Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia

A sign warning travelers of kangaroo crossings along a back road near Byron Bay.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Swimmers get some sun on the grass above Main Beach in Byron Bay.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Beach-ready customers stroll through the Byron shopping area on Jonson Street, Byron Bay’s main drag.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

A variety of savory meat pies displayed at the casual takeout counter of Byron Hot Bread Kitchen. Eating a meat pie or two is a must in Australia. These savory offerings are about the size of a bread plate and consist of a crisp, golden crust stuffed with all manner of fillings, including rich lamb and mint, spicy curry chicken, tender steak and cheese and more.   (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The Fresh Deli Board with prosciutto, sopressa, hummus, feta cheese, olives, eggplant and roasted red peppers is served at Byron Fresh Cafe.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

A room at the Byron Beach Resort, a laid-back hotel across the street from Byron Bay’s beach.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

A double room at the Byron Beachcomber Resort, which has a swimming pool, community grilling area and private path to the beach.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

A Thai beef salad served at the Nightcap Brasserie, inside the Channon Butterfactory Tavern in the Channon, a village in New South Wales.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

The hippie town of Nimbin, in New South Wales, offers all things hemp- and cannabis-related.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

Clouds break as the sun sets during a summer rainstorm near the town of Lismore, in New South Wales.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)

A sign in front of Lismore Presbyterian Church offers spiritual advice to passersby.  (Jessica Gelt / Los Angeles Times)