Typical, the day I leave Surfers Paradise and the sun decides to shine! But I wasn't travelling too far to Byron Bay so the weather here was pretty much the same, if not better.

Byron Bay is one of the nicest places I have been so far. It's a really small, uncommercial place with a really laid back atmosphere. Plus it's New Years celebrations are legendary so I couldn't wait.

After getting checked into my hostel I spent the rest of my first day relaxing on the beautiful, white sandy beach. When I got back to my room I met the four people I would be sharing with. Four Austalians who had come down for Noosa for the celebrations. I took that fact as a sign that I would have a good laugh in Byron. Spent the rest of evening getting to know everyone and generally having a good laugh.

My second day went pretty much the same way as my first. It was spent relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea. My afternoon was slightly more active. I met up with a couple I had met on my dive course in Cairns. Jodi and Tanya had been working on their way down the east coast and were in Byron for New Years. We all had dinner together and then went for a few drinks to fully catch up with each other.

New Years Eve day consisted of Jodi, Tanya and I chilling out on the beach and planning what we would be doing in the evening. For tha past few years the New Years celebrations had gotten a little of out hand so this year the authorities were trying to make it more of a family experience. That meant no drinking on the streets, which the three of us duely adhered to (if in any of the photos you see me with a Coke bottle then all it contains is Coke. That's it...well, maybe not totally )

The evening consisted of a really colourful parade followed by live music on a stage set up by the beach. There were also small stalls selling bits and bobs, a fair ground and loads of street performers. The whole night had a really relaxed and happy atmosphere.

It was a bit strange having midnight of New Years Eve on a beach but it was a great experience and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Definately won't forget that in a hurry.

I got to bed at a reasonable time New Years Day morning and I wasn't too worse for wear, which meant that I didn't waste the first day of 2007 in bed. Instead I slept on the beach, much nicer. My afternoon was a lot more energetic than my morning. The three of us joined in with a group playing volleyball. This is the most energetic thing I've done in what seems like ages but we all got really into it.

My last evening in Byron was spent at the lighthouse that sits high up on the headland and provides stunning views of the bay. We had a picnic up there and enjoyed the first sunset of 2007.

Back at the hostel my Australian room mates had left to go home and had been replaced by a group of four lads travelling the coast together. Three Brits and a French Canadian lad and all were a really good laugh. We spent all evening being taught poker by Renee, the Canadian. I felt really sorry for him we must have been the four worst students ever.

All-in-all Byron was one of the best places I've been so far. My next stop is Coffs Harbour and it's got a lot to live up to.