Australia

Byron Bay

In 1770, the famous British navigator James Cook sailed past the easternmost tip of Australia and named it Byron Bay, honoring the explorer John Byron, grandfather of the poet Lord Byron. As a result of its exceptional climate, agriculture and fishing thrived soon after. Years later, surfers discovered the excellent conditions for surfing. Since then, the primary trade has revolved around the harvesting and shipment of cedar trees, pivotal in crafting the initial surfboards.

Duke Kahanamoku

In 1915, the legendary Duke Kahanamoku, alias “the Duke”,
introduced surfing on his 10 ft cedar wooden surfboard in Australia.

A quote from a surfer from that time: “He paddled through the surf,
turned around and paddled to the crest of a breaking wave.
He caught the wave back to the beach, standing upright
on his new homemade wooden surfboard. Fantastic."

Byron Bay is nowadays the dream of many surfers.
But the Duke's first rides paved the way....

In the year 1967

In 1967, Byron Bay witnessed a landmark year for surfers!
It was the zenith of surf culture as the perfect wave crashed upon the shores.
The weather was impeccable, the waves were extraordinary,
and the true daredevils experienced the thrill of a lifetime!

Byron Bay

Nowadays

Byron Bay is still one of the most popular places for surfing, sunbathing and relaxing. Byron Bay attracts a colorful mix of people from all over the world. Most backpackers traveling through Australia visit Byron Bay for its beautiful scenery and atmosphere.