10 October 2024
7 mins Read
The popular coastal hotspot of Byron Bay in NSW’s Northern Rivers region is one of the most beautiful places in Australia, and there’s a reason that kids love it, too. If you’re planning a holiday to Byron with the family, or find yourself in town with an empty itinerary, we’ve got you covered with nine of the best activities to keep the whole family happy.
Part working farm, part eatery – The Farm provides an enchanting and playful insight into the rural side of Byron Bay. Just a 10-minute drive from the centre of town, little ones can spend the day running, playing and getting up close to lots of adorable farm animals. Fuel up by grabbing lunch at Three Blue Ducks.
During school holidays, there are kids activities designed to inspire and educate. Each one is filled with hands-on, creative and mindful activities to encourage an appreciation of nature, animals and the community. Watch your children learn about ethical farming practices, as well as how food is grown, composting, animal care and more. There are adult workshops on offer, too!
Meet the friendly (and cute) locals at The Farm. (Image: Destination NSW)
Address: 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale NSW
Take the winding roads into one of the cutest Byron hinterland towns and you’ll be rewarded with an enchanted sanctuary housing two of the tallest crystals in Australia. At Crystal Castle, take a magical stroll around the labyrinth-like Shambhala Gardens, learning about the Naren King who initially envisioned Crystalight back in 1986.
The crown jewel of Crystal Castle is the Enchanted Cave, formed over 120 million years ago in northern Uruguay and brought here by Naren. It’s approximately 5.5 metres tall, made when a giant bubble formed inside a molten lava flow. Kids and adults alike will love spending time looking at the millions of amethyst crystals that make up this amazing place.
Wander the peaceful Shambhala Gardens at Crystal Castle. (Image: Destination NSW)
Address: 81 Monet Drive, Montecollum NSW
There really is no better way to discover the true essence of a place than by visiting the community markets. The Byron Community Market, held on the main beach foreshore, take place on the first Sunday of each month and is filled with handmade wares, food, art and trinkets.
There are plenty of other cool markets in and around Byron Bay, too. From the Murwillumbah Farmers’ Market on Wednesday to the Bangalow Flea Markets on every 2nd and 5th Saturday of the month, there’s something for all tastes. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the locals and buy a special Byron-made souvenir to take home.
Kids will love hunting for treasures at the markets. (Image: Destination NSW)
Previously Macadamia Castle, the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary aims at creating awareness around the importance of respecting the natural world and Australia’s native animals. The park is open seven days a week and also hosts comprehensive kids’ day programs during the school holidays.
The whole family will enjoy a day spent here, with the daily activity schedule including keeper talks, wildlife presentations and interactive animal experiences. There’s also an onsite cafe and retail store, with a focus on locally produced and sustainable gifts.
The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a great day out. (Image: Destination NSW)
Address: 419 Hinterland Way, Knockrow NSW
The natural landscape of Byron is a playground in itself – particularly for those who can make the most of it. Catching waves at one of the many popular beaches is a rite of passage, so it’s good to start them young. Soul Surf School is a Byron institute and the perfect place to dip your toe in as a beginner. There are board rentals for all levels, with lessons starting for those as young as seven.
If you’re child is five or above, you can also book them in for a private lesson with a professional. There are also great group sessions on offer too, so the whole family can get involved. There are plenty of other surf schools too, including Blackdog Surfing, Mojosurf and Kool Katz Surf School.
Byron is the perfect place to learn how to catch waves. (Image: Destination NSW)
Address: 4/14 Bay Street, Byron Bay NSW
If you’d rather stay dry, head to Zephyr Horses for an afternoon or horse-riding. The coastal horse ranch offers an array of options, including specialised kids rides. Children have to be above the age of 10 to join a regular group ride, however the Mini Zephyrs Club caters to those under 10.
If you’re riding with kids, choose between the 1.5-hour Forest Trail, the two-hour Forest to Beach track or the two-hour Sunrise or Sunset Forest to Beach ride. Then head back to the ranch for a cuddle with your new best friend.
Hit the track with Zephyr Horses. (Image: Destination NSW)
Address: 145 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay NSW
One of the many beauties of Byron is that so many kid-friendly activities are freely accessed via the great outdoors. Families can see Byron from a different perspective with Wild Byron Sea Safaris, which offer snorkelling and whale watching trips. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, colourful fish and dolphins, too. The Byron Bay Dive Centre also caters for all levels of snorkelling experience.
If your little ones are a bit too young to take out on the boat, hit up one of Byron’s many stunning beaches for a day in the sun. Wategos Beach is known for being calm; in fact, it’s one of the best swimming spots in Byron. Other ways to get out on the water include kayaking, SUPing, eco tours and whale watching.
Byron is home to some of Australia’s best beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)
Byron Bay is a festival hot spot and many of them accommodate families by dedicating special areas or days to kids. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s likely to be something fun on the calendar for you.
There’s Bluesfest over Easter, which is an all-ages music event with an exceptionally wholesome environment. July’s Splendour in the Grass is Australia’s biggest music festival, with Little Splendour held alongside the entire three-day event. The Byron Bay Writers Festival has a kids’ day in August, as well as the Sample Food Festival in September.
The whole family can enjoy Byron’s festivals. (Image: Bluesfest Byron Bay)
Only in Byron would you find something so retro yet sustainably powered. The Byron Bay Train is the world’s first solar-powered train; a restored 1949 carriage fitted with contemporary green technology. The train runs along a three-kilometre coastal track, linking the town centre with North Beach.
Kids will love learning onboard the two-carriage train, which takes around 10 minutes one-way or 25 minutes return. A scenic bounty on this piece of history costs just $5 each-way for adults and $3 for kids aged between six and 13. Any younger and you can travel for free! The train runs daily, with specific times listed on the website.
Kids will love a scenic ride on the solar-powered train. (Image: Getty/Kiara Bloom)
Address: Shirley Street Level Crossing
If you’ve ever dreamed of running away and joining the circus, say hello to (pretty much) the next best thing. Seven days a week, rain hail or shine, Circus Arts Byron showcases the best indoor playground paradise for toddlers, teens, adults and everyone in between.
Explore all the circus-themed activities you can think of, from an indoor climbing wall, Olympic-sized trampoline, flying trapeze and tumble track. On school holidays, Circus Arts offers programs tailored to certain age groups, all available for kids as young as one. Once they’re all worn out, simply head to the onsite cafe to refuel.
Address: 7 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay NSW
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