New South Wales - Australia 2004 - page 208

for the first dive and A$35 (US$23) for each subsequent dive. Sundive, in the
Byron Hostel complex on Middleton Street ( & 02/6685 7755 ), has cheaper
initial dives at A$60 (US$39) each.
EXPLORING THE HILLS & RAINFORESTS
Behind Byron you'll find hills that could make the Irish weep, as well as rain-
forests, waterfalls, and small farms burgeoning with tropical fruits. A good oper-
ator taking trips inland is Forgotten Country Ecotours ( & 02/6687 7843 ).
Byron Bay to Bush Tours ( & 02/6685 6889 or 04/1866 2684; bush@mullum.
com.au) operates day trips to the hippie hangout of Nimbin —where during
my last visit I was approached four times in 10 minutes by people selling mari-
juana—and up into the rainforest, visiting a macadamia-nut farm and having a
barbecue on their organic farm. The trip leaves at 11am Monday through Sat-
urday and costs A$30 (US$20). This company also operates trips to the Sunday
market at Channon the second Sunday of each month and the one at Bangalow
on the fourth Sunday. These trips cost A$15 (US$9.75).
WHERE TO STAY
Real-estate agents Elders R Gordon & Sons ( & 02/6685 6222; eldersbb@
omcs.com.au) can book rooms and cottages in Byron Bay and in the hinterland.
Rates vary.
The Byron Bay Waves Motel (The Waves) This exceptional motel is
just 60m (197 ft.) from Main Beach and just around the corner from the town
center. The rooms are very nice, and each comes with a queen-size bed, a mar-
ble bathroom with shower, and a king-size tub. Four rooms on the ground floor
have a courtyard, and one is suitable for travelers with disabilities. Toasters, in-
house massage, and beauty treatments are also available. The suites each have a
king-size bed and a large balcony. The penthouse is a very plush and fully self-
contained one-bedroom apartment. There are six family rooms sleeping three
adults, or two adults and two children.
Corner of Lawson and Middleton sts. (P.O. Box 647, Byron Bay 2481). & 02/6685 5966. Fax [phone].
www.byron-bay.com/waves. 19 units. A$150-A$320 (US$98-US$208) double depending on season;
A$250-A$380 (US$162-US$247) suite; A$250-A$480 (US$163-US$312) penthouse. Extra person A$20
(US$13). AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Massage; babysitting; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C,
TV, fax, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Byron Central Apartments If you don't want to eat out all the time then this
is the place for you. The self-contained apartments come with a queen-size sofa
bed and free in-house movies. Those on the first floor come with balconies. There
are also a few loft-style apartments with separate dining, lounge, and sleeping
areas. Units for people with disabilities are available. The landscaped garden has
a barbecue. The apartments are a 2-minute walk from the beach and town.
Byron St., Byron Bay, NSW 2481. & 02/6685 8800. Fax [phone]. www.byronbay.com/bca. 26 units.
A$120-A$260 (US$78-US$169) standard apt 1 night (depending on season). Higher rates apply Christ-
mas/New Year period; low season is Apr-Sept. Ask about discounts for multiple-night stays. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities: Medium-size saltwater pool; coin-op laundry; nonsmoking rooms. In room:TV, kitchen, fridge,
coffeemaker, hair dryer.
Holiday Village Backpackers Byron Bay's original hostel is still one of
the best. It's in the center of town next door to Woolworth's supermarket and
only a few minutes' walk from the bus and train stops, the main beach, and the
town center. The National Roads and Motorists' Association gives this place a
five-star backpackers rating, which is as good as it gets. Dorm rooms are clean,