If you read yesterday’s post, you probably understand why I didn’t like Byron Bay. However, I also mentioned that I gave it a second chance. I’m glad I did.
Unfortunately, our return to Byron Bay coincided with the Australian phenomenon of “Schoolies week.” This is a week of revelry for graduating high schoolers to celebrate the end of their final exams. It’s pretty crazy. This photo is still haunting me. Sadly, this past year a girl died on the Gold Coast (party central) when she fell from a balcony. So, it’s pretty intense.
I thought for sure that with the addition of Schoolies Byron Bay would be unbearable.
I was wrong.
Since our first visit to Byron was so unpleasant, we decided to do things a little differently. Instead of staying at at hostel in town, we camped at a tent park in Lennox Head (about 19k away).
It was easy enough to drive into town, rent a board, and spend the day at the beach. It really is a beautiful beach. Mike surfed, I read, and we both enjoyed snacking in the park. There was a tent set up for the Schoolies, but we were at the opposite end of the beach. When we were ready for dinner, we returned to Lennox Head to eat at our tent, and spent the rest of the daylight hours exploring the lovely beach there. The next day was basically a repeat.
We saved money, had a peaceful stay, and no one called me a loser. In fact, we liked this new approach to Byron so much that we did it again on our way back down the coast (and this time I surfed!). Byron Bay had been forgiven.
xo, jill
Ahhhh – the dreaded Schoolies!! So glad you found a peaceful spot and enjoyed it anyway =)
I find it fascinating! Then someone told us about the Toolies (hilarious/creepy) and wikipedia informed me of the Foolies/Pre-schoolies!! Just keeps getting better! I suppose it’s similar to students getting crazy for Spring Break in the States, but that’s pretty foreign to me as well.
Good on you for giving it a second shot! With so many places to visit and a finite amount of time and money, it can be really hard to return to places that have disappointed us. Not every instance will have a happy ending like yours did, but I’m glad it proved to be true this time!
Also, you look adorable in that last shot!