A true coastal town experience is incomplete without the view of an endless blue expanse stretching into the horizon. The Cape Byron Lighthouse, built in 1901, is a striking white sentinel that stands 3km north of the town of Byron Bay. The structure carries a fascinating history. Did you know that this cape was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 during his perilous voyages around Australia? I didn't until I decided to visit this spectacular landmark myself at dusk to watch the sunset. After parking at the site, I slowly made my way up the top end of Lighthouse Road. There is a scenic walking track along the cape, but after a whole day of throwing myself against the waves, I hadn't the slightest energy left to hike all the way here. As such, I decided to just sit back, feel the salty sea breeze run through my hair, and watch the lighthouse illuminate the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

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After sunset, as I made my way back to my car, I caught sight of something magical I had never seen before. Plankton along the shores of Tallow Beach lit up the night. Bioluminescence carved a magical pathway along the coast, and with each wave hitting the shore, it created a mesmerizing glow - like a trail of a million tiny sapphires scattered across the sand. If you ever visit Byron, this is a rare spectacle you do not want to miss.