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The Byron Shire has a permanent population of around 30 000 people, with the town of Byron Bay itself housing close to 9000. It sits just past the Queensland border in northern New South Wales, and is located 800kms north of Sydney, and just 175kms south of Brisbane. A newly-completed highway means visitors can drive to Byron Bay from the Gold Coast in just over 45 mins; those from interstate can fly into the nearby airports of Ballina and Coolangatta.
Cape Byron, which juts out from the actual bay, is Australia’s most easterly point, and the Cape Byron Lighthouse is a poplar tourist attraction year-round. From July to October it is especially popular, as it offers a fantastic vantage point for whale-watching – first as the whales migrate north in winter, then as they return home again with their new babies in Spring.
While the roving local markets, relaxed lifestyle and lively nightlife attract plenty of visitors, it is Byron’s beautiful beaches that most people are there to experience. There are more than 30 in the region! Many are sheltered from the strong southerly winds, providing surfers with opportune breaks along the coastline. The stretches of coastline are largely undeveloped, with merely a few three storey buildings dotted along the beach – no highrises here!
Byron Bay is popular with both young and old travellers, hippies and yuppies, "schoolies", singles and familes. So it’s only natural that Byron should provide all types of accomodation – budget backpacker hostels, luxury spa retreats, family houses for rent, caravan parks & camping grounds, and beachfront cottages and cabins.
The following are approximate price guidelines for accommodation in Byron Bay: