Byron Shire is a year-round subtropical paradise, resting at the end of a long sweeping bay, on the north coast of New South Wales. Around two hours drive south of Brisbane, Byron Bay is as much of a must-do destination as Uluru and the Gold Coast.

The climate is comfortable all year round with warm summers around 28 degrees and dry mild winters around 21 degrees. A thriving resort town, Byron Bay is surrounded by 30km of clean sandy beaches.

The township is dominated by the Cape Byron Lighthouse, its halogen beam safely guiding seafarers past Australia’s most easterly point. Visitors can wander along the Cape Byron Walking track and watch dolphins play in the waters below and the gliders soar in the thermals above. Whales can be seen frolicking in the waters off the headland as they migrate along the eastern coast from July through to October.

The pristine beaches are the ideal spot for a sunrise surf, refreshing swim or to try your luck fishing. Try snorkeling in the aquatic wonderland of the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve. Over 400 unique species inhabit the waters where the warm tropical waters and cooler southern currents meet.

Adventurous travellers can try bush walking, hang gliding, scuba diving, tandem sky diving, gliding, kayaking, surfing, horse riding, deep sea fishing and a myriad of other activities.

When you’ve had enough of the sand and the sun, step into the cool green landscape of the Byron Hinterland. A rich mixture of exotic fruits and nuts, sugar cane and native bush tucker is farmed by the locals in the rich volcanic soils. Quaint villages boasting unique handcrafts and artworks nestle in the lush hinterland rainforest.

Settled by the working class, Byron Bay was first claimed by the surfers, followed quickly by the hippies and the artists, adding a little flavour to the mix. Well heeled, and often famous travellers have since discovered Byron Bay and it's this special mix that makes the area appealing on so many levels.

Accommodation in Byron Bay caters for all tastes and budgets from basic self-contained accommodation to luxurious resort style pampering. The range of dining experiences is just as diverse from wholefood cafes to award-winning restaurants. After dinner, head to the local and enjoy live music, the theatre for a little culture or dance the night away at one of the area’s nightclubs.

Now is the time to discover Byron Bay, before the alternative, yet accepting small community atmosphere is swallowed by the encroaching big business chains.