The latest addition to my Top 10 Favorite Places in the World list, Byron Bay is easily the best I’ve seen in Australia, or Oz as they like to call it here.

Set in the northern reaches of New South Wales, Byron Bay sits on the most easterly point of the continent, facing the vast South Pacific Ocean. Giant panoramas of sea and sky stretch out as far as the eye can see, and from what I’m told, giant humpback whales breech on the horizon this time of year (although I didn’t have the honor of seeing one).

It’s a magical place… I could tell the minute I arrived in this funky little town. With a vibe that reminds me of Santa Cruz and weather similar to that of San Diego, you really do get the best of everything here. Not to mention that the world-famous surf, beautiful coastal rainforests, incredible white-sand beaches and vibrant bohemian lifestyles have earned Byron Bay international acclaim and a notable reputation among hip international travelers as the top destination in Australia.

In total I had only 20 days to see the eastern coast of Australia. Since I’d heard enough hype about Byron, I decided to rush down the coast and spend as much time as I could there. Originally the plan was 4 nights, including my birthday. Once there, I managed to stretch my stay to 8. I even considered pushing my flight to Bangkok so I could have more time to enjoy the vibes.

In my opinion, the best part of Byron Bay is the Arts Factory Lodge, a groovy alternative space that just might be the best hostel I’ve ever seen. Not only can you choose to sleep in a giant teepee (my obvious choice), but you can also opt to pitch camp in the Rainbow Gathering-style jungle campground (where I will stay if I ever return). Beyond the ultra-chill vibes that the property emanates from every corner, the atmosphere is enhanced by the travelers themselves, who all seem to come here for the same reason – to slow down, play some music, share positive energy, escape the world and simply enjoy being.

Even though I barely saw the sun the entire week I was there, I loved every minute come rain or shine.

Actually, the rain started on my birthday and kept me in suspense all day on whether or not I would actually jump from a plane for my first (and possibly only) skydive. Then, after 6 hours of waiting for the rain to stop, the sky cleared just before sunset and my friend Helen and I were told to suit up for the jump. I still can’t believe I did it.

The sensation of skydiving from 14,000 feet really can’t be properly put to words. And the overwhelming emotion of dropping from the sky with 120-mile-per-hour wind blasting past your face induces a state of slow-moving extremity that I will not easily forget in this life, or the next for that matter. I can't think of a better way to commemorate my 30th birthday, yet up until a couple weeks ago, it's something I would have never dared to do.

While I was at first a little saddened by the idea of spending my birthday away from my all my friends and family, it turned out more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. For the love of Byron, that was the best birthday of my life.

June 21, 2006