I spent two and a half years living in Byron Bay and another year in the Northern Rivers region, so I’ve had plenty of time to explore this beautiful corner of Australia. Whether you’re coming for the beaches, the food, or the relaxed atmosphere, Byron Bay has a unique charm that keeps drawing people back. In this guide, I’ll share some of my favourite spots and local tips to help you make the most of your trip.
How to Get There
Byron Bay is easily accessible from several major cities. The closest airports are the Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta) and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. From there, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Byron. If you don’t have a car you can also book on the easy bus from both Brisbane airport and Coolangatta. If you’re coming from Brisbane or Sydney, driving is a popular option, and there are several scenic routes along the way. If you want to explore the hinterland or hit some quieter beaches, renting a car is your best bet.
Best Time to Visit
Byron Bay enjoys warm weather year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re after.
Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and lively, with the beach in full swing. Perfect if you love the buzz, there’s usually some events on and lots of live music options but it can be crowded and trying to find a parking spot in town can be a bit of a nightmare! The weather can also be quite unpredictable in summer with the summer storms.
Spring/Autumn (Sept-Nov / Mar-May): These shoulder seasons are ideal for more moderate weather and fewer tourists.
Winter (June-August): Still warm enough for the beach, and it’s prime time for whale watching. The weather can actually be really perfect in winter, plus, the town has a quieter, more relaxed feel and accommodation is much cheaper than in the peak seasons and hospitality venues tend to put on more offers. I love the winter months in Byron!
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Byron Bay covers all budgets, from hostels to luxury retreats.
Budget: For backpackers and budget travellers, Byron Bay’s hostels offer a social atmosphere and affordable beds.
Mid-range: There are loads of charming boutique hotels and Airbnbs scattered throughout town. Many Airbnbs and VRBOs are actually managed by the local real estate agencies, so my advice is to book your accommodation directly on their websites so that you can avoid the online travel agency fees and save some $$.
Luxury: If you’re looking for something special, beachfront resorts like Raes on Wategos offer incredible views and a relaxing retreat.
Things to Do in Byron Bay
Hit the Beaches: Byron Bay is all about the beaches. Main Beach is the most central, but for something quieter, head to Wategos Beach, Tallows Beach, or Broken Head. If you surf, The Pass is one of the most famous spots in Australia. Both Wategos and Main Beach have public BBQs for use on the grass verges behind them. I used to love making some burgers with a view of the ocean right in front of me. It is also a cheap way to spend a day / evening!
Cape Byron Lighthouse: No visit to Byron is complete without walking up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Australia. The views are unbeatable, and if you’re an early riser, the sunrise walk is spectacular. Please note that towards the end it is quite steep and some of the steps are a bit uneven.
Water Activities: Try kayaking with dolphins, snorkelling at Julian Rocks, or (in season) whale watching tours.
Explore the Hinterland: Take a day trip to Minyon Falls for a bushwalk and some incredible waterfall views, or visit Crystal Castle for something a bit
Stone and Wood Brewery Tour: Head to the Stone and Wood Brewery at the industrial estate and don’t just sample the iconic Pacific Ale but also try out some of their experimental offerings!
Cape Byron Distillery: Home to Brookie’s Gin, you can do the Gin tasting and Rainforest tour and stroll around the rainforest, learning about the botanical used to create the gin.
Markets: Byron has a beachfront market on the first Sunday of each month with loads of local artists and produce. But don’t worry if you miss this date, you might get a chance to visit the same suppliers at a neighbouring town in the Northern Rivers. It is held in Brunswick Heads on the first Saturday of the Month and again at Bangalow on the 4th Sunday of the month.
Where to Eat & Drink
Byron Bay has a thriving food scene, with everything from laid-back cafes to upscale restaurants.
Breakfast & Brunch: I would love starting my day by grabbing a takeaway coffee and a BLAT from either Suffolk Bakery or Byron Corner Store and then bringing it to the beach and eating at one of the many benches. I would also recommend sitting in and eating at the Avocado hut, The General Store, or Folk. There’s also loads of great places to grab breakfast in the Byron Bay industrial estate.
Lunch & Dinner: Treehouse on Belongil does really great pizzas, Lightyears has delicious asian fusion dishes, and Yuli’s provides an incredible vegan dining experience. For a grab and go option, there’s several sushi places that do takeaways, there’s Sunday Sustainable Bakery, and The Bay Grocer does great salads. Lunch in Crystalbrook’s rainforest setting is very special or try The Three Blue Ducks at The Farm for its paddock-to-plate philosophy, offering fresh local produce and a beautiful location. You can also visit the deli there and grab a quick lunch and walk around and visit the farm animals. There’s also two electric car charging points here, great to charge up whilst having lunch if you’re on your way out of town in your EV.
Bars & Nightlife: Byron’s nightlife can be quite varied. The Balcony and The Loft are great spots for Sunset drinks and they usually have a happy hour in the afternoons. The Beach Hotel is a popular destination with live music most days and on the weekends they have DJ’s and live bands. Treehouse on Belongil is a great place for cocktails in a relaxed, bohemian setting. The Northern and the Rails are classic Aussie pubs and again they have live music on the weekends and can get pretty lively. Sometimes the Howl and Moan record store puts on gigs in their small shop, it’s a great way to experience the up and coming local talent in an intimate setting.
Byron Bay is the kind of place that captures the essence of Australia’s coastal charm, while also embracing alternative lifestyles and sustainable living. Whether you’re there for the beaches, the food, or the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.