If the outback is the heart of Australia, then Byron Bay is its butthole – there I said it!  And I’m sorry if you live there, or have a connection to the place, but I reserve my opinion. 

The once sub tropical paradise is now overcrowded, over reputed, and exhausted by the masses that flock there. Those that walk the main street will find that the ‘hippy vibe’ has been replaced long ago by hypocrisy and pretence with every business swooping in to extract a dollar from you under the Byron Bay brand. 

In fact you can barely park your car without paying a fee – yes, merely existing in this town will cost you. Byron Bay is beautiful – the beaches and coastline are spectacular – but it is a town of contradiction. 

“You can’t come to Australia without going to Byron Bay!” – actually, you can!

If this is a part of the world you wish to visit then hope is NOT lost! Pick ANY other town on the NSW North Coast and you will find that same beauty, the allure of the pacific ocean – but most of all – room to breathe!

But, as I say, leave Byron Butthole Bay to the masses! 

( Sorry for my vulgar language – again, this is just my opinion and I fully respect that people travel for different reasons and see places through different eyes. What’s your impression? ) 

Anyhow, here is a pic of Willow enjoying a sunrise in Byron Bay shortly before we drove out wondering why we drove in there in the first place. She doesn’t seem to feel as strongly towards the place as I do..