Today we were back on the road, travelling down the coast and back into NSW to visit Byron Bay.

Before leaving Mudgeeraba, Andy was up on this morning 10k crusade before we packed up and waving goodbye to our lovely hosts at The Village B&B, which had proved a great stay with a breakfast offer including bacon & eggs!

Our drive south was a trip down memory lane with a visit to Kingscliff, a place we visited around 6-7yrs ago and dinned at the Surf Club Bar & Bistro.

One thing we’ve noticed since being back in Australia, is how early they get up and in turn how early everything then closes. Andy tried to get a flat white from a beachside coffee stand only to be told it closed at midday. Accepted it did open at 6am.

After an hour or so, we left the beach and drove down the coast rode stopping a few miles down at Pottsville beach, which is a long stretch of wonderful sandy beach and we had the place to ourselves. Andy took the opportunity to perform his star jump and prove he still has the skill.

After a brief stay, we drove the remaining 20mins down to the Main beach at Byron Bay. It’s an amazing wide beach with wonderful views out across Tyagarah Nature Reserve.

After all the beach time today, we decided to have a wander around Byron Bay and grab a drink and take in the bars, restaurants and shops in this beautiful beach town.

Late afternoon we started to make our way to our final stop and night’s stay at the Ballina Byron Islander Resort – sounds flash, but it’s just a run of the mill motel aka Schitt’s Creek!

Along the way we stopped at the Pat Morton Lookout, which looks back on Lennox Head. Great views across the bay and out over Ballina Nature Reserve. As we walked back to car, we started to feel rain and within a matter of seconds the heavens opened.

The rain was gone again within 15mins and having dinned at our new abode thanks to our friends at Coles, we drove into town to walk along the historic Ballina Waterfront trail.

What a wonderful evenings walk, glorious sunshine and stunning views across Richmond River out to the Heads. We passed numerous bars and restaurants all busy with Aussie holidaymakers enjoying their summer vacation.

What a fantastic day we’ve had. So very glad we made the decision to head down to NSW and visit Byron before we head north up the Queensland coast. It’s a beautiful coastline with so many pretty beaches and small seaside towns.

Tomorrow we are planning an early start with a drive back to Byron Bay to visit the Thursday farmers market that opens at 7am!