During a period of locum work, I had the opportunity to practice in Byron Bay and its surrounding districts, including Lismore and Ballina. My principal motive for undertaking this engagement was to ascertain the allure that has, in recent years, drawn numerous Hollywood celebrities to the region. Though Byron Bay is often extolled for its natural beauty and purported lifestyle benefits, my experience led me to conclude that the area is, in many respects, somewhat overrated.
Historically, Byron Bay was known to the Bundjalung people, the traditional custodians of the land, long before European settlement. The town later developed as a hub for dairy production, whaling, and sand mining during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In more recent decades, it has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a fashionable coastal retreat famed for its beaches, alternative culture, and wellness tourism. Despite these developments, I found that the modern veneer of celebrity glamour sits somewhat uncomfortably atop a town whose charm lies more in its history and natural surroundings than in its current reputation.
Panasonic G9
Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4
Linking Skywatch Friday
I am enjoying the series of Peacemaker on Max. Joel strongly recommended to me last evening.
