First week in Byron: pace yourself or burn out by day four

A pattern we've watched repeatedly: a 22-year-old WHV holder arrives in Byron, has the obligatory big night at Cheeky Monkeys (or its replacement Woody's Surf Shack), does a surf lesson hung over the next morning, books skydiving for day three, kayak for day four, and by day five is so cooked they spend most of the rest of the week napping in the hostel courtyard.

If you have a week+ in Byron, the move is to do one big thing per day and to take rest days. The town's rhythm is genuinely slower than the East Coast cities and forcing a Sydney-pace itinerary onto it doesn't pay off — you'll spend money on experiences you're too tired to enjoy.

A reasonable Byron-week template: - Day 1: arrival, lighthouse walk at sunset, easy hostel dinner. - Day 2: surf lesson at Clarkes (book with Soul Surf School or Blackdog). - Day 3: kayak with dolphins (Cape Byron Kayaks) in morning, beach + nap afternoon. - Day 4: rest day, brunch + cafe reading. - Day 5: Nimbin day tour. - Day 6: dive Julian Rocks (Sundive) or rest + surf. - Day 7: hinterland exploration, last sunset at lighthouse.

This actually fits the budget too — averaging $80-120/day for one major experience + meals + accommodation is more sustainable than trying to spend $400 in 48 hours.