Location

The Byron Bay Historical Society  displays its artefacts in a variety of locations.

Richmond Tweed Regional Library Byron Bay Branch
Located at Cnr Middleton and Lawson St. (opening hours 9.30am to 5.00pm Monday, Tuesday ,Wednesday and Friday,Thursday 9.30 am to 7.00pm and Sat from 9.00am to 12.00pm public holidays exception)
BBHS has an extensive collection of photos and reference articles relating to Byron Bay history and a significant
collection of reference books which are available to the public for viewing or study.
This material is held in the Indigenous Room and the library staff will direct enquiries relating to
history reference material to this room.

Green Frog
The BBHS owns the oldest Simplex Rail motor in Australia dating back to 1922. This rail
engine which is affectionately referred to as the “Green Frog” and is located in a special shed at
Kendall St., just to the east over the rail crossing, can be viewed by the public with advanced
appointment by emailing the BBHS. (note that the caretaker of the rail motor is usually on-site
Saturday from 10:00 am to around noon). Train enthusiasts from all over Australia and the world
often come to see, photograph and measure this rail motor.
The Green Frog will be relocated to a more prominent location, adjacent to the new Bus transport interchange, in early 2019.
The simplex Rail Motor was imported from England in 1922 and has played a significant part in the
development of Byron Bay as a sea port and industrial centre up to the late 1980’s. The “Green Frog” arrived in Byron Bay on Wednesday 16th May 1923.

Byron Bay lighthouse
History display items can also be found at the Byron Bay lighthouse located on Cape Byron open 7
days a week.

TSS Wollongbar anchor
The anchor of the TSS Wollongbar, sunk in 1921, is on display at Old Jetty Park near Belongil Beach.

Byron Bay Foreshore History Trail

The History Trail is a series of locational signs and maps that describe Byron Bay’s major historical events. The trail starts at the Lifesaving club and finishes at the Lighthouse.

Byron Bay Historical Society website

There is vast display of photos and other media on display showing Byron Bay’s history.

 

Please enjoy the extensive photo collection and narrative history located on this website which we
will be expanded from time to time and as new research is completed.

From time to time the Society works with other groups in the community, and with other Byron Shire and Northern Rivers historical societies to research, report and display historical information and items at their facilities.