Some visitors say that Byron Bay is one of the most beautiful beach resorts in the world. Visitors come from every corner of the globe to find out what makes Byron so special.
So what makes Byron a destination not-to-be-missed for visitors from other countries?
Byron Bay is quintessentially Australian, with its laid back beach lifestyle, its dynamic local culture and its friendly village atmosphere.
Byron combines the best of Australian landscapes and climates with warm, sunny subtropical days, long beaches of white sand and turquoise water and the lush green of the surrounding countryside and rainforest. Byron Bay is also "Australia's most easterly point" so we are the first in Australia to see the sun come up.
From backpacker hostels to five star luxury resorts – Byron Bay accommodation suits every taste and budget.
Services for international visitors
Byron Bay provides the same kinds of services that are found in most medium sized Australian towns including banks, a post office, taxis, internet cafes, a library, police, doctors and a small hospital.
Visas
If you’re not an Australian citizen, you will need to get a valid visa before travelling to Australia (except for New Zealand citizens who will be issued with visas upon arriving in Australia). You can get a visa from an Australian visa office, such as an Australian Embassy in your country, an Australian High Commission or an Australian Consulate. Visas may also be available from travel agents and airlines. For more information see the visas section of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website at www.immi.gov.au/immigration.htm
Currency
Australia’s colourful polymer currency comes in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. To find out the value of the Australian dollar compared to your own currency, go to the currency converter www.xe.com/ucc/
Driving
Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. Generally international visitors are allowed to use their existing driving licences for three months after arriving in Australia – however you should check if any different rules apply to you. Byron Bay is in the state of New South Wales and you can check the rules for international drivers in NSW at www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/newtonsw/international_drivers.html
Language
Australia’s official language is English. Byron Bay has its own English Language School which teaches English and arranges for recreational activities and homestay accommodation. www.byron-bay.com/bbels/index.html
Healthcare
The main part of Australia's public health care funding system is called Medicare, which provides eligible people with access to free treatment as a public (Medicare) patient, as well as free or subsidised treatment on a private basis by doctors. The private healthcare sector provides services for people not eligible for Medicare.
Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with nine countries - Ireland, Italy, Finland, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Under these Agreements, residents of these countries have restricted access to Medicare while visiting Australia.
People without access to Medicare are responsible for all health costs incurred in Australia. The Department of Health and Ageing highly recommends that all overseas visitors to Australia (including visitors from Reciprocal Health Care Agreement countries who have only restricted Medicare access) arrange suitable insurance cover. For more information go the Department of Health and Ageing website at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-privatehealth-consumers-ovc.htm