The original destination of Byron Bay that I had set a week ago slowly became a nightmare. Full campgrounds and caravan parks (as well as their price tags of $100 dollars a night) turned me South on route 1 instead of North. I ended up spending my first day out of the mountains baking in the sun at South Valla Beach. Not a bad setup, I can get why so many people do this!
I talked with some locals over lunch who told me I had to stop at Crescent Head – surfers paradise, a never-ending beach, beautiful waves, a crystal clear inlet, and more. The next morning I took off and parked up on the hill, watching the surfers from the singular cafe while I had my coffee. I spent the rest of the day walking 8 miles up and down the completely empty beach, before taking a dip and retiring for the night.
Waking up the next morning, I hit the next spot on my “hidden gems” list, Seals Rock. Another surfer town, this one far more secluded and less popular, with even more unbelievable beaches & waves. I spent most of my day in the water and hiking around, and chatted with the surfers as I filled out my big paper map with recommendations.
The fourth day of beaches took me to Budgewoi. Continuing South on route one, this was yet another empty beach that would be a dream anywhere else in the world. This was also unfortunately the straw that broke the camels back, as the UV 10 caught up to me after 4 days in the sun.
Luckily the weather turned and made my decision easier – next stop, Kosciusko National Park, home to Australia’s tallest mountain.
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