The coastal town of Byron Bay has long been a hipster hotspot attracting travellers from near and far for its relaxing and restorative powers. Surrounded by lush hinterland (that is perfect for hiking) and pristine beaches, the NSW North Coast boho beach town punches well above its weight in terms of luxe accommodation, bars and restaurants, making it one of the state’s top dining destinations.
Here’s the lowdown on things to do in Byron Bay to make the most of your next beach getaway.
The list of things to do in Byron Bay is long, from hiking and swimming to family-friendly activities and attractions for those who don’t like the beach or things to do when it is raining. We’ve even collected a few local secrets below.
While visitors flock to Byron Bay’s Main Beach, you’ll find Byron locals migrating to the surrounding beaches to catch some waves. Some of Byron Bay’s best beaches include the picturesque Wategos Beach, the long sandy stretch of Tallows Beach and you’ll be wise to seek some secluded spots at Broken Head Beach.
There’s no better place to learn to surf than Byron Bay. Renowned as a world-class surfing destination, there is a vast choice of surfing schools available in Byron Bay including the popular Soul Surf School that caters for beginners through to advanced surfers of any age with half-day lessons inclusive of all equipment such as boards and wetsuits during winter.
Zephyr Horses offer small, personalised horse tours either along the beach or in the beautiful sub-tropical woodlands. Suitable for all levels of riders, gallop along the beach for a memorable and soul charging mini-break.
Stretched over 80 glorious acres on Ewingsdale Road, you’ll find The Farm, bringing the true meaning of paddock to plate to Byron. This fully functional working farm fosters a community of growers, producers, eateries and educators and exudes a real community vibe. On any given day you’ll find children and adults wandering the paddocks, enjoying lunch at Three Blue Ducks or buying produce and flowers from the onsite growers.
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Don’t miss sunrise from Australia’s most easterly point at the Cape Byron Lighthouse for Byron’s most spectacular views! Immerse yourself in the history of Cape Byron Lighthouse with private guided tours of the iconic lighthouse by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. If you’re driving, park entry fees apply at the Cape Byron Lighthouse car park or choose to trek the three kilometres from Byron township and enjoy one of the most spectacular coastal walks.
Co-managed by National Parks and the traditional owners, Arakwal features 3km of stunning coastline boarded by sand dunes and is a haven for birds and wildlife. Grab a map from the visitors centre and explore the walking trails that cover some diverse terrain, breathtaking views and vistas. Find more of the best Byron Bay walks and hikes here.
Byron punches well above its weight as a music destination, as this small town regularly hosts touring artists and fosters some impressive local talent like no other. Catch a gig at the iconic Beach Hotel for beers and bands or hop on the shuttle bus to Bryon Bay Brewery for more craft beer and live music. Byron Bay also plays host to major music events throughout the year including Byron Bay Bluesfest held over the Easter long weekend and Splendour in the Grass in July.
Enjoy whale watching at Australia’s most easterly point between May and November as the majestic creatures migrate in their thousands. The best land-based vantage point is Cape Byron Lighthouse, or you can get up and personal on a kayaking tour with Go Sea Kayaks or a whale-watching cruise with tour operators such as Whale Watching Byron Bay You might even get lucky and view whales while snorkelling at Julian Rocks.
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Despite Byron Bay’s boho persona, luxury accommodation abounds on the North Coast of New South Wales. Byron Bay local and style maven Tahlia Lowry has carefully curated Byron Bay Abodes, a luxe collection of Instagram worthy accommodation, all individually designed with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. If you’re after something more private and refined, 28 Degrees offers an exclusive private guesthouse experience right in the heart of Byron Bay or splash out at the exclusive Rae’s at Wategos. Rae’s continues to attract the rich and famous to its seven-room boutique hotel boasting an unbeatable beachfront setting, plus a 50 seat al fresco dining room and spa. Then there is the boutique retreat Blackbird Byron in the hinterland, Hidden Valley Guesthouse tucked away between Byron and Bangalow, and a long list of romantic accommodation to choose from.
If you plan to linger longer or you’re travelling with family and friends, then Byron Bay self-contained accommodation is the way to go! Choose a holiday house with room to move and all the mod cons like dreamy luxury holiday rentals Ayindi Byron Bay and Vantage over Byron. Apartment-style hotels like Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments or Beach Suites offer travellers the ease and flexibility of booking short or long stays and the choice of various room types so you and your crew can live it up in style in Byron!
Byron at Byron and Elements at Byron are the largest and most luxe resorts to relax poolside in Byron Bay. Byron at Byron set in a subtropical rainforest offers tranquil villa accommodation dotted throughout the 45-acre property. The public spaces including the restaurant, helmed by Matthew Kemp have recently received a magical makeover making for the ultimate luxury stay surrounded by nature. Elements of Byron has recently expanded, adding more villas and an exclusive adults-only pool with a tequila swim-up bar in addition to its popular lagoon pool, its barefoot luxury at its best. But if you’d a quintessential old-school Aussie getaway, there are plenty of Byron Bay camping and holiday parks to choose from.
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If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Byron Bay beyond the renowned Three Blue Ducks and Harvest, then check out our ultimate foodies guide to Byron Bay and our guide to the best places to eat in Byron Bay on a budget and don’t miss local favourites like The Roadhouse and Barrio Byron Bay. Many of Byron’s best foodie finds are out of town, so live like a local and seek restaurants and cafes beyond the beach. Explore nearby towns like Brunswick Heads for famed restaurant Fleet, browse the charming main street of Bangalow or head to the hinterland to Cape Byron Distillery for gin tasting and cocktails overlooking the macadamia orchard and rainforest. There are also plenty of good bars in town for a sundowner.
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