Byron Bay

My last stop on the east cost before Sydney was Byron Bay. Warmly recommended by my sister, who spent a year in Australia a few years ago, I just had to stop here - and enjoyed myself a lot. Next to the lovely beach, the place itself is nice as well. Lots of small restaurants and boutiques - anything to take the money from all the tourists walking up and down the streets...but I got some very nice food. Top was probably my sourdough toast with tomato, avocado and lime topping - yummmh!

As advised by my sister, I set off early for a walk, equipped with my swimmers, a pick nick and "The tears of the Moon" by Di Morrisey. After a nice and leisurely breakfast, I set of through the forest, along the hill, up to the lighthouse. Every bench (almost) I stopped to read a few pages of the book I had with me: it is set in Broome and the region I had visited there a few weeks ago and I just had to continue reading this story as well as enjoying the scenery here in Byron Bay....

The views in Byron Bay are stunning - high cliffs, big waves, people surfing, long, sandy beaches,... and lots of whales swimming in the ocean: you just had to look out at the water and you could see them blowing and coming out of the water - impressive!

I slowly made my progress around the lighthouse, then down to the cliffs, which represent Australia's mainland most easterly point. There I realised how far I have travelled over the last few weeks: mid-August I was at the most westerly point - and Australia is big, very big.

I made it to first beach, went for a swim, had my pick nick, read on my book. Then moved on to the second beach and finally to the third.... this little tour took me all day and I got to see a colorful sunset on the main beach, watching the seagulls eating what they could find, straight out of the water.

All in all a perfect day, enjoying myself, the wonderful countryside and a good book!