First light in the East

Cape Byron is the easternmost point of the Australian continent. The cape sits on a narrow and rocky point less than three kilometres from the popular resort town of Byron Bay. The cape is capped by three hillocks.  Atop the easternmost, and highest, of these peaks sits Cape Byron Lighthouse.  Built in 1901, this dazzling white, 23-metre high, structure is Australia's most powerful lighthouse (A staggering 2.2 million candela).

The light continues to operate.  More than a century later it's still shining a beam that's visible up to 50 kilometres away.  It's also become one of the surrounding region's most popular attractions.  More than half a million people visit it every year. During Summer its popularity peaks as the cape is an ideal location from which to watch whales migrate up the Australian coast.  A local dolphin pad can also seen frolicking around the cape throughout the year.

This morning, shortly after dawn, I was lucky enough to be taken on an hour-long trek around the Byron Cape headlands.  As we walked we spotted the local dolphins and plenty of enthusiastic surfers. It was a perfect morning to experience the cape for the first time.  The lighthouse was simply dazzling in the morning sunlight, while all around, perfect feathery white surf curled its way along the shoreline. Even the odd wallaby was taking time out to enjoy the nation's first light for today.

UPDATE: July 10

You may be wondering why I’ve been visiting Byron Bay. Last month Garry and I bought a toy wholesaling business. The former owner was based in Mullumbimby, located about 18km inland from the renowned coastal resort. I based myself in Mullumbimby while conducting a final round of due diligence on the business in early June.