Day 254 - Friday 8 September - Byron Bay

Day 254

Friday

8 September 2017 –

Byron Bay

Friday again! We were awake just after 7am and read for an hour before finally getting out and amongst the beautiful day. We had breakfast and did a few bits in the van before heading out for a walk. 

 

We wandered past Tallow Creek where the wrens were flitting about once again. We crossed over the bridge and left our thongs at the beach path before walking out onto the sand of Tallow Beach. There were so many dogs out running around it made us homesick for Yogi.

The waves were crashing in against the sand with some force, certainly not credible wave riding or swimming weather today. However, the sun was out and it was a cloudless day. 

We walked to a washed up tree root that had been “hippified” with colourful paint and political messages. We then made our way back to our thongs and the creek, taking the time to take some photos of the water birds and structures around the place.

Once back at the van, we gathered our things and headed to Cape Byron and the lighthouse that sits at the point. Finding parking was a bit of a challenge but we were lucky to have one car pull out just as we reached the last point. It was also fortunate that this was one spot that wasn’t paid parking.

We joined the many other tourists enjoying the view. We looked out over the cliff to the water below noticing a large pod of dolphin. A parks officer was around telling people it was basically a nursery for Mum’s and bubs, with some of the dolphins only a week old.  

We had a great overhead view of the pod who were surfing the waves and jumping around. Further out, the humpback whales were making their way south but they were too far out for a good view.

We made our way up and around the lighthouse walking down to a lower viewing platform for a better view. We then completed a lap of the complex taking in the view of Byron Bay before entering the info centre and having a chat to the aboriginal lady behind the counter.

We returned to the path, watching a few whales that were a little closer to the shore before checking out the view over Tallow Beach where we had walked this morning and then returning to the car and driving into central town, parking at the Woollies once again.

We did a walk of the streets, passing an old boy hula hooping and singing on a corner that gave us a laugh, so I threw him some money. We did a lap before returning to do our shopping and returning it to the car.

We returned to the main street, walking past Surf Alley, where I took photos of the interesting murals. We continued on to the Beach Hotel and joined the crowds. We ordered our lunch then sat back enjoying the cruisey feel before eating our meal. I also took time to ring a caravan park in Ballina and book in for the next two nights fearing the weekend could be busy.

Once our bellies were well full, we returned to Stone & Wood brewery so Paul could refill his growler. We once again chatted to Cale and another barman, before they got busy with tour groups, so we made out way from there and on to Byron Bay Brewery once again.

We set ourselves up in the beer garden, enjoying the afternoon sun as Paul had another beer and we people watched. It was another lazy afternoon that we thoroughly enjoyed.

We made our way back to the van for 3pm. Paul decided to load up the car and I went through the photos. When he was done we went for a walk around the park. There was a Dykes on Bikes run occurring and all the girls were staying in the park, so Paul was keen to take a wander and check out the bikes they were on. It made him homesick for his Harley.

When I returned to the van, I put our first brewery review onto the We Love Craft Beer website. I think it will be a long process completing the backlog we have been to but at least they will be in one place for us and for all those after Craft beer nuts who have been pestering us for the full rundown.

After the sun had gone down, we cooked up a quick dinner. Dad called and we had a chat. He looks like he has been living the good life with a few extra pounds added from all the clotted cream he has been indulging in. Lucky he will be home on Tuesday.

Paul rang Ballsy, Errol and Jaden, catching up on everyone’s lives back home.  He then settled in with his book as we kept an eye on the Wildcats preseason game against Adelaide. The night slipped away and it wasn’t long before we were heading for bed.