"What a charming little beach town! The locals here are incredibly friendly and the environment is so lush that you can’t help but feel at peace. Eclectic shops and cafes line Jonson Street which will take you right to the Main Beach where you can surf, kayak, whale watch, or just hang out and get some sun! I can’t say enough about the delicious meals I had in Byron Bay which almost exclusively featured locally sourced ingredients!"
Byron Bay is a coastal town located on the far north coast of NSW. Home to Australia's most easterly point and the iconic Cape Byron lighthouse, the region is known for its spectacular beaches, unique shopping and dining experiences, world-class festivals, and vibrant community spirit.
How to Get There:
By Air
Byron Bay is within easy reach of three different airports -
- Ballina (BNK) – 25mins south
- Gold Coast (OOL) – 45mins north
- Brisbane (BNE) – 2hrs north
By Car
Many visitors take the Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route from Sydney. If driving in one hit, it will take approximately nine hours to reach Byron Bay. Most travelers take their time and do this drive over a series of days.
By Bus/Coach
There are several coach companies offering daily services from Brisbane and Sydney to Byron Bay.
Things to do:
Sea-Based Activities
- Learn to surf – join a surfing lesson with one of the surf schools
- Sea Kayaking – spot dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales while paddling through the surf
- Whale Watching – join a cruise and spot humpback whales as they travel through the region between May and November
- Stand Up Paddleboarding – See birdlife, crabs, fish, and baby stingrays.
Land-Based Activities
- Walk the Cape Byron track to Wategos Beach, and continue to the Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Tour the Lighthouse and get a sense of the history of the area
- Browse the bohemian boutiques dotted throughout the main village
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast with a view at one of the beachside cafes
- Stroll along the beach to The Pass and take the walk up to the lookout to watch the surfers catch waves – be on the lookout for dolphins!
- Head to the Stone & Wood Brewery for a beer tasting paddle and a spot of lunch
- Hire a car or jump on a day tour to explore the beautiful scenery found in the Hinterland – picturesque villages with quirky boutiques and stunning volcanic scenery
Air-based Activities
- Soar over the beautiful volcanic landscape in a hot air balloon
- Take a 30min tandem hang glide above the lighthouse and Wategos Beach
- Take the plunge and do a skydive for the ultimate adrenaline rush
Wellness and Relaxation
Byron Bay is known as a place where you can relax and unwind.
- Rejuvenate and rebalance at one of the many health retreats in and around Byron Bay
- Start the day the right way with sunrise yoga on the beach
- Take a treatment at one of Byron’s fine spas located in the village or at one of the main resorts
- Head to the magical sanctuary of the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens and stand between two of the tallest crystal on earth.
Festivals & Events
While Byron Bay is known as a place to chill, it has a reputation as a mecca for music lovers.
Festivals include:
- Byron Bay Bluesfest – over 200 artists perform over the Easter long weekend (March or April) attracting a crowd of over 100,000 people. Previous performers include Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Kendrick Lamar, and Hozier.
- Splendour in the Grass – draws over 100 contemporary artists for a weekend lineup of incredible acts, usually in July. Previous years have featured the likes of Lorde, Vampire Weekend, Franz Ferdinand, and CHVRCHES.
Where to Stay:
There is a wide variety of places to stay in and around Byron Bay.
From budget and backpacker hostels, self-catering apartments through to some of Australia’s coolest hotels, there is something for everyone.
Some noteworthy hotels include:
- The Byron at Byron – set in 45 acres of magical subtropical rainforest, just outside the township, the resort is part of the Crystalbrook Collection. Here you’ll find impeccable service paired with refined luxury set in stunning natural surrounds.
- Elements of Byron – an award-winning resort that embodies the idea of barefoot luxury, situated on the beachfront with a luxurious heated lagoon pool and spa. Catch the world’s first solar train from Byron township along a 1.9mile coastal track.
Weather:
Byron Bay enjoys warm summers and mild winters.
The average high temperature in January (summer) is 82⁰F and in July (winter) is 67⁰F.
