Waterworld - Byron Bay

No, this is not about some crap Kevin Costner movie... But about Byron Bay, surfing town extraordinaire. The place where about 25% walks barefoot, every other shop sells or hires surfboards and is known for the perfect beginner waves. 

Beach access from our hostel

We checked in at the Backpackers Inn at the Beach, a very laid back hostel. Of course with its own surf school on site. After some deliberations I decided I would book a lesson, after all: if not now, then when? Rodie decided not to risk it, he would book advice at Julian Rocks instead. So the next morning, al psyched, I was ready for my lesson! Unfortunately my teacher was not: she called in sick. I decided to walk with Rodie into town to the dive shop. After all, I had nothing better to do.

Hanging out at the yard, it's s hard life

Now, Julian Rocks is apparently a really good dive spot. It's high up there in those top 10 lists. July is the season for grey nurses sharks, and since Rodie has a shark obsession, he wouldn't miss this chance. The 2 morning dives were already fully booked, but there were spots left on the afternoon dive, though it wasn't sure if that would run, because of the high winds. In the end we both booked that afternoon dive (I had nothing better to do remember?) even at a hefty price of $98 per dive. 

Sunset over the ocean, far right are Julian rocks

At 2pm we got back, and after signing our life away (you really can't do anything in Australia without signing liability waivers!), we got our gear. We put our suits on in the dive shop, then got in the van to the boat. That was strange. But we soon found out why. Because Byron has no harbour, you're launching off the beach, in a RIB. The tanks are in the middle, and we sat on the sites. Holding on for dear life. What a ride! It was 'a little choppy' as our skipper put it. We were soaked by the time we got to the rocks.

Byron surf lessons

We dove in a group of 5, four Dutchies and a Swedish guide. Just as we submerged we saw a Wobbegong shark, all exited we alerted each other. And then saw another few dozen of 'em... The bottom was really covered in Wobbegongs. Very cool! 

The water was quite murky though, about 8 meters visibility. A bit of an adjustment after the cristal clear waters up North, and we had to pay a bit more attention. But a few minutes into the dive we found them: three pretty big Grey nurse sharks! They were about 2 metres long, and we practically bumped into them, we swam a close as one metre or so. I had expected to find it a tad scary, but not at all! They weren't interested in us at all, and quietly swam off. We saw a few more during the dive. 

What else did we encounter? Loads of small fish (found Dory!) a turtle and a big school of rays. A good dive all in all. 

Strike a pose! Paparazzi shot of me during the lesson

The next morning my surf lesson happened, of course I was a good 15 years older than my classmates. And the only one that had never surfed before. Great... 

The surf in Byron is really good for beginners: continuous waves close to the beach, you just keep on trying. And I did! I managed to catch a few waves on my own, and stand on my board! Very proud of me. And exhausted after 2,5 hours. But I had fun!

On our way to the lighthouse

On our final day we had to walk to the lighthouse. Byron Bay is the most easterly point of mainland Australia, so of course we had to tick the box too. We were told it was about a 30-minute walk there, and happily set out after brunch. And got there about 1.5 hours later. 

It probably was a 30-minute walk from the parking lot. Or a 30-minut run from the hostel. It was a enjoyable walk though. But oh... My whole body was pretty sore from that surfing adventure, the price you have to pay for not acting your age!

On our walk we saw a bit more wildlife: 2 pods of dolphins playing, 8-9 humpbacks in 4 pods a bit further out, a company of gannets, and of course the lorikeets! 

Made it!

Now... As a final thought: it would be nice to have some interaction on this blog. Quite a few people asked for it before we went away, but so far there hasn't been a single reply. Which is a bit discouraging, since it takes quite some time and effort to get this online (Australia is certainly not known for free wifi) It's raining today, so I haven't got anything better to do, but in general: Should I continue blogging, or isn't it worth the effort?

Lorikeet