Local knowledge

Taxis

You don’t really need a cab to get around the town itself (if you’re tired, hail a Cycle Rickshaw) but they can be handy if you want to head further out. To book, call Byron Bay Taxis (02 6685 5008).

Tipping culture

Not necessary, but adding five to 10 per cent to the bill is a nice gesture if you had a great time or received excellent service.

Siesta and fiesta

The shops always seem to be open during the day, and cafes open early to cater to the yoga and beach-walk crowd. Most restaurants will take orders until about 10pm (though most people eat earlier in Australia). Especially during summer and on the weekends, the pubs and bars stay open until late.

Packing tips

Designer swimmers, yoga mat, Havaianas.

Recommended reads

Robert Drewe’s The Bodysurfers, a collection of short stories set by the beach, is considered an Australian classic. Pure escapism is how you’d describe The Bay, a novel by Australia’s best-selling female author Di Morrissey. Legendary surfer Nat Young lives at Angourie, about 100 kilometres south of Byron. His The Complete History of Surfing should keep devotees entertained while they’re lying on the beach.

Cuisine

It’s clean and green up here. Casual, too. It’s only in the past couple of years that true fine dining has come to Byron Bay, and most people still tend to eat in a more relaxed fashion. You’ll find cuisines from around the world, cool cafés serving up country-sized servings, and plenty of options for vegetarians and devotees of organic food. This is, after all, the epicentre of alternative culture.

Regional specialities

The lush hills of the hinterland are home to tropical crops: coffee, macadamia nuts (absolutely superb coated in chocolate) and exotic fruits like custard apples and lychees.

Currency

Australian dollar (AUD$).

Time zone

GMT +10 hours.

Dialling codes

The international code for Australia is 61. Byron Bay: 02 (drop the zero when calling from overseas).

Do go/don't go

During the warmer months (November to March), Byron Bay seethes with life and it’s best to avoid December and January when the area is bombarded by ‘schoolies’ (teenagers who have just finished Year 12) and families on holiday. It’s also peak wedding season in romantic Byron. Though the sea is a little chilly for swimming, winter here (June to August) is perfect: calm, sunny and warm – with far fewer tourists.