There are many lighthouses alongside the coasts of Australia, however none are as properly often known as the lighthouse at Cape Byron. The lighthouse is located on probably the most easterly level of the Australian mainland. Because of this, its an excellent location for viewing dawn, and you may be the primary individual in Australia to see the dawn when you’re right here.
I had the chance to go to Cape Byron Lighthouse in December final 12 months. To get right here, you would need to first get to the small city of Byron Bay. The nearest main metropolis is Brisbane which is a 2-3 hours drive away. If you might be coming from Sydney, its going to be an 8-10 hours drive. Because of the gap from main cities, you received’t discover that many worldwide vacationers right here. Its largely native vacationers on street journeys and backpackers who’re travelling between the east coast cities.
Byron Bay exudes the everyday Australian small city vibe. Quaint buildings line the slender streets. But right here they’ve been given over to commercialism with retailers, bars, and eating places catering to the vacationers.One of the extra well-known institutions is the Balcony. This restaurant is at one of many primary avenue corners and gives balcony sitting when you eat. Get right here early in order for you the balcony seats with avenue views, or make a reservation.I might see the lighthouse from the seaside at Byron Bay. As you’ll be able to see, the lighthouse is kind of a distance away (2 km in a straight line and three.6 km by climbing)
There are 2 methods to get to the lighthouse from Byron Bay. The first is by climbing the character path, and the second is to drive. The street results in the lighthouse, and there a few parking zones close to the lighthouse. However, parking tons are restricted and parking charges apply.
I parked on the first carpark beneath the lighthouse. Its a brief stroll to the lighthouse and also you do get some spectacular views of the east coast alongside the best way. The parking payment is definitely $4/hr at this decrease carpark. The $8/hr payment applies to the carpark on the lighthouse itself.
Incredible view of the east coast of Australia as I walked to the lighthouse.This is the ultimate carpark on the lighthouse itself. There’s only a few parking areas and it prices $8/hr. This carpark can also be closed earlier than 8am and after sundown.The view of Cape Byron Lighthouse as I walked up from the carpark.
Cape Byron Lighthouse was accomplished in 1901 and continues to be operational at the moment. In the start the sunshine was generated by kerosene lamps, nevertheless it has been upgraded to an electrical lamp with one of many brightest mild beams in Australia. The operating of the lighthouse can also be automated now and the lighthouse keepers’ cottages have been become vacation lodging which you’ll e book to remain at.
View of the lighthouse from guests’ heart. It was excellent climate that day.I ponder if anybody mails letters from this postbox.From the lighthouse you’ll be able to comply with the character path which can take you to Cape Byron.Viewing Cape Byron from the highest of the path. The enormous waves pounding on the rocks is simply unbelievable.Zooming in on the man fishing from the rocks on Cape Byron. Dolphins may be seen sheltering within the calmer waters of the bay. During the whale migration season, you can even see humpback whales.In the gap is Julian Rocks that are a nature reserve and in addition an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling. You can see sharks and stingrays right here.
If you wish to see dawn from the lighthouse, you’ll have to get right here fairly early. Sunrise happens between 5.30am and seven.00am relying on the time of the 12 months. If you might be driving, you’ll have to park on the decrease carpark and stroll as much as the lighthouse because the carpark on the lighthouse received’t be opened. During October to March, Byron Bay implements daylight financial savings and clocks will transfer up 1 hour earlier throughout this time, so examine your watch earlier than discovering out that you simply missed dawn.
My authentic plan was to go to the lighthouse early and attempt to catch the Milky Way earlier than dawn, But nature determined that it’ll rain that morning. So it was too cloudy for astrophotography and dawn would show to be a moist affair.
Looking by means of the condensation of morning mist because the solar began rising.
Here is the lighthouse with the solar rising behind it. The rain had handed by now, nevertheless it was nonetheless very overcast.I nonetheless managed to see the dawn briefly earlier than it was lined by the low hanging rain clouds.I thought I used to be among the many first individuals who noticed the dawn on the Australian continent that day.These are the lighthouse keepers’ homes which have been become vacation lodging. You can e book them by means of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services web site.
Here are 2 pictures taken on the similar spot. One was taken within the afternoon and the opposite was taken through the dawn.
You might go to Cape Byron Lighthouse as a day journey from Brisbane, however if you wish to catch the dawn right here, then it will be higher to spend an evening in Byron Bay. The city is kind of small and lodging is proscribed. Do word that lodgings can get absolutely booked and costly throughout peak durations like nationwide holidays.
