The most easterly point on the Australian mainland, Byron Bay is special, both geographically and culturally.

Its unique mix of coastal and hinterland national parks, steadfast limits on development, famous surfing breaks, and unspoilt beaches where you can whale watch in winter and catch dolphins frolicking all year round make it a natural playground for visitors and residents alike.

It lies in a region where subtropical and temperate climates meet, and consequently has a rich variety of flora and fauna, much of which is under threat from indiscriminate and greedy development either side of the tiny Byron Shire. It is also home to a rich variety of the human species, from new age healers and long-established farmers to recently arrived refugees from the cities.

Whatever your persuasion, Byron is one of the best spots outside of Bondi to check out hot bods. It has one great advantage over Bondi - the attitude is missing! Once Byron casts its spell over visitors they soon drop any airs and graces and go with flow, which is relaxed, informal and focused on enjoyment rather than self-obsessed strutting. In summer the whole of Byron comes alive with hordes of gorgeous blond (and non-blond) surfie-looking hot guys.

The Perve Factor goes off the scale as most guys prefer to go shirtless and low-ride (wear their board shorts down to just above their pube line ). Great eye candy from both front and behind!

Over the years, with surfers in the 60s, hippies in the 70s, backpackers in the 80s, and everybody since, Byron Bay has gained a reputation for its relaxed and alternative atmosphere.

Today, Byron is a place that attracts those fleeing the rat race, concrete jungles or conservative communities. People come here to lose themselves, find themselves, heal themselves or just start a new life. This magical mix of residents, with their strong and varied points of view, has helped shape the Byron Bay we all love today. You won't find any high-rise buildings or fast food giants; instead you are free to choose between a wide variety of places to stay, and get to enjoy an interesting mix of restaurants and cafes - many boasting award-winning chefs.

Byron also has a close relationship with the local Aboriginal people, the Arakwal. Due to the support and encouragement of the local community, the Arakwal members have returned to their home country, and many work in the national parks and on other community projects.

Directions:   800km north of Sydney, 175km south of Brisbane

How to get there:   By car, two hours drive from Brisbane (10 hours from Sydney).

By plane:   You can reach Byron from either Ballina (25 minutes), Coolangatta (50 minutes) or Brisbane (two hours) airports. Regular inexpensive connecting bus services will drop you at your door from Ballina or Coolangatta airports.

By bus:   All major bus lines run from Sydney or Brisbane and most towns in between.