So on Thursday after we left Surf Camp we took to the road again, heading north up the coast towards Byron Bay. We stopped at a highly recommended pie shop for lunch which sold pretty much every type of pie you could think of, including a few 'native' ones. I chose crocodile. I guess it tastes a bit like chicken. Oh, and lemon meringue, but that's not quite as exotic, is it?
Onward we progressed into sugar cane country, arriving in the small resort town of Byron Bay at about 6. We checked into a backpackers and then went for a big night out at the bar across the road, finishing up in the early hours of the morning around 3. Most of us had the next day there including me, so we could afford a late night. I also stayed an extra night so that I could keep the same driver guide. Ours, Jane, is really good and once you've got a decent guide you should make sure you keep them. The route may be the same, but it's the guide that can make your trip that extra bit better.
After a late start on Friday, I went on the Internet in town to check my emails and update this, then headed down to the beach. I had lunch there before meeting up with some fellow backpackers off of the bus. We spent a good few hours lazing around before heading back to our hostel. Before dinner, I went shopping with Susie and Alix and I actually ended up buying something and one of them didn't get anything, which doesn't really do much for that stereotype. Anyway, we cooked ourselves a meal and then went out again, although just until midnight as we had to get the bus at 8 the next day.
Byron Bay itself is a small town dependant almost entirely on tourism and is home to one of the best surfing beaches on the east coast; its arc ensures that there's a decent amount of surf on most days even if the wind blows in all sorts of different directions. It's got a fairly laid-back feel to it and the council is trying to keep it that way with no traffic lights or MacDonald's, but the amount of travel agents and bars seem to be pulling it away from its past self. Nevertheless, it's a nice little party town and one that you're sure to find great if you're into surfing, shopping or the nightlife.
