Byron Bay: So nice it's named thrice

Byron Bay Lighthouse

Shortly after disembarking from the Spoilsport we rolled into the Cairns airport for a flight to Brisbane on Virgin Blue. After an uneventful three hour flight we hopped into yet another Toyota Camry and aimed it south toward the surfer town of Byron Bay. Below Brisbane is the area called the Gold Coast full of beach hotels and amusement parks. Once you pass all of that Orlando-like consumerism it quiets down again as you get close to Byron Bay.

We pulled into the little town of Byron and we were only prepared with the name of our resort, the Byron at Byron. Although we anticipated it being easy to find, we drove around a few blocks before my male ego would allow us to ask for directions. The first three folks we asked had no clue and were no more local than we were and gave sideways looks as if saying, “Did you just ask me where the Bryon at Bryon in Byron is? Are you two drunk?” Trust me, it gets old telling people we went to Bryon and we stayed at the Byron at Byron. Thankfully my name is not Grant Grant from Grant, Alabama.

Even with the uninspiring naming convention, I highly recommend staying at the Byron at Byron if you are truly looking to relax. I would describe the design as "contemporary wilderness." Each set of suites is tucked away in the rain forest and the surrounding sounds and greenery are ideal if you are seeking escapism. The interior of each suite has a modern but functional design and packs all the little luxuries into a small footprint.

The resort, a former wildlife sanctuary, is spread out across the swampy forest and you can walk throughout the grounds on a system of boardwalks. If you trek to the southeast edge of the resort you can hear the Pacific’s familiar roaring and just over a sand bar you’ll happen across Tallow beach – where we rarely saw more than 3-4 other people. It was truly sleepy.

In addition to great takeout food and overpriced surf shops, Byron Bay is recognizable for its striking lighthouse high on the cape head.

The Bryon at Byron in Byron

Tallow Beach

The Pool at The Byron at Byron in Byron

Dissapointed that they didn't have "sliders" here