Byron Bay
“’Scuse me while I kiss the sky”
— Jimi Hendrix
Welcome to Byron Bay, home to the most easterly point of mainland Australia. I had finally arrived in New South Wales. Time to stop drinking XXXX beer and switch to Tooheys or VB.
After checking into the campground, I headed out towards the lighthouse. Along the way I noticed some hang gliders, and a nearby instructor tried to convince me to give it a try. I had experienced enough danger on this trip, so I passed. I did, however, decide to do some more diving. The water was a little murky and I saw very little the first day, but on my second day out I saw a few sea turtles and a nurse shark.
Byron is also home to a large alternative-lifestyle community — or hippies, as we tend to call them in North America. Walking around downtown Byron felt a little like stepping back into 1968. I’m too young to remember 1968. Honest.
The scent of incense and marijuana filled the air. I saw rainbow-coloured VW vans with Bob Dylan lyrics scribbled on the sides and walked through a park where people with acoustic guitars were belting out Neil Young and CSNY songs. People seemed to walk barefoot everywhere. This phenomenon wasn’t reserved for hippies either. Even in upscale shopping malls throughout Australia, I noticed plenty of people walking around barefoot.
A good example of Byron Bay’s character was Earth ‘n’ Sea Pizza. It served one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. I had such a great time in Byron Bay that I extended my stay for a few extra days.
I did manage to get pulled over for speeding. The policeman took one look at me and said, “Looks like the Queensland sun has punished you enough. Off you go, mate.”
