Byron Bay has the propensity to convert even the most urban city-dwellers into crochet-clad nomads. Salty shorelines, balcony bars and palm tree pandemonium make it the perfect fusion of beach and social scene. Read on for some Byron Bay travel truths and get ready to travel Australia.
Within a few days of stepping into Byron Bay, I was convinced that purchasing a cross-body fringed bag and other UBE (Unnecessary Boho Ephemera) was 100% mandatory in order for complete immersion.
So, I donned aforementioned loot and roamed around the most effortlessly cool and beachy patch of Oz for a good seven days. I wasn’t deceiving anyone, but had a lot of fun trying.
Nobody can come here and resist The Byron Bay effect, aka the sudden urge to ravage dinky side-lane boutiques, purchase stuff with tassels or pom-poms and condition yourself to believe that those polarised circular sunnies look ga-reat on you.
After endless hours of people-watching and careful observation, here are my Byron Bay travel truths:
1. High heels are forbidden at all times
Save yourself some packing space and chuck them back in your wardrobe already! If you don’t believe this now, put on a pair of your favourite stilettos, head to The Beach Club and enjoy the bemused stares. I dare you.
Despite many efforts to transition into a fully-fledged, bare-footed Byron Bay boho babe, I ended up just opting for some flat sandals and Birkenstocks. Easy.
2. The people are really, really great
This one’s a no-brainer. The general Byron Bay public are just innately lovely. From shopkeepers to bartenders and just about everyone in between, they have that whole laid-back Byron Bay persona down.
Even the entirety of the kebab store staff are enthusiastic to serve people at one in the morning. Amazing.
3. Tie-dye is king (or queen)
You are suddenly going to embrace the concept of tie-dye. Crazy. I know. The Rainbow Shop in the heart of Byron Bay is going to make you rethink your preconceptions regarding that garish ’70s trend that you swore you would never succumb to unless attending a Coachella-themed party.
4. Did someone say kebabs?
Speaking of kebabs, YOU WILL BUY ALL OF THEM. Bring enough $$$ for souvenirs and reserve some for kebab runs only. They’re legit. Byron Bay travel food sorted!
5. The sun is mean in Byron
Lather yourself in SPF. Byron Bay has some seriously mean UV. The temperature on some days is a seemingly bearable 27 degrees, yet a stroll in town feels like a hike through an active volcano site. Slip, slop, slap.
Byron Bay is a place like no other. Go explore it and prepare to leave your heart behind.
Wanna fall for the Byron Bay effect? We feel ya. Come check out our Australia trips and watch our epic video on Australia.
