One of the best things to do in Byron Bay (aside from leisurely ambling a deserted pristine beach) is a road trip. There’s such simple pleasure in road-trip conversations and the tingling of what you might discover in glorious coastal and hinterland surrounds. With beach communities and quaint villages with distinct personalities, Byron Bay day trips have stories to tell.
Murwillumbah Walks, Looks and Sips
48 mins drive from Beach Suites
In terms of day trips from Byron Bay, these offer a short travel time, yet deliver you right on the ridges or at the foothills of extraordinary hinterland beauty. Here you can marvel at art, taste and sip exceptional produce and brews. Welcome to the northern and western reaches of Byron’s hinterland!
Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek Section - Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Begins at Murwillumbah Train Station
This 24km scenic and tranquil bike/walk trail is the very first section of the milestone Northern Rivers Rail Trail. It begins at the heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station. As you follow the disused rail corridor you’ll discover beautiful forests, countryside, tunnels and 18 historical railway bridges as well as some of the region’s towns and villages. The path is sealed asphalt or crushed granite and perfect for families. Stop off in towns along the way to refuel or visit galleries and local artisan boutiques. If it’s Byron Bay’s nature activities that call to your heart, discover more ways to enjoy it in our Nature Guide.
Tweed Regional Art Gallery
2 Mistral Road, Murwillumbah South
Wednesday to Sunday, mid-morning to early evening
Guided tours: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings
A short 20-minute drive from the Lyrebird Track, Tweed Regional Art Gallery is a multi-exhibition gallery that always has something new to see, including travelling exhibitions. On permanent display is the famed Margaret Olley Art Centre, which celebrates the career, life and legacy of its namesake.
Bistro Livi
1A, 1-3 Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah
Wednesday to Saturday for dinner. Saturday for lunch
Only six minutes from the Gallery, this small neighbourhood restaurant is set in an art deco building. The beautiful space is adorned with rich dark leather, warm lighting and white marble. The passionate Bistro Livi team change their menu daily, paying homage to their love of good local produce, wine and great times.
Husk
1152 Dulguigan Road, North Tumbulgum
Wednesday to Sunday from 11am
Home of the new Australian Rum, Husk is just 15 minutes from Bistro Livi but feels a world away set amongst the sprawling green hills. With an unapologetic farm to bottle philosophy, Husk offers distillery tours that offer a behind the scenes insight into their Husk Rum and Ink Gin. Book a picnic table on the lawn and work your way through their crafted cocktail menu.
Then get someone else to drive, head back to the coast to retire and let your day soak in.
Bangalow Treasure Hunt
17 mins drive from Beach Suites
A Bangalow day trip is all about treasure and the thrill of hunting for it. Whether you’re discovering bush tucker, picking up goodies at the Farmers Market or hunting for vintage fabulousness, you’ll find yourself in Bangalow.
Bangalow Farmers Market
Behind the Bangalow Hotel, 1 Byron Street, Bangalow
Saturday mornings
Start the day surrounded by local farmers, producers and artisans sharing the passionate stories behind their produce and gourmet goodies. The Bangalow Farmers Market is the epitome of a true community market where stallholders readily recognise and natter with their customers. Make your own little hamper of local honey, coffee, avocado, blueberries, local cheeses, chocolates and gourmet pasta to bring home to Beach Suites.
Bangalow Parklands
Corner of Deacon and Ashton Street, Bangalow
Just meters down the street you’ll find a shady Bangalow Parklands where the kids can run off some steam collecting pine cones, floating little leaf boats down the creek (that was the town’s historic swimming pool) or tackling the playground with its incredible slide, built into the hill. There are plenty of picnic tables and beautiful large stones to sit and relax on.
WOODS
10 Station Street, Bangalow
Open 7 days - breakfast and lunch
Woods is a popular, exquisitely beautiful courtyard cafe lined with comfy wood tables, hanging plants, garden benches and snug nooks for cute pooches. Healthy bowls, super smoothies, incredible coffee and (almost) magic elixirs are ripe for the picking. Make sure you leave time to get lost in the Woods, another one of Byron’s stellar eateries.
Vintage Stores and Florist
The streets of Bangalow are sprinkled with vintage stores. Polish on Station Street is a Third Generation Antique Furniture & Custom Restoration Business set in an old Masonic Church. Vintage Eastern are direct importers of quality Chinese vintage and antique furniture and homewares. The Retro Shop offers vintage collectables, funky furniture, clothes and lighting. Don’t forget to visit The Flower Bar, a luxury florist creating botanical art.
Bangalow Bush Tucker Walking Tour
Bangalow Weir Parklands - Deacon Street, Bangalow
Thursdays from 4pm
End the day by walking in ancient footsteps as Arakwal Bundjalung woman Delta Kay shares stories, knowledge and local language with you on the 90 minute Bangalow Bush Tucker Walking Tour through the Bangalow Weir Parklands. You’ll learn to recognise edible native tucker, medicine plants and flora that’s traditionally used for jewellery and weapons. End with a tasting session.
Brunswick Heads Safari and Feast
17 mins drive from Beach Suites
There is a natural beauty and relaxed pace about Brunswick Heads that makes it the home of simple pleasures. But what may come as a surprise is the fact that it’s also home to once in a lifetime animal encounters.
Old Maids
30 Tweed Street, Brunswick Heads
Seven days: breakfast and lunch
Home to burgers, breakfast and brews Old Maids is the perfect place to begin your Brunswick Heads day trip with a delicious breakfast. Inspired breakfast burgers and a creative kid’s menu are served up in beach cafe style comfort.
Fairy Trail Walk
There is a gentle magic that pulls you to Brunswick Heads. It’s not just people. Fairies love the magic of the Heads as well. Start your Fairy Trail search at The Visitors’ Centre to obtain your map and hints on where to find our shy little winged friends. If you follow the hints you’ll find beautiful homes the fairies have built from recycled objects they’ve discovered on their travels. Bring your dog for a little canine excursion.
Bottle and Hoop
2/25 Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads
Wednesday to Sunday: late morning to early evening
Head to Bottle and Hoop for the ultimate deli-style picnic specialty store. Choose artisan cheese and charcuterie goodness then head just a few metres down the road to the Bruns Bakery and pick out pastries, cakes, sourdough and hot pies from the open theatre style kitchen.
Wild Byron Sea Safaris
Boat Harbour, Brunswick Heads
Daily tours between June and October
Head to the harbour for an unforgettable afternoon with the giants of the ocean on a whale watching cruise at Wild Byron Sea Safaris. As part of a small intimate group, you’ll marvel at the playful curiosity and innocent joy of pods of humpback whales. You’ll learn about the region and the incredible characteristics of these animals from your naturalist guide.
Saint Maries
26-28 Tweed St, Brunswick Heads
Tuesday to Saturday for dinner
After an afternoon on the ocean your stomach will be calling for satisfaction. Nowhere is better prepared to quench thirst and fill bellies with deliciousness than Saint Maries. This Italian restaurant serves beautiful burrata and perfect pizza. It’s hard to choose a favourite pizza but the Hot Sally and Prawnstar are high on the list.
With a heart full of the joy of discovery, head home to Beach Suites to spend your evening marveling at the things you’ve seen and heard on your unforgettable day trip.
