With its beautiful beaches, boys and laid-back ambiance, Byron Bay is a great gay getaway, writes Alistair Sutton. 

Byron Bay is not only a destination. It’s a lifestyle. Relaxed and laid back, the town retains a counter culture vibe from its days as a hippie Mecca in the sixties.

The most easterly town on the Australian mainland, Byron Bay is surrounded by beautiful stretches of beaches, rolling green pastureland and pockets of remnant rainforest.

Cape Byron shelters the town from the worst of the elements and the lighthouse commands excellent views, so don’t forget your camera. You can see Humpback whales migrating off the coast during July until September.

The subtropical climate can usually be relied upon as you explore this scenic region.

The town offers a wide array of restaurants, shops and bars, although it can be expensive. There are places catering to those on a budget, like the many backpackers that frequent Byron. You just have to shop around.

Byron is an ideal place if you enjoy a stroll to soak up the atmosphere, which is distinct from anywhere else.

Captain Cook named Byron Bay after Sir John Byron, grandfather of the famous poet. A former whaling station, surfing, skin diving, clubbing, dining and drinking are now the order of the day. The surf is fantastic as are the surfers.

A visit to the clothes-optional Kings Beach is a must for the gay traveler, but beware the area is prone to thieves and those locals who wish to discourage homosexual activity. Lock the car. The signage is reasonable so you shouldn’t get lost finding the place.

There are 200 steps down to the beach, so enjoy the walk through the rainforest, because on the way back up all you'll be enjoying is the sound of your own heartbeat ringing in your ears and the hope that your car is still in one piece.

Nearing the bottom, the scrub opens up and you finally have your first view of the glorious half moon of gleaming white sand and azure blue ocean.

The beach has an assortment of people, straights, families and gays, but the majority are gay, some local, others on holiday from around the world.

Naturally, the unofficial gay area of the beach is furthermost away from where the path winds down from the cliffs. Swimming can be hazardous as the beach is unpatrolled and the surf can be unpredictable. Don’t become a statistic. For those wanting to take a walk, tracks spread crazily in all directions in the adjacent scrub, worn smooth by the libidos of the ages.

For the ultimate experience of Byron, stay at the Beachfront Luxury Villa, a modern, spacious and fully-equipped apartment with wide-screen TV, superb stereo, generous cooking facilities and a communal pool and spa. Set in beautifully appointed gardens, the Villa is a quick stroll to Belongil Beach and a very short drive to town and all its attractions.

Thanks to the highway, you can do the drive to Byron Bay comfortably under two hours, but watch out for the fixed speed cameras. Byron is a viable and attractive weekend destination to consider and now is the perfect time to do so.