Travel Guide: Camping Up the East Coast of Australia to Byron Bay
Guys, Im going to be honest, this trip was one where nothing went right. Before I begin reliving the events of our trip up the east coast of Australia, I want to say that even though the circumstances were not the best, this was my favorite and most memorable trip that I went on during my time in Australia. It was awful and wonderful at the same time because I was doing it all with my bestie. (Emily if you’re reading this I miss you 🥺) If you are planning a trip up the coast, this itinerary is for you, just don’t make the mistakes we did!
*Note: We were working with a very tight budget so mostly ate groceries that we picked up at the beginning of the trip!
DAY 1 : Camping at Yuraygir National Park
We departed Newcastle around 5 pm to go to our first stop on the road trip, Yuraygir National Park. Mistake #1. Make sure to leave with ample daylight left in the day to make sure that you are not setting up your tent in the dark.
When we got to the park we had to navigate through pitch black roads to the campsite and upon setting up our tent, we realized that instead of picking up the 6 person tent, we grabbed the 2 person tent, which would be our home for the next 4 nights. We were in tight quarters.
Although it was a rocky start, we fell asleep and woke up to the sound of waves crashing all around us which was unreal. The sunrise was beautiful and made the whole experience worth it.
Day 2: Setting Up Camp, Adventuring Around Bryon Bay
This was the last leg of our road trip to Byron, it was a quick 2 hour drive from our campsite at the park to our campsite in Byron. As we drove closer and closer to Byron Bay, we experienced more and more rain that was expected to stay through the duration of our trip. This was also in the colder months so it was cold and wet and overall not desirable weather.
Campsite at Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park- beautiful campsite with great facilities and literally steps from the beach!
Afternoon
Lunch at Bayger - Delicious and very conveniently located.
Evening
It rained all evening so we spent it in the the safety of our tent. (-:
Day 3: Exploring Byron Bay, Suffolk Park Beach
Morning
The best part of our campsite was that it was on Suffolk Park Beach. It was a beautiful little gem not too far from the center of Byron and with less rain in the forecast, this would be such a lovely place to camp!
Afternoon
Lunch at Don Pedro’s - THE GUAC, thats all I have to say.
Lunch was in the middle of the action so to get some refuge from the rain at our campsite, we ventured around the little shops on and around the main street.
Evening
Another early night to escape the rain.
Day 4: Snorkeling at Julian Rocks
Snorkeling with Byron Bay Dive Centre.
This was a day that made this trip. Im not sure how this works, but apparently when it rains, it triggers higher level of activity in marine life. We decided to go snorkeling because what’s a little but of rain when you are already in the water! We swam with so many turtles I could no longer keep count, some crazy poisonous fish that I can’t remember the names of, sharks, and get this, whales .
Were we swimming side by side by humpback whales? No. But at one point our tour guide told us to put our heads under the water and stop breathing. Super weird suggestion but I did it regardless and heard a symphony of wales somewhere in the distance. I legit started crying. I don’t want to be that girl but that moment was life changing.
There we were complaining about the rain at every opportunity we got not knowing that the rain was the very reason why our trip to Julian Rocks was as magical as it was. I will never forget that moment and am so glad that I got to experience it with my best friend.
Day 5: Packing Up Camp, Byron Bay Light House, Wategoes Beach
Of course, on the last day there were clear blue skies so we made the most of it.
Morning
Acai Bowls at Top Shop Byron Bay - Amazing acai and the cutest little dog greeting the guests.
Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk - On this walk, you are able to stand in the most eastern part of Australia. You also get a birds eye view of the Pacific ocean were we watched numerous pods of dolphins come and go.
Wategoes Beach - Must see when visiting Byron. The Beach and the houses in that area are breathtaking.
And thats a wrap on the most memorable trip from my time in Australia. I wasn’t going to dedicate a post to this trip but in all reality, for as many successful, 100% itinerary following trips I go on, there is a few that go completely awry. This trip helped me understand how much of a control freak I am and how there is freedom on the other side of that. And pure bliss. I owe so much of that mindset shift to Emily!
until next time,
xx devon
