By far one of the BEST things I did while traveling in Australia. Talk about everything you could want at once. Lakes, beaches, road trips, hiking, camping, planes, boats, dingos, history, swimming, dancing, cooking, and non stop laughs. Head to Fraser Island on one of the 2Day 4WD tours and have just as amazing of a time as I did! I used Dingo’s tour which consists of 3 trucks you get to drive yourself and one main truck the guide drives with all of the gear.

I didn’t know anybody before going on this trip, but quickly hit it off with the group I was put with. There were 8 of us and a majority were able to drive (note the truck is manual so you’ll need to know how to drive one of those). The package includes two nights stay at Dingo’s in Rainbow beach (1 night prior to the trip, 1 night post the trip). It also includes all necessary camping gear: dishes, cups, sleeping bag, tents, coolers, etc. All food is included in the price for two meals on the first day (lunch and dinner), three meals on the second day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and breakfast and lunch on the last day. Your itinerary will depend on the weather and however the guide decides to take you that day, but you’ll see some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Maheno Wreck, Lake Wabby, Champagne Pools, Indian Head, and more!! One thing they recommend you not to do is swim in the ocean. The area has a huge rate for tiger sharks and it can be very dangerous. Other than that, there really are no rules on this amazing tour. Grab a box of Goon and enjoy the ride!

Byron Bay is one of the most popular beach side towns that people want to live in in Australia. With its’ quirky hippy vibes, great surf, fun nightlife, delicious restaurants, this place would make anybody want to stay longer than just a couple of days! The Arts Cafe is just a 7 minute walk into town and provides a great little hippy sanctuary.

Things to do in Byron Bay

Take a Surf Lesson:
For any person taking the plunge in Australia’s paradisiacal East Coast, a surf lesson is one of the must dos! But be warned, surfing is not for the faint hearted. Bambi looked more graceful on ice in comparison with myself on a surf board. Nonetheless, the feeling of catching the “gnarliest” of waves, coupled with the cries of the surf instructor shouting “you little ripper”, is an experience enough in itself. A most Australian experience. I partook in the 1/2 day lesson  with Mojosurf Surf School and must say it was an incredibly fun. My surfing was little better than beginner having completed the lesson. However, I would say that I had nailed the art of the ungraceful fall. For those attempting to get to a more intermediate level in Australia’s most famed hobby the 5 day lesson would be recommendable.

Head to the Lighthouse for Sunrise:
So this brings us to our next, and arguably most important question as a backpacker – how do you shake a hangover? Or to make it specially tailored for Byron Bay, how do we shake a Cheeky Monkeys hangover? And no, the answer isn’t at the bottom of a bloody Mary in the morning. How about a free alternative? One of the most beautiful sunrises our great planet has to offer. A short walk from town to the famed Byron Bay lighthouse is just the spot.

The most Easterly Point of Australia, you’ll get the chance to witness a sky littered with colors of orange, reds and yellow. Orange- that first indication of the beautiful day to come. Reds – pumping through the sky and bringing the famed Australasian heat with it. And well yellow slinking over the sky and engulfing the last seconds of darkness. If that doesn’t shake the cobwebs off from the previous night then what will? Oh and just because Australia has a knack for spoiling you, look out for dolphins in the waters below. The worlds most intelligent animal may just drop by.

Take a Day Trip to Nimbin:
Say Hello to Australia’s Woodstock! This tiny hippy town just a 20 minute drive from Byron Bay is a place you definitely have to make your way to. The tour begins with a crazy bus ride while listening to music from the 70’s blasting through your ears. This will really get you in the head set for what lies ahead. Think mandala tapestries, rainbows, hookahs, burning man gear, tarot/crystal/palm readings, and special treats ;). If you’re interested in grabbing a snack for the road, you’ll get it here. The next spot after the town is a peaceful lake with an appealing stretch of grass. Lay out your new tapestry, have your special cookie, and soak in your surroundings.

Snorkeling at Julian Rock:
How should one sum up this natural wonder? Well perhaps it should be renamed Julian Rock-ssss. That would be one way to describe my experience in this hot bed of the oceans most beautiful creatures. The snorkel tour is an hour in length and perhaps the greatest tribute to the saying “time flies when you’re having fun”. Nature did not hold itself back on my snorkeling trip. If you’re lucky like I was, you’ll be able to swim with one of the ocean’s beautiful wonders, a sea turtle. But, if you thought that was where Australia would draw the line, you came to the wrong place. As I continued to navigate my way round the area, I was introduced to the most infamous beast of this continental region. The Shark. Happily, I didn’t come face to face with Jaws himself, rather a Leopard shark. I was close enough to see the beautiful spotted pattern on the fish, but far enough away to be out of reach. And that my friends I would call perfect distance. I mean Leopard Sharks are hardly going to make a meal out of me but you know swimming with a shark for the first time is always a daunting experience. Last but by no means least it was as if Australia was saving its rarest and most magical creature until last. A Manta Ray. A fish that needs no introduction and only visits these parts about once every seven days. And it was just our luck that we caught a glimpse of one. Australia well and truly outdid itself on this trip.

Cost: $69 ($59 for children ages between 5 and 15) includes wetsuit, snorkel equipment and supervision.

Random and Helpful Tips

• Visas: http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visi/Visi

• Currency: Australian Dollar

• Summer: December to February.
• Autumn: March to May.
• Winter: June to August.
• Spring: September to November.
• Drink Goon – it’s cheap!
• Walk, Walk, Walk!
• Make sure you mark where you’re staying, and always carry around a business card from them.
• Download the offline map of the cities you’re in using the app Maps.Me – best maps for tourism!!