Category Archives: Australia

TGB’s Byron Bay Surfing Guide

Stormy Sunrise Byron Bay
A stunning, stormy sunrise at dawn, Byron Bay, as the Cape Byron Light guides the way

Byron Bay, the easternmost point on the Australian mainland, is located in the far north of New South Wales. An hour flight from Sydney to Ballina, followed by a half hour drive north takes you to this idyllic coastal town, known for its stunning scenery, backpacker-friendly culture, vibrant arts and music scene, and of course its world-famous surfing. Click to read more and watch my video showing you Byron Bay surfing spots (and see me surf, aka. kook on a pop-out).

Continue reading TGB’s Byron Bay Surfing Guide

Beating the Easter Blues: Bluesfest Byron Bay

DCIM101GOPROEaster has mostly been one of those holidays for which I rarely had firm plans. As it happened this year, I found myself in Byron Bay, in northern New South Wales, Australia. Its natural setting makes it one of the most beautiful places in Australia, and its people make it one of the happiest, “hippiest” places on Earth (more on that in another post).

As it turns out, Easter is a huge weekend in Byron with everyone on holidays visiting, and the Byron and East Coast Blues and Roots Festival on. “Bluesfest,” as it is known, is a massive music festival, and one of the very best I have ever attended. This year happened to be the 25th anniversary of the 5-day event, and featured headliners such as Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band, Erykah Badu, Jeff Beck, the Doobie Brothers, Gregg and Devon Allman, Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr., Ian Butler Trio, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Joss Stone, and so on, as well as dozens of smaller acts. In the past they have had a who’s who of names (King, Simon, Plant, etc.) Since I was there, I had to get a ticket!

Continue reading Beating the Easter Blues: Bluesfest Byron Bay

Sydney, Australia: Who says man and nature can’t mix? A photo gallery

IMG_6058 Continue reading Sydney, Australia: Who says man and nature can’t mix? A photo gallery