Australia, a gem surrounded by its endless rugged shorelines, aerons have passed to shape this continent into the way it is today. I have written about its superb hinterlands, now let's take a break and let me walk you through some of its amazing beaches and heathlands outside of the Byron buzz!
Let's talk about the east coast shorelines. Some of you may have recognised Byron Bay from the above picture. Yes, that is one of the iconic spots near Queensland and NSW border. Greeted by millions of visitors each year, it is busy all year round. Want to get away from the buzz? Let's look at the beaches around Byron!
1. Broken Heads - Byron Bay's next door neighbour
A little further down south from Byron Bay, Broken Heads would be a great choice to enjoy a beach day and stay away from the crowds. A fantastic spot for surfing!
Don't feel like surfing or going into the water today? That's all good, be sure to visit the Three Sisters walkingn track along the heathland, right next to the beach! If you keep going, there is a little lookout at the very end of the walk, which provides an amazing panoramic view.
If you are quite confident driving on gravel roads, then go on to the seven mile beach road and visit a few of the beaches further in and you will be sure to keep the crowds away.
2. Brunswick Heads - North of Byron Bay
This one is a bit tricky to find, if you use google map, search of Harry's Hill Beach. You will need to drive a few kms on gravel road. Normally convetional vehicle is ok, but be aware that road conditions may change after rain. Once you parked your car at the little car park at the end of the gravel road, yousting will see a walking path with an information plaque. Follow that and you will reach the beaches shortly. As this area hosts migrating birds and other native animals, please be aware of your impact to the environment. Don't disturb the birds if you do happen to see them.
3. Hasting Point - North of Brunswich Heads
This is a lot closer to Tweed Heads, than to Byron Bay. It is very well sign posted. You will basically continue driving on Tweed Coast Road and then turn onto Yugari Drive (they are all fully sealed roads), and Hasting Point will be at the end of the road. If you use goodle maps, search for Hasting Point Lookout. There are plenty of people there on the day I was there, but the crowd is way less compared to what Byron Bay has. You also have a panoramic view at the lookout, all the way to Byron Bay.
4. Iluka Bluff - Near Yamba
If you are travelling down south to Coffs Harbour or Grafton, be sure to check out the beaches at Iluka Bluff. Take a short stroll to the Iluka Bluff Lookout and you won't be disappointed. There are fishing spots on the rocks which is directly under the lookout, if you have a fishing permit of course. You will also notice the unique rock formation which this area is famous for! The last km of the road is unsealed sandy road. On the day I visited, this road was wet so I was able to get through with a convetional vehicle, I'm not entirely sure whether the road conditions are always the same, so do be ware of it.
5. Angourie Blue Pools - Angourie Lookout
A friend of mine recommended me to visit the Blue Pools, which is why I was in the area. However, I wasn't really impressed with the pools as they are no different than the rock pools that you would find anywhere else. They were supposedly blue colored pools, but they were just murky colored that day. However, what blew my mind was the beaches and its naturally shaped rocky causeways. There is also a side track to the left of the second blue pool, just follow along the white fence and you will see a little foot path up a small hill. You will have an aerial view of the entire beach and Angourie Lookout at the top of the hill. The space is just big enough for maybe 3 people maximum, please be aware. Head down hill and circle back on the rocky causeway to the car park, be extra careful while heading down that little hill. This place is also amazing for nature and landscape photopraphers.
There is a little Cafe down the street from there, and it seemed really busy when I drive pass. I couldn't stop to try it out as I've got a long drive ahead to do, but if you do try it, please let me know whether it's good.
These are only the few pristine beaches that I had the fortunate oppotunity to visit, there are plenty of other amazing beaches awaiting for your discovery! I hope this post has given you a few pointers to start with and please share with me the other fantastic beaches should you find them.
You only live once, keep moving!
