicate you to Nirvana.

Every weekend, Byron Bay and the surrounding hinterland towns such as The Channon, Murwillumbah and Nimbin, take turns hosting sensational outdoor markets, loaded with hand-crafted clothes and locally-made delicacies.

Byron Bay is also home to two of Australia's biggest music festivals - the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival held over the Easter long weekend and the Splendour In The Grass rock festival held every summer.

Outside of summer is the nicest time to visit Byron Bay; the crowds dissipate but the ocean remains warm enough for swimming.