Our long-awaited school holiday finally arrived, and this time, we were determined to make the most of it. Our destination was the stunning Byron Bay in New South Wales, just a short flight away from Sydney, a mere one-hour journey on a small plane.
The anticipation for this trip had been building up for quite some time. Originally planned during the height of the pandemic, we had to cancel it at the last minute due to a looming lockdown. Later, Byron Bay faced heavy flooding in 2022, prompting us to change our plans and explore Western Australia instead. However, after two years, we decided it was time to give Byron Bay another shot, and we couldn’t have been happier with our decision.
Day 1: A Serene Retreat at Crystalbrook Byron Bay
Touching down in Byron Bay, the weather welcomed us with a beautiful sunny day. We reached our accommodation, the Crystalbrook Byron Bay, and were immediately enchanted by its location within a rainforest. It exuded a serene and captivating ambiance.
After settling into our room, we embarked on a walk through of the rainforest track. To our amazement, we encountered two kangaroos just a few metres away from us. We stood still, and so did they, as if both parties were equally intrigued by the unexpected meeting. It was a moment of pure joy and wonder.
For dinner, we dined at the elegant Forest Restaurant, though the food was not as exceptional as the surroundings. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable evening.
Day 2: Cape Byron Lighthouse and Wildlife Sanctuary
Starting the day with a delightful breakfast at the Forest Restaurant, we were visited by a friendly little guest (a bird) who became a regular morning visitor throughout our stay.
The highlight of the day was visiting the Cape Byron Lighthouse, an iconic spot not to be missed. The breathtaking view from the lighthouse, overlooking the majestic coastline, left us in awe. Standing at Australia’s most easterly point felt special, and we even joked about being able to see New Zealand from there.
Tip: There are two carparks available and the one that is closest to the Lighthouse costs $10. If you would prefer to pay a smaller fee, you may wish to park at the first one further down. I believe that one is $5 instead.
In the afternoon, we ventured to the Wildlife Sanctuary, a delightful farm-like zoo. Here, we had the opportunity to feed farm animals, kangaroos, emus, and spot two adorable koalas. It was a perfect outing for my son, who thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Day 3: Minyon Falls and Main Beach
Following our daily breakfast out in the forest, we set out on a 50-minute drive to Minyon Falls, winding our way along scenic roads.
Upon reaching our destination, we found ourselves at the Minyon Falls lookout platform, which offered breathtaking views of the 100-metre-deep gorge. The serenity of the place, with the gentle flow of water and the awe-inspiring natural beauty, was captivating.
Our visit was relatively short, as we soon made our way back to Byron Bay. We spent the remainder of the day at the main beach and later explore the city in the evening for dinner.
Day 4: The Farm Byron Bay
As we reached day four, we thought we had explored all the places to visit in Byron Bay. However, a last-minute discovery led us to The Farm Byron Bay, an absolute gem. The picturesque setting against the backdrop of a blue sky made it a memorable experience.
Day 5: Farewell to Byron Bay
On the fifth day, it was time to bid farewell to Byron Bay and head back to Sydney. Our hearts were full of cherished memories and a desire to embark on another adventure soon.
As we left this stunning coastal town, we couldn’t help but contemplate our next destination. Where should we go next?
Until then… sweet travels!