If you’re planning, or contemplating, booking a holiday to the coastal paradise that’s Byron Bay then it’s time to get excited. We promise you’ll never be short of things to do in this vibrant town, which is located in the beating heart of northern New South Wales.
This Australian paradise is nestled between sun-soaked beaches, beatific bushland and lush emerald rainforests, and has become a mecca for tourists, sea-changers and celebrities alike. Indeed, it’s estimated that more than two million domestic and international visitors flock to Byron each year to make the most of this hot spot.
But it’s time to let you in on a secret of sorts. There are so many activities and places to see and do, eat and drink at, that sometimes it can be hard to choose how to spend your precious holiday hours.
So, to help, we’ve created the ultimate list of Byron Bay activities, from iconic views to hidden and local gems to adrenaline-filled adventures. Read on to discover our favourite things to do in Byron Bay – come rain or shine, no matter the budget.
1: Wander up to Cape Byron Lighthouse
Cape Byron Walking Track
Byron Bay happens to be home to one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world; Cape Byron Lighthouse, which, fun fact, is the most easterly point in Australia. Wandering up this winding coastal track to catch a sunrise or sunset is one of the most perfect things to do in Byron Bay for free – it also happens to be a great way to get the lay of the land.
2: Kayak with dolphins
Around 100 dolphins call the waters around Byron Bay home, and no trip here is complete without a close encounter with these intelligent and curious animals. So ring up Go Sea Kayaks, voted best eco-tour in NSW for two years running, and get amongst the marine wildlife. If you’re lucky you may also spot a sea turtle or two. We promise the experience will prove to be one of the best things to do in Byron Bay.
3: Do a pottery class
If you’re after one of the more unique things to do in Byron Bay, consider booking a pottery workshop with Byron School of Clay. This is the town’s leading pottery school, and here you will learn how to make pottery in their charming studio by the sea. It’s a great way to flex those creative muscles, and if you ask us, the perfect family activity for a rainy day.
4: Learn how to surf
It’s no secret that Byron Bay is home to some amazing surf beaches, so, if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to hit the waves this is the spot to do it. Soul Surf School is dedicated to finding the best, fun and safest waves daily, making them perfect for family adventures. The company is mobile and has 10 locations to choose from daily so you’re guaranteed to get some good swell.
5: Visit Zentvelds Coffee farm
193 Broken Head Rd, Newrybar NSW 2479
If you’re anything like us, your day doesn’t start without a rich, delicious, frothy, coffee. Well, we have some great news for you; nestled in the rolling green hills of Bundjalung Country is Zentveld’s Coffee Farm and Roastery. Here, at this pesticide-free business, you can discover the journey from crop to cup with their farm tours. Trust us when we say they produce a cracking good brew, so leave enough time to pick up some souvenirs at their general store.
6: Unwind with a massage
Nothing rejuvenates a person like a massage on holiday and you’ll find an abundance of parlours in town. Our favourite is Byron Massage Clinic; they offer everything from remedial massage to relaxing Swedish massages, all within a caring, supportive space to relax and heal.
7: Chase waterfalls
Chances are if you’ve stumbled across photos of Byron online you would know the area is home to many picturesque waterfalls, thanks to its verdant bushland and lush rainforests. There are the more well-known sites, such as Killen Falls and Minyon Falls, and those further off the beaten path, like the stunning Protesters Falls, located in Nightcap National Park in the Hinterland. We highly recommend spending a day or two, chasing them.
8: Relax at a brewery
When adventure-seeking it’s essential to have a place to unwind with good company – and even better brews. As chance/luck would have it, Byron has a thriving brewery and distillery scene where you can indulge in light bites and good conversation with both travellers and locals. One of our favourite spots is Wandana Brewing Co in Mullumbimby, which offers small-batch handcrafted brews alongside a local food truck serving gourmet burgers and nachos.
9: Experience the magical glow-worms
We’re going to let you in on something of a local secret. Not far from Byron, in the sweeping Nightcap National Park, lies one of Australia’s (maybe even the world’s) hidden wonders; a glow-worm tunnel. Our words can’t do the majesty of these bioluminescent critters justice, so take our word for it when we say you’ll want to book a guided tour with Rise Up – Byron Conscious Tours to experience this enchanting attraction first-hand. It’s one of the best things to see in Byron Bay.
10: Go on a day hike
If you’re looking for things to do in Byron Bay for free you can’t go past a day-hike. From coastal walks to bush walks, and rainforest treks the area has plenty to choose from. Locals will happily share their favourites should you strike up a conversation. But, a quick reminder; if you’re travelling with dogs and other furry friends they are not permitted in most NSW national parks and reserves, so ask our staff for pet-friendly hikes around Byron.
11: Spend a day beach hopping
Look, if you don’t spend at least one day hopping from beach to beach and soaking in turquoise waters, then your Byron experience isn’t complete in our opinion. Picking which sandy spots to visit is part of the challenge however as the region has so many. The must-visits are Wategos Beach and the more secluded Brays Beach and the rugged Seven Mile Beach.
12: Dine on crepes and artisanal chocolate
If you have a sweet tooth then you need to schedule a stop at Love Byron Bay Crepeire & Chocolates. They make some of the best artisanal chocolate we’ve ever had and can cater to any taste and dietary preference, including vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, single origin, Fair Trade, raw, organic… you name it.
13: Explore Byron with a guided First Nations tour
A First Nations walking tour is another great way to be introduced to Byron, for the shire is home to three traditional custodians;
- the Arakwal people
- the Widjabal people
- the Minjungbal people (which can also be spelt Minjungbul and Midjungbul.)
Delta Kay, an Arakwal Bundjalung woman, guides a 90-minute tour at Cape Byron. During this walk, you can take in the sweeping landscape, learn about First Nation culture and history, and receive a traditional welcome to country
14: Grab dinner at Bonito
Bonito is one of the newest entries in Byron’s world-class food scene and with head chef Mihn Le at the helm it’s created a buzz around town. Located on Marvell Street, this slick seafood restaurant has proven itself a culinary hotspot to watch; one that perfectly captures the essence of its coastal location.
15: Catch some live music
The Northern Hotel & Piano Bar is another perfect place to relax and unwind to soulful live music, which is on offer every night of the week. The pub happens to boast an impressive history; it was first established in 1892 but had to be rebuilt twice, in 1897 and 1936, after fires destroyed the first two versions.
16: Ride a horse on the beach
If you’re a romantic soul, or just love animals, give Zephyr Horses a call. This unique coastal horse ranch offers small personalised tours through woodlands and along the beach – it’s a great way to experience Bryon’s beautiful landscape.
17: Visit the ‘Crystal Castle’
This is another of Byron’s more unique attractions. The Crystal Castle is located in the hinterland, “home of the biggest and most beautiful crystals in the world”, and is set over 10 hectares. Here, guests can wander through towering amethysts, zen Shambhala Gardens and rainforest, and indulge in a delicious lunch.
18: Hop on the Byron Bay Solar Train
Did you know you can ride the world’s first solar train through Byron? Guests who hop aboard can relax in a 1949-era carriage as the train travels down a three-kilometre coastal track that links the town centre with the North Beach precinct and Byron Arts Estate. This is a fun attraction the whole family will enjoy, and as a bonus, is a great way to get around town.
19: Snorkel with sea turtles
If you want to experience Byron’s marine life up close, grab a snorkel and fins. Many companies offer guided tours around town, but if you want to save some money you can also rent the gear directly from dive shops – just make sure you ask the attendants where their favourite sites are. Note; sea turtle sightings are not guaranteed, but you will still enjoy this relaxing activity.
20: Go on a photography tour
Are you a budding photographer, or simply want to take some great snaps of your holiday? Well, it’s time we let you in on another local secret; multi-award-winning photographer Craig Parry runs photography tours and workshops around Byron Bay. This is a fabulous way to discover some hidden gems in the region, but it also means you can walk away from your trip with a new skill. What’s not to love about that?
21: Catch a sunrise via a hot air balloon
Pairing a golden sunrise with a hot air balloon ride is a sure-fire recipe for success in our eyes – and probably the most magical way to take in Byron and the surrounding landscape. Byron Bay Ballooning runs flights daily, with breakfast at the Three Blue Ducks included after.
22: Take the kids to the circus
On a rainy day head on over to Circus Arts. Inside this massive 1200 sqm warehouse the family will be treated to all kinds of fun and fitness; imagine flying trapeze, circus classes and even an indoor climbing wall. Kids young and old will be thrilled!
23: Visit Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
You can get up close and personal with Australian wildlife at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which is owned and operated by Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. There are a range of interactive and educational activities on offer here; meet super cute Sugar Gliders Sebastian and Samson, Socrates the Barn Owl, and more, as staff teach guests about the natural world. Every dollar spent is reinvested towards conservation and rehabilitation activities, which makes for an extra rewarding day out.
24: Watch a live show at Bangalow Theatre Company
If you’re after a thrilling night on the town it’s worth checking out the shows on offer at Bangalow Theatre Company. This community-centric and award-winning company brings innovative and bold productions to the stage, with their seasons often selling out.
25: Go whale watching
From June, humpback whales can be sighted off Byron as the majestic giants migrate up Australia’s east coast from Antarctica. From land, or sea, a sighting makes for a truly special trip. So whether you plan a strategic coastal walk – or book a whale-watching tour – make sure you keep your eyes peeled.
26: Check out “The Farm”
“The Farm” has become an attraction almost synonymous with Byron Bay, and no trip here is complete without stopping in. In principle, this is an 80-acre working farm, but the site also houses several micro-businesses, which all share a common goal; showcasing fresh produce and educating guests. Here, the family can go on farm tours, learn about agriculture, and afterwards indulge in a meal at Three Blue Ducks, or homemade gelato at Baylato.
27: Cycle the sights of Byron Bay
Byron is a very cycle-friendly town, with world-class bike paths that showcase the town’s natural beauty. So, if you find yourself with some time to spare – and an explorer’s heart – rent a bike and get peddling. This also happens to be a hassle-free way to hit the beach.
28: Hang out at the markets
It’s no secret talented creatives flock to Byron Bay and as a result the town now has a thriving market scene. We encourage you to hunt for bargains and inspiration to support these local businesses. You can find a list of free events, and upcoming dates, here.
29: Try your hand at a cooking class
We love learning new things and one of our obsessions of late is mastering tricks in the kitchen. So, with that said, if you’re after a cost-effective meal lock in Class Bento’s Ramen and Gyoza Dumpling Class. You will walk away with two servings of ramen, a batch of delicious gyoza per person, and skills for life.
30: Catch a flick at the Brunswick Picture House
Break free from the streaming services and catch some cabaret, comedy, a movie or live music at the Brunswick Picture House. This pastel pink local landmark was first built in 1950, but was re-imagined and re-opened in 2016. Now it’s a hub for all things entertainment and makes for a show-stopping night out.
31: Explore Arakwal National Park
Co-managed by the Arakwal indigenous community and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, this protected national park is a great retreat for those looking for an excursion into nature. Here, travellers can explore coastal clay heaths and the 3-kilometre stretch of golden sand that makes up Tallow Beach – all within a stone’s throw of Cape Byron Lighthouse.
32: Catch the ‘Percussionists at The Wreck’
Head to Wreck Beach after a long day, and you will be treated to a show – from both nature and humankind. Each night before sunset, a group of locals gather and play instruments such as bongos, percussion and trumpets as the sun dips below the horizon.
33: Go diving at Julian Rocks
Did you know, Byron Bay is home to one of the best diving sites in Australia? Enter Julian Rocks, traditionally known as “Nguthungulli”. This site is so wondrous it was likened to a “mini Galapagos” by Lonely Planet in 2014. If you want to experience some of that marine biodiversity first-hand give the crew at Sundive a buzz; they run diving and snorkelling tours daily.
34: Discover Byron Arts & Industry Estate
Byron Arts & Industry Estate is located about 1-kilometre from the town centre and is the place to discover independent fashion boutiques, local artists and stunning breweries. It’s become one of the premier shopping destinations in the area, and can easily be reached in 10-minutes via the Byron Solar Train.
35: Stroll the Cumbebin Wetlands Boardwalk
A serene wetlands boardwalk can be found just 10 minutes from town centre. Wind through Melaleuca forest as you marvel at this unique ecosystem rich with frogs and birdlife; it’s one of Byron’s more hidden gems.
36: Have a dip at Tea Tree Lake
Located about a 25-minute drive south of Byron Bay, at the northern end of Pacific Parade, is a wondrous tea-tree stained swimming hole called Lake Ainsworth. In this freshwater lake swimmers can soak in natural aromatherapy oils, which rejuvenates the skin. Think of it as a natural, free, spa.
37: Visit Balcony Bar & Oyster Co
If great cocktails and light bites are calling, visit Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. You can find this easy-going venue just metres from Main Beach, perched high above the hustle and bustle of the street. The specialities here include drinks, good food – and of course – oysters. It’s perfect for afternoon hangouts.
38: Try stand-up paddleboarding
We will preface this entry with a warning; stand-up paddleboarding may look easy, but it is a cracking core workout. Once you do get the hang of things (expect to fall off once or twice) it’s a serene way to take in the beauty of the shoreline, and if you’re lucky, you may even get a visit from a resident dolphin or two. You can hire boards from Soul Surf School.
39: Go on a secluded picnic
There are stunning vistas a-plenty at Byron Bay, so why not plan a picnic with panoramic views? Bottle and Hoop will help kit you out with basket hire – all that’s left for you to do is shop some of that gorgeous local produce and pick a stunning picnic spot. We’re fans of the secluded Tyagarah Nature Reserve Picnic Area.
40: Head to Whian Whian Forest Drive
If you want to spot koalas in the wild then one of your best chances would be to jump in a car and set off down this winding 30-kilometre forest drive. Take a side road when you spot the “koalas nearby signs”, drive slow, and look up; the iconic grey marsupials spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping and are most active at night, so you’re most likely to spot them resting in trees during daylight hours.
41: Attend a tea ceremony
If you want a unique and meditative experience head on over to Cloud Hidden Tea. This sanctuary offers 45, 60 and 90-minute sensory meditative tea ceremonies, which showcase the art of unhurried movement. It allows you a rare opportunity to be still as you fully immerse yourself in a timeless ritual.
42: Set off on a sunset rainforest cruise
If you want to dine on tasty tapas, marvel at beautiful rainforest scenery and be serenaded by birdsong then we have just the experience for you. From December to April, Byron Bay Eco Cruises offers a daily Sunset Eco Rainforest River Cruise down the winding Brunswick River. Here you can chat to fellow travellers and sip on drinks as the sun dips below the horizon. This tour is serenity in its purest form.
43: Grab breakfast at Folk
A great meal is the foundation of an adventurer’s day and at Folk good food flows. This charming breakfast spot is removed from the hustle of the town’s centre, tucked away in a charming weatherboard cottage on Ewingsdale Road. The kitchen is dedicated to serving up vegetarian and plant-based food, so it makes for a perfect stop if your stomach needs a rest from heavy eating. Our favourite dish at the moment is their banana buckwheat pancakes with rosewater labneh. Seriously, we’re getting hungry just thinking about it.
44: Spend a whole day shopping
Shopping at Byron Bay is a pretty special experience as the town is a mecca for creative souls. This has resulted in a plethora of local boutiques and independent brands that have perfectly captured Byron’s breezy and timeless coastal vibe. Trust us when we say you will want to set at least one day aside just to peruse the stores. Some of Byron’s brands of note include Auguste the Label, Spell, Rowie, and Temple of the Sun. Be warned though, chances are you will walk away with a dent in your pocket.
45: Go tandem hang-gliding
This activity is not for the faint of heart, BUT, while it takes a few nerves it makes up for it with incredible views. There’s nothing quite like soaring over the rugged cliffs and coast, past Cape Byron Lighthouse, like a sea eagle. If you’re lucky, you may even spot one or two as you’re offered this stellar birds-eye view. PRO FLYTE Byron Bay/Lennox Head Hang Gliding School will partner you up with their skilled instructors, allowing you to experience this incredible sense of freedom first-hand.
46: Book a ‘Paint and Sip’
This is another idea to keep up your sleeve for a rainy day, for flexing the artistic muscles with the family, as you indulge in a wine or two is the ultimate bonding experience. Art & Wine Co offers classes for both kids and adults and is located in the heart of town.
47: Grab dinner at Raes dining room
If you’re looking for a standout meal for your last night in Byron Bay then head to Raes Dining Room. This coastal dining room, which is situated within a beachfront boutique hotel on Wategos, was recently awarded two hats in the prestigious Good Food Guides 2024 – and it’s easy to see why. The fare is a perfect blend of modern Australian, with a Mediterranean influence. The curated menu showcases fresh seafood and local produce from the region, and with Executive Chef Jason Saxby at the helm, there’s a brilliant fusion of flavour.
Expect inventive dishes such as “Warrigal greens girella ravioli, garden peas, smoked pancetta, carbonara cream, confit egg yolk, with mint oil” or “Australian Bay Lobster, glazed in fermented chilli, hand-rolled fregola pasta, corn, and native spiced curry butter”. Friendly tip, you will need to book your reservation ahead of time as the spot has become a culinary destination in its own right.
48: Watch a sunrise at Fisherman’s Lookout
So, we have saved one of the best spectacles in Byron Bay for last, Fisherman’s Lookout, which offers unrivalled ocean and beach views. The spot is big on beauty and of the rich greens, golds and blues of Byron. It makes for a great goodbye to the town, so as such, we’d recommend saving it for the last day. That way the sight will stick fresh in your mind in the weeks and months to come. The lookout can be accessed via a staircase leading up from The Pass, a beloved surf spot at the end of Clarkes Beach.
And so, we’ve come to the end of our list of things to do around Byron Bay, we hope we’ve inspired some holiday dreaming.
We will caveat this mega-guide by saying that one mistake we often hear from our guests as they’re leaving is they’ve tried to do too much.
An overpacked itinerary is a trap we’ve all fallen into, and unfortunately, it doesn’t allow enough time to relax and unwind. This is the antithesis of what Byron stands for, so please, if you remember one thing from this article, it should be to take it easy. Byron is not going anywhere, so don’t rush.
To make the very most of your holiday book your stylish escape in the heart of Byron Bay today.
