Byron Bay advice.

[Disco Muppet]

Howdy folks.
A few mates of mine are interested in heading up to Byron Bay early next year, and as such we're starting to look at options for getting there, etc. Time spent in reconnoissance and all that.
So, in short:
What would people advise as a good route to travel up there? Up the cost or inland? I'm much more familiar with inland but I don't mind driving up the coast.
Good places to stay? Camp or motel?
Might have to duck across into QLD to say G'day to a few folks, so we'll see.
Cheers
Muppet

[Yorkie]

we just did the coast road to gc and back, stopped in at evans head on friday night, pub was good with live band, saturday was tricky!. :angel:
i like south west rocks and brooms head/sandon river.

surely a bunch of lads would be more into camping in swags than sharing a motel room? :angel::D
or go inland and stay in the local pubs, rooms are cheap and have a night in the pub.

no tips on byron, been twice and not bothered about returning.:)

[Disco Muppet]

Yeah I've been to Byron a few times, not particularly memorable but if other people are paying for fuel why not :D
SWR I know fairly well, dads got an old Land Rover mate up there who has turned to the toyota side and gives us heaps, me for buying one, dad for letting me :D
I'm more interested in good places to stop on the way, places to poke around for a bit of 4WDing, stuff like that :)

[RisingSun]

Yamba / Iluka is a great little spot next to the ocean if you go the coast way.

Byron is nice, Lennox Head is better.

I grew up in the area and Byron definately does not match my Childhood memories anymore. :(
Have a beer in the top pub for me :twobeers:

[warren9981]

Byron is overrated and expensive IMHO.

Lennox Head is a nice spot as is Brunswick Heads further north.

1. The Ebor road from Armidale to Grafton is a nice WINDY drive and goes through Nymboida. You can see the CSI there (Coaching Station Inn), Russell Crowes museum. Has a good display of his movie memorabilia and local tin mining, Cobb and Co. coaches amongst other things. Last time I was there they also had a Rabbitoh's chopper motorcycle made by Orange County Choppers in USA.

2. Another option is to go down the waterfall way from Armidale to Bellingen and then up the coast road through Coffs Harbour. Haven't been this way yet, but planning to do it the weekend after next. Interesting museums, cafe's and other stuff to do at Bellingen.

Couple of options for you.

[mattyg]

I second warrens waterfall way route. can be done in 1 longish day if you wish or stop at coffs harbor for a night and stop in at some of the other beachside places Yamba, iluka, Evans head, Lennox head.

Contrary to the other views expressed I think Byron is tops. Yes it isn't as sleepy and relaxed as it used to be but still has a really nice vibe and is one of the most beautiful places and has some of the most beautiful people in the country. It can be pretty busy in peak season though!

I grew up nearby and will be up at Lennox head visiting family for the first week in 2014.( And maybe going to Falls festival at the new Byron site!!)

Things to do beside relaxing on the beach;

1. Climb mount warning for sunrise (camp nearby the night before and get up early)

2. Check out the awesome waterfalls such as protestors falls in the world heritage listed national parks around mt warning.

3. Ring ahead and organize a tour with the RAAF bombing range at Evans Head. We did this about 10 years ago so don't know if they still do it. But we got to watch the bombing runs of the f111's up close. Amazing watching them come in low over the water.

4. You can drive from Evans head around to near south ballina on the beach if you time the tides right. Nice drive. -lost a bumper light to a rock on the disco at incoming tide!

Should get you started

Enjoy

[warren9981]

The air museum at Evans Head has just opened up this week so may be worth a look.
Minyon Falls is worth a trip as is Rocky Creek dam (Lismore's water supply).
I would second the early morning Mt Warning sunrise. This is the first place in Australia the sun hits. Byron Bay is the most easterly but due to it's height Mt Warning gets the sun first.
There is some great 4wding around the area here as well.

[DiscoMick]

Bunjalung NP is good. Several places to go. Study the map.
We also like Brunswick Heads. Park near the pub and walk over to the beach.