Settlement history

Settlement of the area dates from the 1850s, with land used mainly for cedar cutting. Growth took place during the 1880s and 1890s, spurred by the opening of the railway line and the establishment of the township and a butter factory. Dairy farming, fishing, whaling and sand mining were important industries. The population grew during the 1960s and 1970s, aided by tourism. Significant development occurred during the 1980s, with growth continuing during the 1990s as new dwellings continued to be added to the area. The population declined slightly between 2001 and 2006, a result of little change in dwelling stock, and a decline in dwelling occupancy rates and the average number of persons living in each dwelling. The population was then relatively stable between 2006 and 2011.

Major features

• Major features of the area include Arakwal National Park,
• Cumbebin Swamp Nature Reserve,
• Cape Byron Marine Park (including Julian Rocks),
• Cape Byron State Conservation Area,
• Cape Byron,
• Cape Byron Lighthouse,
• Palm Valley,
• Belongil Beach,
• Clarkes Beach,
• Little Wategos Beach,
• Main Beach,
• Tallow Beach,
• Wategos Beach,
• Cosy Corner,
• The Pass,
• The Wreck,
• Captain Cook Lookout,
• Byron Bay town centre,
• Byron West Shopping Fair,
• Byron District Hospital,
• Byron Regional Sports and Cultural Complex,
• Apex Park,
• Byron Bay Recreation Grounds,
• Byron Bay Golf Club,
• Byron Bay Swimming Pool,
• Byron Community Centre and several schools.