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Incredible images have captured the evolution of one of Australia's favourite coastal towns.  

Byron Bay, in northern New South Wales, has marked itself on the map as a popular holiday destination for tourists and Aussies alike.   

But before welcoming millionaire movie stars into its backyard, the sleepy town two hours south of Brisbane epitomised a much simpler lifestyle. 

Photographs taken in the 1960s show the prominent coastline, local pool and railway station - before the glitz and glamour of Hollywood came to town with the likes of Chris Hemsworth calling it home. 

BEFORE: Five lifesavers are seen standing in front of a large wooden paddle boat at Byron's Main Beach to pose for the camera

AFTER: Standing on the same stretch of sand in 2019, the modern Byron lifesavers, which include female members, don bright red and yellow uniforms

The historic images are compared to one's taken in 2019, showcasing the transformation of the tight-knit coastal in over half-a-century. 

One of Australia's oldest lifesaving clubs, The Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club, was established in 1907.

Five lifesavers are seen standing in front of a large wooden paddle boat to pose for the camera. 

The dated sepia image shows the men dressed in matching blue, white and red one pieces, completed with a striped swimming cap and what appears to be a floating device around their necks.

Standing on the same stretch of sand, the modern Byron lifesavers, which include female members, don bright red and yellow uniforms.

They complete their look by adopting sun-safe measures, including hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.    

1960s: With large text reading 'Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club', the two-storey weatherboard structure seemed to look more like a house than a surf club

Today: The contemporary surf lifesaving club standing solid today appears a world away from the club's first home

1960s: Construction vehicles are seen sand mining at Byron's main beach in 1967

Today: The clear waters of Main Beach continue to attract locals and tourists for a cooling dip 

1960s: Denise Campbell models at the Oleander Carnival, which raised money to build the local swimming pool

The contemporary surf lifesaving club standing solid today appears a world away from the club's first home.

With large text reading 'Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club', the two-storey weatherboard structure seemed to look more like a house than a surf club.

Photograph Brendan Beirne who captured Byron in its current form said the town's charm doesn't appeared to have changed.  

'I think the place still has the same vibe, it's still very laid-back, obviously with a lot more traffic and people but it's still got a really good atmosphere,' he said.

'I wasn't there in the 60s or 70s but from what I hear it's always been a bit like that, a bit alternative and laid-back.'

'Everyone still loves the place.' 

1960s: This image shows what is understood to be a orange 1930s Ford truck turning at the corner at Jonson Street, followed by an ambulance

Today: Thriving Jonson street, which continues to welcome visitors with fashion boutiques and cafes, was always a hub of the coastal town

1960s: Groups of young girls are seen marching through town. The Great Northern Hotel is on the left side of the image

Today: Photographer Brendan Beirne said: 'I couldn't shoot the other angle up Jonson street because there's a huge new shopping centre that's just opened up their with a brand new Woolworths and huge cinema' 

Thriving Jonson street, which continues to welcome visitors with fashion boutiques and cafes, was always a town hub. 

However, the road was bare and without lanes, road signs and a roundabout instructing traffic flow. 

One old image shows what is understood to be a orange 1930s Ford truck turning at the corner of a local petrol station, followed by an ambulance. 

'It's still got a lot of the old architecture but a lot more shops,' Mr Beirne said.

'I couldn't shoot the other angle up Jonson street because there's a huge new shopping centre that's just opened up their with a brand new Woolworths and huge cinema.' 

1960s: According to Images of Byron Bay, the community raised the funds to build the pool through Oleander Carnivals

Today: The modern pool, frequented by locals, has the same structure intact but with greater hazard warnings  

1960s: The Byron Bay Post Office was first built in 1896 but was later extended in 1916. It is now home to a cafe

Today: The former Byron Bay Post Office constructed in 1896 now serves as a cafe serving health trend Acai bowls

1960s: Railway Cottage, facing Jonson Street, is seen flooded with town members on May 1 1970

Today: The modern railway cottage appears to be same structure but without the scores of people. A temporary metal fence stands in front of the building

A picture from December 3 1969 shows the local pool under construction. 

According to Images of Byron Bay, the community raised the funds to build the pool through Oleander Carnivals. 

With the same physical structures intact, the bright blue floors of the modern pools pull jump out of the screen. 

The Byron Bay Post Office, which was built in 1896 and extended in 1916, has been transformed into a cafe.   

1960s: Cheeky Monkey's was a corner shop at the intersection of Kingsley Street and Jonson Street. A church stands behind the corner store

Today: Cheeky Monkey's is now a popular restaurant and bar for Byron locals and tourists alike, surrounded by lush greenery

1960s: Overlooking Byron Bay, the Presbyterian Church is seen in the top left of the image with a red roof. The larger red roof depicts the Catholic Church. The stretch of coastline is captured on the right side

Today  From the same location shot, the town has been reinvigorated with greenery 

Mr Beirne said the town had managed to keep its iconic atmosphere despite a number of celebrities making their footprint on Australia's east coast. 

'The beach is still the same,' he said.

'They haven't ruined the place in any way, shape or form.'

'It's got that alternative slash trendy vibe. It's always very chilled out and always has been from what I can tell.' 

1960s: Poolman's Garage is seen servicing some dated vehicles. Mr and Mrs poolman lived over the road form the garage

Today: The car garage has transformed into Sharky's Tattoo parlour, putting residents under the needle for fresh ink

Today: Photographer Mr Beirne joked that the beach is still the same. 'They haven't ruined the place in any way, shape or form,' he said

1960s: The old and run down building stood before the construction of the local swimming pool next door

Today: Despite keeping the same structure as the old building, Fish Heads looks new, colourful and welcoming

Today: Mr Beirne said the essence and architecture of the town was the same - minus the traffic and larger population

Movie star Chris Hemsworth and wife Elsa Pataky are known as Byron locals and have been building their $9million mega-mansion in the town for almost two years.

Most recently, the boss of F45 gyms Adam Gilchrist splashed a record-breaking $18.9m on a Byron beach pad.

Mr Gilchrist bought the Wategos House on 11 Marine Parade, which boasts six-bedrooms, four bathrooms and a swimming pool.

Other celebrities to have bought homes in Byron include The Project panellist and radio personality Carrie Bickmore, soccer star Tim Cahill and netball player Liz Ellis.

The colonial-style home broke the town's property sale record, which was previously held by the same home when it was sold in 2006 for $15.7 million.

Photographs taken in the 1960s show the prominent coastline, local pool and railway station - before the glitz and glamour of Hollywood came to town with the likes of Chris Hemsworth (pictured with his wife) calling it home

Carrie Bickmore's $3 million holiday home in the Byron Bay area which is now popular with Hollywood stars

Other celebrities to have bought homes in Byron include The Project panellist and radio personality Carrie Bickmore (left), soccer star Tim Cahill (right) and netball player Liz Ellis

Tim Cahill's $1.7million home in Byron Bay. The former Everton player is one of Australia's most famous soccer players