A Week of Glorious Sunrises

Byron Bay is one of Australia's iconic lifestyle destinations, with its spectacular beaches, rainforests, world class festivals and being the most easterly point in Australia, with a beautiful lighthouse on the headland.

Lennox Head

Sitting watching my first sunset at Lennox Head on my first afternoon and watching so many whales frolicking, I decided that sunrise at the lighthouse would be the following morning destination. I didn't set an alarm but happened to be awake at 4 am. Perfect. Time to dress and take the 30 minute drive north, giving me time to be well and truly in position for the 5.02 am sunrise time. Alas, parking was a problem but eventhough I had to park lower down than expected, I hot footed it up, stopping to get my breathe several times and made it. A lovely couple of hours enjoyed exploring the headland trails, but NO whales!

Hinterland view, with Mt Warning the peak in the centre.

I wasn't alone, so continued on from this point, which isn't the most easterly.

My destination, not realising it involved 500 steps down, and of course, back.

Halfway back up, a well positioned seat to catch my breathe.

Almost back to the carpark - the magnificent view south to Lennox Head.

Wednesday

I woke at 5am on this morning and again decided to set off in the dark, this time to be at the Pat Morton Lookout for sunrise. I shared the birdsong that greeted me as I left, on my previous post. The sound put music in my footsteps and I quickly covered the 3 km to the headland, with the dawning light filling me with joy.

Thick sea spray filled the air along the beach.

After cresting the headland, I descended to the cliffs just beyond this lovely scene and spent an hour soaking up the serenity of the morning, listening to waves roll in and watching for whales. (none)

Lennox Head on my return, was looking much prettier.

Nearing the caravan Park, the dune was a mass of orange nasturians. The view looks back to my sunrise headland. 9 kilometres totally enjoyed and back for breakfast at 9am.

Thursday

I happily set off once more at 5.30 am

Coming out of a short forest walk on the headland, I was greeted by these colours. The sun was almost up.

What appears to be the sun appearing, is actually a reflection on the ocean.

Now it appears.

This morning I kept walking slowly to Boulder Beach and Rocky Headland. Such a magnificent sunrise and morning.

The eagle from my previous post.

Looking back to where I have walked from.

Returning several hours later, Lennox was again lost in sea spray. 12 kilometres walked and no whales. 

Friday

Sadly, today I had to farewell Lennox Head. Check out time was 10am. Not knowing how long it would take for me to pack up the van, I chose a short beach walk to watch sunrise. I wasn't disappointed.

Almost back to the caravan park, I was surprised to see so many people and dogs on the beach. I then saw a sign to say it was dog friendly. Having set off early and arriving back much later in the morning each day, I had missed this busy scene.

Another surprise was the young lifesavers [children, teenagers] training. It was just past 6.30am. Normally a Saturday morning summer scene. Not mid week.

I do enjoy the company of my friends when they join me on my too infrequent camping trips. It is  however, good to know that I can be equally happy and safe by myself. This was an amazing few days away, where I enjoyed  nature's beauty at my leisure and I was also able to accomplish new numerous enjoyable tasks that I had taken with me.

New South Wales switched to daylight saving time at the beginning of October. Queensland chooses not too. Because of DST, I was able to fully enjoy these magnificent sunrises.

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