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The City
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There are a plethora of pleasures to be experienced in Ballina, Byron Bay and the surrounding area. Creative types are particularly attracted to this region and there are many authors and film-makers who seek their inspiration alongside surfers and sun lovers.
Ballina originally gained its reputation as a fishing and timber port on the wide Richmond River. Then, road transportation took over, and with it came one of the craziest moves in town planning history: Ballina’s main street was set way back from the river, with buildings on both sides of the street blocking all river views. However, this has now changed with the development of the river foreshore area.
Only three decades ago, Byron Bay was a small sleepy enclave unaware of the hustle and bustle it would later experience. Nowadays, it has a small town charm mixed with a cosmopolitan — yet alternative — lifestyle that attracts many people from all over the world. Among its attractions, there are kilometres of unbroken sandy beaches and heaps of great surf waves to catch, but also pristine nature and wildlife. Due to its location as Australia’s most eastern point, the majestic humpback whales can be spotted twice a year on their migratory routes. There's always a local market taking place somewhere and all through the year several festivals take place.
Despite the coastal town’s reputation as being laid-back and alternative, it is anything but boring and visitors have the time of their lives in Ballina and Byron Bay.
Ballina originally gained its reputation as a fishing and timber port on the wide Richmond River. Then, road transportation took over, and with it came one of the craziest moves in town planning history: Ballina’s main street was set way back from the river, with buildings on both sides of the street blocking all river views. However, this has now changed with the development of the river foreshore area.
Only three decades ago, Byron Bay was a small sleepy enclave unaware of the hustle and bustle it would later experience. Nowadays, it has a small town charm mixed with a cosmopolitan — yet alternative — lifestyle that attracts many people from all over the world. Among its attractions, there are kilometres of unbroken sandy beaches and heaps of great surf waves to catch, but also pristine nature and wildlife. Due to its location as Australia’s most eastern point, the majestic humpback whales can be spotted twice a year on their migratory routes. There's always a local market taking place somewhere and all through the year several festivals take place.
Despite the coastal town’s reputation as being laid-back and alternative, it is anything but boring and visitors have the time of their lives in Ballina and Byron Bay.