loveliness.

The Byron Bay lighthouse is up on top of a cliff, surrounded by the most beautiful turquoise water and green hills. We had just gotten into town, and were cruising around getting the lay of the land, when we saw signs pointing toward the lighthouse, and we decided to check it out.

There is a walking/jogging path all the way up to the top from town, with offshoots leading to different beaches, and the most Eastern point of Australia, which is pretty close to the lighthouse.

I was feeling kind of lazy after spending most of the morning at the hospital (I had touched some fire coral while diving in Komodo the week before, and my hands were a mess) so we drove most of the way up and stopped at the last parking lot before the top.

As soon as I got out of the car I was besieged by this sweet older guy who was a hang gliding instructor, and was wondering if I wanted to try hang gliding off of a nearby hill, landing on the beach below.

I’ve never been hang gliding before, or really had any urge to go, but the sheer beauty of the hills and the beach was kind of overwhelming, and I wanted to go as bad as I’ve ever wanted to do anything in my life.

Unfortunately my hands were basically just decorative at that point, so I wasn’t able to take the leap, but we stood there and watched the gliders for a really long time.

Then we made the last hike up the hill to see the lighthouse. If you know me, you know I kind of have a thing for lighthouses, and this one was stunning. The view from the top of the cliffs was amazing, and I could see surfers and whales enjoying the water down below.

There is even a cute little cafe at the top, so you can reward yourself with an ice cream cone if you make it all the way up to the top.

Even if you are just passing through Byron Bay, be sure to take the time to stop in for a visit, you won’t be disappointed.