Byron Bay: If that isn't some hippie sh*t

The subtitle is inspired from when I wrote about this beautiful place on the east coast of Australia. Nine hours north of Sydney, tucked between two bays is the spot where hippies come to trade, stay, or stray. 

Art Factory Hostel Painting

I arrived coming from the northern Cabarita Beach, which also sings the same liberal tune. Sunbathing topless is the norm, or maybe it became since girls started surfing and their tops got lost in the waves. 

A lot of Aussies come to Byron Bay to get away and rejuvenate. The backwood bungalows off the main track are where the real splendid scene is at. The day starts off with a yoga session next to some beautiful body of water. 

Garden at Arts Factory 

Main Beach

Nimbin main drag

After the stretch session it is time to load up at the farmers market for an adventure out to Nimbin. With a car deep full of foreigners we head to the "Weed Capital" of Australia. You can buy pot brownies from anyone with a hoodie for $15 bucks. 

The group heads out to the countryside to relish in our goodies. The hills and sky look a little funny after a rip or two. Strong stuff from the little road town somewhat like Julian, Calif. or Oatman, Ariz. but instead of apples or gold is straight GANJA. 

The best of Nimbin is also found inside a museum of propaganda for the slower and more colorful life the world could be if weed was legalized. Either way this place and Byron Bay look like a rainbow with the style of clothing. Mix and match, tribal print, and colored jews or crystals hanging from their necks underneath a set of unkept dreds. 

We make it back for sunset where a drum circle crowds around the rocks. The full moon hovers on the right as the setting sun lowers on the left. Such a warm feeling surrounded by amazing people I've known for less than a week. We all hug, laugh, and stare unto the horizon of the Pacific Ocean. 

Yanna, Shane and I on the rocks  

Great Northern Hotel, city centre

As we drink down our wine, we head to town for some live music at the local Railway Bar. Watch out they only take cash. A few of us wander back to nap before heading to the lighthouse for sunrise. A bit nippy in June, we snuggle under blankets and spark a dubbie.

Tallows Beach

Eventually the warmth hits our face and we dance under the first shining rays. Energized we decide to hop on some boardies and try our best in some waves. For $20 bucks you can snag a board and suit for the day. Yanna and I spend the afternoon impersonating the worst surfers, little aussie kids put us to shame. 

Didgeridoo Making at Arts Factory Hostel 

We decide its time for cider. Ready to rest, the Art Factory Hostel is having music night. Cool spot to stay overall because its cheap and spread out. If your smart like me, you can just park and then sneak into an empty bed with your friend's key, hehe. 

Go to Byron Bay if you have the chance, it's Australia on acid. So magical in so many ways: nature, vibes, music, teepees, painting, spirituality, and people. 

Golden Days and Sunny Ways

Before I was cruising down the Australian PCH, I was sitting behind my laptop working away on some schoolwork. During this time I came across some amazing music, provided by Pandora.  Led through Tame Impala, the following playlist gave me a taste of The Black Angels, Wolfmother and TV On The Radio.  All three added to my new love for that garage rock- jam band- psychedelic sound.

So just like when you remember the first place you smoked a joint, I always think of Australia when I hear this beautiful music.  This country hasn't lost the love of being wild. The people are willing to a more raw side of humanity with their bold thoughts and lack of conformity. The beaches, cities, and every other place there is plenty of room to explore. It is like a well planned music festival where you have room to dance with the stranger next to you. 

When I think of relocating to Australia, I picture some city along the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast. The name should say it all but the town is this area started as jetties or farmer towns. The area is known as a tourist destination for surfing enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and craft industries. 

Between these two iconic strands of coastline is a lot of sea and sand to enjoy. The layout of photos start with the region's most northern city of Noosa and follow as you figuratively head south.

Noosa- The Start of the Sunshine Coast

The city of Noosa

South Beach 

Australia Zoo- Home of the Crocodile Hunter

Steve Irwin's family opened this park in the '70's 

Wombat

Ibis or Crane type of bird

Sleeping Koala

Elephant Buddies

Tasmanian Devil 

Giraffe

Alison 

Glasshouse Mountains- Random but Huge Lava Rocks

11 peaks form a sacred zone for the Gubbi Gubbi people. Bushwalking and climbing is allowed on certain rocks. Makes for a peaceful day in nature. The rocks come with a lot of history- read here.

Burleigh Heads - Magical Views of City vs Nature

Surfer's Paradise Skyline 

Coolangatta- Minature Miami-like

Cabarita Beach- Romantic Secret Spot 

Bonfire Ready

Catching some fish

Thank Goodness For Fraser Island

 

Lake McKenzie

Fauna on Fraser

Three days spent scattered across the coast of Australia I was in pretty haggard condition and ready for a proper shower and warm mattress. I left 1770 headed back to Noosa Heads to catch a crew headed for Fraser Island.

 

Jellies in the sand

Great Sandy Island was the name at the beginning, which seems fitting since it claims to be the largest sand island in the world. Because of a certain species of fungi living in the sand the island is abundant with plant life. It looks like an extension of tropical Queensland coastline.

Riding dirty- they would not stop looking at us :)

Riding the ferry from Rainbow Beach
to Fraser Island

Fraser Island got its name after a woman who shipwrecked on the beach. Shipwrecks are a common tourist feature on the island.  A quiet island inhabited with 200 people, each place I stopped was calm and serene.

Our guide Wayne was wrangled looking character with one of the strongest Aussie accents and sun-ridden skin. He walked everywhere barefoot- normal for the down under. 

Death Adder Snake chilling 

Getting tipsy not crabby

Two land rovers filled, it was time for some sand dune driving along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Swimming was not encouraged since a variety of sharks and salt-water crocodiles were friendly to this area. 

Shane knows how to party

Swift greetings from the dingoes as our convoy pulled up to the beach of Lake McKenzie. The thin string of pure silica sand is sparse as the water level is high around this time of year. The water temperature is also on the nippy side.

Wayne leads us next onto a nature hike. This is the only place in the world where tall rainforest grows out of sand. Fraser Island is home to nearly 900 species of plants.  After some meditation in the trees we headed back to camp.

My favorite part was when we all watched the sunset together. The filters of color in the sky mesmerized me.  The bold warmth absorbed into the skin making you feel as if you were apart of the sky.

 This night we had a shindig, enjoying each other's unique perspectives and backgrounds.  We had nomads from Sweden, France, Canadian, German, and American to name a few.

A rough awakening expected, the wreck of S.S. Maheno matched our vibe. Rusted and strung out across the sand, waves of sand and sun pounded its side. I am talking about the wreck, yes. It was built in Scotland, and on its way to Japan after being sold.  A strong cyclone stopped it in course and 80 years later it still remains on Fraser Island.

This trip within my road trip was a huge high for me. I met friends, ran into old ones from the last sailing trip and got to see another amazing place Australia gets to call home.