Things to do in Byron Bay – A locals guide

The town just hosted the Byron Bay Bluesfest (March 29-April 2) and will now be serving as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games (April 4-15).

Byron Bay has a reputation as a happy, hippy, alternative town that has the magic combination of natural beauty and a creative, free-spirited local scene. Upon arrival, you’ll notice Byron’s iconic sign “Cheer up, Slow down, Chill Out”. Visitors flock from all over the world to escape their mundane, busy lives and unwind in this beachside paradise. Here, it’s not about packing in the most activities during your stay, but instead embracing the moment and your adventurous spirit. Its time to absorb the good vibes, take in the breathtaking scenery and allow yourself to be on Byron time.

For tens of thousands of years, the Byron area was known to the Indigenous Arakwal people as the Cavvanbah, or “meeting place”, where trade could be carried out and gossip swapped between neighboring tribes, just like a marketplace today.

Out of the Blue Adventures offers some local knowledge, insight and tips for making the most out of your Byron Bay holiday. There is an array of things to do in Byron Bay so choose your favourites and go with the flow.

Enjoy spectacular coastal views along this 3.7 kilometre loop walk that leads you through rainforest and across clifftops to the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse. There you’ll be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views of Byron’s picturesque beaches and the hinterland. Remember to keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles and our vessel ‘Out Of The Blue’ cruising past.

Cape Byron is Australia’s most easterly point, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a sparkling sunrise morning. There are few things more soul-stirring than welcoming the dawn of a new day from this breathtaking vantage point.

After hiking, treat yourself to breakfast at the Pass cafe (along the coastal walk) or relax over a coffee or snack at the Lighthouse Cafe (cash only and no ATM, so be prepared). This walking track can be accessed in a variety of locations, making it a customisable length best suited to you.

It’s about a 45 minute walk from Lawson street in the heart of town making it about a 2 hour loop—one of the best ways to spend a couple hours on the coastline. Alternatively, you can park closer at either The Pass or Wategos Beach and pick up the trail from there

Wonder through lush rainforest and emerge on the coast with panoramic views of secluded beaches and rocky coves. In the winter and spring, it’s a local favourite vantage point to watch whales migrating and at this time the headland bursts with the colour of wildflowers. Look out for dolphins playing in the sheltered coves and seabirds such as the white-bellied sea eagle diving for fish.

The headland overlooks the Three Sisters, rocky offshore islands where hundreds of seabirds roost, rest, and feed. The Three Sisters represent an Aboriginal dreamtime story of young sisters who drowned at sea and were turned into stone. This tale was told to warn children of the strong, dangerous currents here.

Wategos is a charming, popular beach in an amphitheater-shaped valley that is tucked just below Byron Bay’s Lighthouse. It’s a little slice of paradise loved by visitors and locals alike. This north-facing beach has epic waves that break gradually, making it perfect for laid back longboarders and those learning to surf. Dolphins often join in on the fun and surf alongside.

Whether you’re a soul surfer or surf school novice, the Pass is Byron Bay’s most famous. This local legendary surf break is known for its long, consistent right-hand point break enjoyed by pros and beginners alike.

It is a well-loved weekly event that takes place every Thursday morning in Byron Bay. Enjoy food, coffee, fresh produce and a lively atmosphere as local musicians showcase their talents as you shop. Here, you’ll find the very best sustainably, locally grown fresh produce as well as a range of Byron Shire specialties, such as freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, macadamia nuts, artisan bread, and Ballina prawns.

Combi Cafe is the sibling of a popular Melbourne icon with the same name. This menu taps into a growing demand for healthy, no fuss food made with the best quality ingredients. There’s an emphasis on organic, raw and gluten-free eats and drinks. Think fair trade coffee, fermented breads, kombucha on tap, raw smoothies, cold-pressed juices, in-house made raw sweet treats and raw chia parfaits. Yum!

Treehouse on Belongil has a casual indoor-outdoor decor that makes you feel as though you’re hanging out in an old friend’s living room just across from the beach. There are DJs playing throughout the afternoon, with wood-fired pizzas, beer, and delicious cocktails. What more could you want?

At the Farm Byron Bay, their motto is “Grow, Feed, Educate”, which inspires customers to eat consciously and make changes towards a healthier, more harmonious existence with our land, animals, and communities.“We believe that it is first-hand experience of seeing how food is grown and produced that makes the eating of it so much more pleasurable. From this simple pleasure sprouts a curiosity and desire to learn more.” The undercover outdoor patio offers views of Byron’s hinterland, Mount Warning, and the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Their bar offers 56 taps of all Australian craft beers, wines and ciders and a selection of unique, creative cocktails.

People from all over flock to Byron for its world famous surf breaks…

Get out on the water with Out of the Blue Adventures. Cruise along Byron Bay’s iconic coastline and explore the wonders of Cape Byron Marine Park. Visit Julian rocks on our Byron Bound Adventure or explore the tranquil waters of the Richmond River on a river cruise. Our modern eco vessel seats 20 passengers so if your looking for a private charter to make your holiday event one to remember we have you covered. Witness local wildlife such as dolphins, and turtles up close. We provide free return transfers from your accomodation in Byron Bay or Lennox Head.

There’s no better way to start your day. Salute the sun to the sound of the waves and ocean views. Beachside Yoga and Massage, in the surf club facing the main beach, is a beautiful space to practice yoga and receive a massage just metres from the beach. Byron Bay Yoga Centre, Ananta Yoga, and Shiva Shakti offer drop-in classes. Visit their sites for daily classes/timetables.

Leave yourself an hour before sunset to take a walk along Belongil beach, to the left of Main Beach. On the way back, stop off at The Wreck and take in the drumming circle (Friday – Sunday, sometimes weekdays) where local troupadours and rhythm-makers come to drum, dance and shake off the day. Set up camp underneath the palm fringes and witness the spectacular dusk sky behind Mt. warning.

Byron Bay is filled with many independent retailers and unique local fashion designers. Explore boutiques and sort after stores like Spell, Arnhem, Amilita, and Goddess of Babylon. Don’t forget to check out the Industrial Estate, where every corner is filled with creatives and hand-crafted treasures with the label we all love, made in Byron Bay.

Some of the world’s biggest bands only do three shows in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne and Byron Bay. This tiny town is spoilt for live music choice, at great venues such as the Great Northern Hotel, the Railway Hotel and Beach Hotel. Soak up the last rays of the day as you listen to the combination of waves crashing on the shore and rhythmic beats of live music coming from the local pubs, clubs and talented buskers in the Main Street. It is not uncommon to see people watching as if time has stood still, these musicians pour their hearts into songs that captivate crowds walking by. You won’t be able to resist checking them all out. Check out the Gig Guide.

Take note of things you’d love to do next visit to Byron Bay. The July holiday period brings the well-known whale migration that many come to Byron to enjoy. Jump aboard Out of the Blue Adventures for a Byron Bay Whale Watching Cruise. See these majestic creatures up close and enjoy a once in a lifetime adventure.