Every so often I drop into to Byron Bay for a couple of days. Whilst I tinker about and checkout the latest shops, cafes and bars, I generally decide on my itinerary depending on recommendations made by fellow travellers at the backpackers hostel that I am staying.
I was recently told that "everyone who visits the area must skydive Byron Bay." The Byron Bay skydiving jump zone is just north of the township at Tyagarah Airstrip but I was offered a free transfer from my hostel when booking. I was picked up in the morning with a group of German backpackers who had also been skydiving in Cairns and Sydney, and I think intended to skydive Melbourne also before they headed home. One of them told me that they had decided it was the best way to see the local landscape and all that it has to offer, I was soon to find out!
After the greatest adrenalin rush of my life, I found myself drinking a cold beer at the Beaches Hotel along the front esplanade to celebrate my survival with my newly made friends.
On the second day I was recommended the "Lighthouse and hinterland day trip" which visited the Cape Byron Lighthouse and headland. I could tell this day was going to be a little easier on my senses but I was pleasantly surprised at the days adventure and especially to see wild goats balancing dangerously on the cliffs feeding and around 40 dolphins swimming below. We also visited the local town of Bangalow and I had a chance to pickup some great food and a couple of unusual souvenirs.
Finally, after a rest day I booked in for Byron Bay surfing lessons. Again I was picked up from my hostel and taken to nearby Lennox Heads beach where the conditions were perfect for beginners. There were 3 other people in my group and it was an enjoyable couple of hours. I have booked in for another session tomorrow and will stay another night (obviously I am a little competitive and just want to be able to stand up properly).
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There are so many things to do in Cairns... I almost don't know where to start!
I visit once a year and usually only have a few days to spare (in between work commitments). Here is how I spread my time.
I always start my trip off with a day at the Outer Great Barrier Reef. A day cruise is ideal and the addition of an introductory scuba dive is a must. Great Barrier Reef tours that visit the 'outer' reef really do see more coral and fish species.
I like to break up my reef and rainforest days to make it more exciting so on the second day I usually visit Kuranda. The only way to see this hinterland rainforest region is by travelling up to Kuranda on the Kuranda Train, the historic Kuranda Scenic Rail travels in and out of the hills and features the magnificent Barron Falls. For the return journey you cannot look past the award winning Skyrail Cairns, a hanging cable rail that silently slips through the canopy of the rainforest giving you a birds of view of this amazing landscape.
I then alternate each year with an island day trip, either Fitzroy or Green Island tours are a great way to spend less time travelling on the water and more time in the water. I generally take up the snorkelling option followed by a buffet lunch but I do see many family groups taking advantage of the semi-submarine tour and glass bottom boat.
Lastly, it is a long day but always worthwhile to take a Cape Tribulation Tour, a 4WD day trip to the Daintree rainforest. Lunch on Cape Trib beach is beautiful but the whole day is full of adventure with one of my favourite stops being Mossman Gorge where a swim in the icy waters soon freshens me up.
Lowest price tours in Cairns guaranteed!
There could not be a more perfect place to land after a life changing tandem skydive than on magnificent Kirra Beach, at the Gold Coast.
If you find the need to jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane we can guarantee that we will get you an awesome deal.
Your freefall will be followed by up to 5 minutes of gliding above the views of the famous Gold Coast beaches alongside rich green hinterland. DVD and picture packages are available to purchase on the day. Bring a friend and you can jump in the same plane load.
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Other popular local jump zones include:
Skydive Byron Bay (free Gold Coast & Bris pickup) check out deals
Bribie Island Skydiving check out deals
Skydiving Brisbane check out deals
Skydiving Sunshine Coast check out deals
Other Gold Coast tours and experiences all at guaranteed lowest prices!
Every so often I drop into to Byron Bay for a couple of days. Whilst I tinker about and checkout the latest shops, cafes and bars, I generally decide on my itinerary depending on recommendations made by fellow travellers at the backpackers hostel that I am staying.
