Things to do in Byron Bay – A locals guide
A fully grown Humpback Whale can weigh more than 5 adult elephants, the largest land mammal.
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Byron Bay
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Today there was plenty of action out off the coast of Ballina and Byron Bay. We enjoyed breaching, comp groups, muggings & tail slapping on our Byron Bay Whale Watching Cruises at 8:00am & 11:00am. Conditions are looking good this week, so be sure to book aboard our Byron Bay Whale Watching Cruise.
Looking for Byron Bay Attractions with a difference? Byron Bay has gone through transformational change over the last few years. Renowned as a surf spot in the 60s and 70s – and a mecca for hippies and backpackers thereafter – more recently it has developed into an aspirational destination for all manner of Australian and international visitors.
The result is that this small pocket of northern New South Wales has transformed into a melting pot with something for everyone. Byron has the cultural and culinary chops to impress Melburnians and Sydneysiders, some of the most beautiful beaches and river systems in the country (if not the world), as well as an abundance of options for national parks. People wanting community-focused, beachside sunrise yoga will not be disappointed by this new Byron, but nor will those who prefer their guided meditations in a five-star retreat after a facial, or those who are more inclined towards retail therapy than mindfulness sessions.
The unique surroundings offer an abundance of activities for children, adults, families, couples, and backpackers. If you’re bored in Byron you’re doing something wrong.
Below we’ve created a vignette of the top Byron Bay Attractions curated by locals.
Byron is synonymous with beaches and for good reason. The aptly, if unimaginatively, named Main Beach is the most popular beach in Byron but just as with Bondi in Sydney there are dozens of other options around.
Walking towards Cape Byron from Main Beach you’ll come across The Pass, Wategos Beach and then little Wategos. The Wategos beaches are famously referred to as the eastern-most beaches on the Australian mainland (the lighthouse above them is the most easterly point in the country). They offer a more peaceful, sheltered experience than Main Beach – a friendly, fairly placid surf perfect for beginners and swimmers.
Around the corner and heading south from Wategos you’ll come across Tallow Beach. Tallow Beach stretches over 6km connecting two national parks. It’s a great surf beach; the north of it is named Cosy Corner because of the protection it affords surfers against northerly winds. The south of the beach becomes Broken Head National Park where there are walking tracks and great lookouts for whale-watching and bird-spotting.
Check out the Ballina to Byron Bay coastline from the water aboard Out Of The Blue Adventures ‘Coastal Discovery Cruise’ to Julian Rocks.
Learn More & Book Here
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The Cape Byron walking track which leads to the lighthouse is a must on any Byron trip. It’s a relatively easy 3.7km track which is best started just before dawn. The headland the lighthouse sits on is the most easterly point in Australia, making those who gather here to see the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean are the first in the country to catch the sunrise every day. Even if the early mornings aren’t for you, it’s still worth taking a tour of the lighthouse at some stage to learn some of the town’s history, and it’s also a great spot for whale watching.
Interested in seeing the Byron lighthouse from a whole new perspective? The water! Join a ‘Coastal Discovery Cruise’ to Julian Rocks.
Learn More & Book Here
The Byron coastline is dotted with spectacular sheer cliffs, pristine beaches and rocky isles. One of the best ways to take it all in is on an ocean cruise. Out of the Blue Adventures have mapped out a range of tours that showcase the best of the ocean scenery and the local wildlife. The crew on their state-of-the-art eco vessel includes an experienced marine biologist who offers interesting insights in to the dolphins, turtles and birds you’ll see.
Dolphin Cruise 1.5hrs
Sunset River Cruise 2hrs
Julian Rocks ‘Coastal Discovery’ Cruise 3hrs
And if you’re visiting in June to November you might just spot something else! Whales migrate along the Byron coastline during this time and our boat is the perfect platform to see enormous Humpbacks breaching the water, and slapping their flippers or tails. If you’re lucky during this migration period you will see not only the adults (that can grow up to 18m) but also their young calves swimming alongside them.
Book Premier Whale Watching Cruise (From June to November)
Learn More & Book Here
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Even before droves of longboard surfers started arriving in the 60s to ride the natural breaks around Wategos and Cosy Corner, surf culture was already a huge part of Byron. The Byron Bay Surf Club is over 100 years old, one of the oldest in the country. Fortunately there are a couple of helpful locals willing to offer some lessons those of us who don’t have quite the same experience on a board.
Soul Surf offers group or private lessons for all levels of ability – from grommets to gurus. Friendly faces set you up with the right boards and wetsuits, and take you to a beach where beginners can learn comfortably. They’ll choose a spot with small waves and generally you’ll be in about waist-deep water. There’s also safety gear such as lifejackets on hand for nervous starters and young children.
Little nipper learning at soul surf:
Over at Black Dog Surfing they offer a similar lesson or hire experience with one notable exception; the school’s mascot George might join in the lessons. He’s a black Kelpie-Jack Russell cross with his own board that likes to surf backwards!
George:
If surfing sounds a bit ambitious, or you’re after something a bit more slow-paced and scenic there are a couple of options.
Go Sea Kayaks‘ local indigenous guides will teach you about indigenous culture and local history as you propel yourself through the Byron Bay Marine Park. You can expect to see bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales and three species of turtles swimming around you. In fact it’s a promise these tour operators make: if you don’t see turtles, whales or dolphins you’ll get another trip free.
A group of kayakers ready to launch:
Byron Stand Up Paddle has guides who will take you on a scenic paddleboard tour of the Brunswick River. You’ll spend a couple of hours on the river in intimate groups of no more than 8 people, and will hopefully come across a range of birds, fish and baby stingrays (no need to worry, stingrays will disappear in a cloud of sand as the boards approach).
Brilliant vista during a paddle board trip:
Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Marine Reserve is one of the most spectacular places in the country. It has an abundance of marine life – there are turtles, rays, sharks and octopuses among over a thousand different oceanic species – it’s even been likened to a ‘mini Galapogos’.
What makes this place so special is warm and cold water currents meeting, creating an environment where tropical and cold-water fish mix. During summer months there are Manta Rays and Leopard Sharks, and in winter you’ll hopefully come across endangered Grey Nurse Sharks.
Bundgjalung folklore tells of the rock outcrop in the marine park being created when a jealous husband threw a spear at his partner and her lover, breaking their canoe in half so that the two ends of the boat would protrude from the water forever.
Out of the Blue offer an informative and awe-inspiring trip around this site and through the rest of the 37kms of marine park, where you’re guaranteed to see dolphins, as well as a sample of the other creatures mentioned above (if you don’t you see a dolphin you get another ride for free).
Learn More about a Dolphin Cruise or Coastal Cruise & Book Here
For those who are brave enough to jump out of a boat the conditions are also great for scuba-diving here; the water is relatively warm and the visibility is good. Sundive offer small group diving and snorkelling experiences at Julian Rocks that can be tailored to suit different levels of experience.
Wobbegong or Carpet Sharks are often hanging around:
Nimbin isn’t the only place in Northern New South Wales where people are looking to get high – there’s a number of ways to get up in the Byron skyline for a unique perspective of the beaches, rainforest and mountains below.
Skydive Byron Bay have a great way to see a whole lot of the coast in a hurry. They take you from Tyagarah Airport to 15,000ft (over 4,500m) in the air, then you come back down very quickly. To be precise, you freefall at close to 200km/hr for just under a minute before your tandem partner will open a parachute, after which you’ll glide for about five minutes before you come back to earth. It’s obviously one of the ultimate adrenaline rushes, and a fantastic contrast to whiling away holiday time on the beach.
There are some priceless shots captured mid-air:
For those looking for a bit more time to absorb the world from above a hang gliding trip with Pro-Flyte will keep you aerial for half an hour to an hour. Depending on the wind direction, you’ll launch from either Cape Byron Nature Reserve or further south at Lennox Head. A quick briefing is all that’s required to get you in the air in a tandem setup with an experienced glider, and once you’re flying all you have to do is tuck your legs into a harness so your body can relax. Gliders make no noise so unlike skydiving you’ll be able to converse with your tandem partner, and hear the waves crashing beneath you as well as any birds nearby.
The flights are generally quite pleasant – slow and gentle, however upon request the pace can be increased and some tricks thrown in. Whatever the speed of your flight you’ll have ample time to take in the landscapes below, and the journey will culminate in a landing on the sand at Tallow Beach – during summer you can even fly bare foot!
Another enjoyable way to see Byron from the sky is in a hot air balloon with Byron Bay Ballooning. A pre-dawn launch will sit you above the hinterland, Mt Warning to the north and the coastline to the east – you’ll be in prime position for an incredible sunrise experience. You’ll land around 7am to a Champagne breakfast with lovely local produce.
Sunrise over Nashua, Byron Bay:
Prefer to sit back, relax and take in the astonishing scenery while meandering down a lazy river brimming with wildlife?Just south of Byron Bay, lives The Richmond river in Ballina – a river that meets the ocean.
The small nature reserve here is home to a wealth of flora and fauna worth seeing. Out of the Blue Adventures offers a gorgeous sunset boat ride, providing drinks and snacks as you cruise past the mangrove-lined banks of the river. The reserve is not only home to over 160 different bird species, but you may also see dolphins or turtles swimming in this vibrant estuary!
Learn More & Book your Sunset Cruise Here
Byron and the surrounding areas are part of a rich food bowl, with a long history of dairy and cattle farming, and of course seafood fishing. The Farm welcomes anyone to roam their 80 or so acres of land which is a mix of native flora, vegetable crops and traditional farm animal pasture. Kids can meet the Heritage Black Pigs, chase chickens and explore fields of macadamia and pecan trees.
The Farm’s ethos is Grow, Feed, Educate. The grounds hold a hub of micro businesses working towards that goal. The Three Blue Ducks restaurant puts the produce to excellent effect with delicious seasonal menus. The Bread Social Bakery, Baylato (a Gelateria) and produce store offer scrumptious snacks. There’s also a regular stream of workshops in school holidays and throughout the year designed for children and adults – from an introduction to growing food to bee-keeping, cheese-making or making cosmetics from local ingredients.
The Farm is open to visitors seven days a week without a booking but you can also find guided tours, information on activities or the restaurant here.
The farm produce is put to good use at Three Blue Ducks:
Byron is not short of cheers-worthy places and fortunately there are a couple of quality local producers that keep the town lubricated.
Stone and Wood Brewing Company brew a range of ales and lagers out of their two Northern Rivers breweries – in Byron and Murwillumbah. Generously they let the public in for tours (which you’ll have to book in advance here) and tastings (which you can get just by rocking up to the bar) at the Byron location. From The Gather, with watermelon, cucumber and mint, to the Stone Beer, a dark wood-fired porter with hints of coffee and chocolate there is a lot to try even before you find out about the exclusive pilot batch limited releases.
The Stone Beer is definitely worth a try:
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Not far from the brewery you can find the Cape Byron Distillery where they craft Brookie’s Byron Gin. With a tour (by appointment only here) you can walk through the Brookie’s macadamia farm which is surrounded by the Big Scrub Rainforest. In this subtropical rainforest you’ll be able to see, touch and smell the native botanicals such as the native finger limes and aniseed myrtles that infuse the gin with their distinctive flavours. There are tastings and cocktails available of course!
The new kid on the block is Mullumbimby’s Wandana Brewing Co. At the brewery they run a relaxed, walk-in beer garden (which is dog-friendly!) where you can enjoy a couple of their creations while watching the sun set over Mount Chincogan. They have a solid range of pale ales and a variety of other very drinkable delights, as well as featuring a guest tap that shines a light on other local, independent, craft brewers in the region.
Lifecycles’ have worked out what has to be the healthiest way to see Byron. These cycling tours are not just for diehard cyclists, they have a range of routes mapped out, and just as important as kms on the bike are the cafes and lookouts you’ll visit along the way. Byron offers a range of experiences on a two wheels; from the hinterland rides with challenging elevation, to a mixture of rewarding loops and laid back, cruisy beach rides there is something for every level of cyclist.
Epic bends in the Byron Hinterland:
Check out Beyond Byron E Bikes if you’re looking to check out some of the region’s secret waterfalls or beaches. With a range of tours to choose from, this is the perfect activity for those wanting to mix fitness with fun while riding state of the art mountain bikes. Beyond Byron E Bikes are a sustainable Byron Eco Tour business and employ a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy in all of their tours.
Byron is also home to the world’s first solar-powered train. Byron Bay Solar Train immaculately restored a 1940’s two-carriage train that now runs along a 3km coastal track. Complete with vintage leather lounge seats this Little Train That Can takes a scenic journey through rainforest.
Zephyr Horses take new and experienced riders on horse-back tours of the beach, the beautiful subtropical woodlands, The Farm and even pubs. The unique coastal horse ranch also offers private lessons, activities such as mounted archery, as well as hiring out their stunning animals for photoshoots and weddings.
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Byron Bay Beach Rides 🐴☀️#zephyrhorses #byronbay BOOK ONLINE at www.zephyrhorses.com
Every day in Byron is special, but for many visitors come for one day in particular that will go down as ‘their special day’. If you want the perfect proposal, wedding, elopement or other intimate experience Wild Goat Events will curate something extraordinary and unique for you. Katie and her team create a bespoke experience managing everything from location, photographers, and retreats to matching the rugs, throw pillows and rose petals with the grazing table.
These events are aesthetic delights:
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Elope + your nearest & dearest ❤️ Wild Goat style
Osprey Spa (part of the Elements Resort) really has you covered for relaxation and revitalisation therapies. You can unwind in tranquil, light-filled spas surrounded by nature, with treatments inspired by nature. Lemon Myrtle body exfoliations, hot stone healing massages and La Gaia facials are just some of the options available at Byron’s premier spa.
Relaxation time at Osprey:
Fancy a glorious grazing table with pillows and picnic blankets with a vibrant combinations of fresh local produce, cheeses and home-made dips? Maybe with an array of raw and vegan options? Groups of any size can choose a location and The Picnic Portal will set-up and pack down Bell Tents or blankets and the most amazing platters in Byron or anywhere else.
Extraordinary raw cakes:
Byron has so much more to offer than the hackneyed beachside vendors commonplace in many coastal towns. The town is home to high-end fashion outlets such as the ‘Spell & The Gyspy Collective’ flagship store (a label launched by two local sisters) and a myriad of other options along both Fletcher Street and Lawson. On the outskirts of Byron the Arts & Industrial Estate shopping precinct houses a burgeoning list of fashion, jewellery and homewares outlets alongside art spaces and cafes. A personal favourite are the designer Italian sunglasses from Childe Eyewear made with plant-based biodegradable frames.
Latest range Spell and The Gypsy range hanging in store:
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The beautiful + bright tones of our new Between Sea & Sky styles lighting up our Byron Store 🌼
Markets provide the perfect opportunity to explore some of the other towns in the Northern Rivers region. The Mullum Markets in Mullumbimby turn up an array of bric-a-brac, handmade delights such as jewellery, clothing, and giftware, as well as fresh local produce. There’s also a farmers market in Mullum on Friday mornings. Further inland the Channon Craft Market also has people selling their crafts, arts and produce as well as live entertainment and street performances. A little closer to Byron, the Brunswick Heads Markets and the Byron Twilight Markets are also worth a look!
Nimbin candle factory at the Channon markets:
Possibly the most idyllic market on the Northern Rivers is the Bangalow Market, held on the fourth Sunday of each month. It happens in the shade of epic Camphor Laurel and Fig trees, providing a lush, shady setting for musical performances, artisanal stalls and even therapists of the non-retail variety. Bangalow Public school also hosts a flea market every second Saturday which can turn up a variety of delights.
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Byron is not a sleepy beach town where everyone heads to bed early to catch the morning swell. A vibrant bar and music scene accommodates those who want to stay out once the sun goes down.
Hit the Balcony for the best oyster menu with wine. Head to the Loft for the best cocktails in town, plus beers and tapas. The Rails (the Railway Friendly Bar) is a reliable option to listen to some local legends, and touring bands will often stop at the Northern or the Brewery.
And for an contemporary Asian menu that packs a flavour punch you can’t look past Bang Bang – with one of the best cocktail menu’s in the bay, and a range of ‘bang-quets’ for those who want the chef to do all the choosing – it really is one of the hottest spots in town and a must-try.
You’ll surely find something to drink at Loft:
Technically Byron Bay is not a monarchy but if it were this place is where the royals would reside. Crystal Castle houses a 120 million year old geode known as ‘The Dragon’s Egg’ that you can sit in, as well as two of the world’s biggest crystals. There’s a short walk through carefully maintained gardens which feature a variety of statues and monuments including the ‘Kalachakra World Peace Stupa’, a sacred monument blessed by the Dalai Llama.
Two 5.5m smoky quartz crystals with delicate sprinklings of amethyst:
Byron is on the doorstep of a ridiculous quantity of National Parks, many of which are World Heritage Listed. The scarcely believable Minyon Falls and Protestors Falls are both in the Nightcap National Park. You can scramble over rocks through Wollumbin National Park up to the summit of Mt Warning which was once part of an enormous volcano. The summit of Mt Warning is another beautiful place to watch the sun rise or set; it’s one of the highest places around. A little further north there’s the Tooloom National Park, a preservation of centuries old Gondwana Rainforest with lookouts across the Great Dividing Range.
As you head out to these more remote places it’s worth scheduling in stops at some of the townships along the way. The Macadamia Castle in Newrybar is worth a visit, and you might be surprised by the cafes and curios around in Bangalow.
One of the things to keep an eye on in Byron is the interstate (and in more normal times international) chefs that come up for a working holiday, and the local culinary artists from Byron’s best restaurants doing limited runs in intimate venues or markets where they can express their creativity.
If you’re feeling fine-dining but are on a bit of a budget and can land a booking for a table at Rawa Byron Bay (a local favourite!) you will be in luck. Awaiting guests on Rawa’s Wednesday nights is a unique four-course modern fusion set menu prepared by Chef Pedro Andrade, an Ecuadorian-born Byron local trained in French, South American, Asian and Mediterranean gastronomy. Check out their instagram for the next event’s menu.
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Andres and Franco from A Chef’s Pocket turn out Peruvian delights like ceviche and pan con chicharrón (pork belly rolls), as well as other tasty plates regularly at various venues around town including the nearby Eltham Pub. Keep an eye on their instagram for dates and locations, or hire them privately to cook for you at your holiday letting.
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And if you’re in luck you might just land yourself a treat from a food truck! The Ugly Dumpling are experts in the subtle art of dumpling-making and they sure do know how to make a so-called ugly dumpling look damn delicious. Check their instagram to find out where they’ll next be rearing their ugly head.
Byron’s food scene is ever-changing and always amazing, we suggest giving @byron-bay.eats a follow to stay up to date with the latest and greatest from an undercover local. Shhh!
Sitting on the Brunswick River, 15 minutes north of Byron is the small coastal town of Brunswick Heads. Torakina Beach, just at the river’s mouth is a hive of activity for locals and visiting families – the bright blue water and the protection offered by the break wall make it the perfect swimming spot. A bit further south Brunswick Main Beach is popular with swimmers, surfers and fishers, as well as those who just want to stroll along the long stretch of sand.
Torakina Beach:
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Among a mix of quality markets, cafes and restaurants is historic Brunswick Hotel – just a little bit older than Keith Richards, but has probably had just as many shows, it’s looking much better than he is. It’s one of the best concert venues in the Northern Rivers, playing host to a variety shows, and it also pours a great range of beers from local producers.
Those with a refined palate will find Fleet to their liking; the Good Food Guide rate this two-hatted restaurant the best in Northern New South Wales. Fleet serves modern Australian with a focus on finding the best, truly local ingredients.
The Brunswick:
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We would like to acknowledge the Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of this land on which we live, work, and stand on. Arakwal people retain a strong connection to Country; actively caring for flora and fauna and land and waters. We ask that you respect and help lookafter Country and Culture. We also acknowledge and pay our respect to Elders both past and present and the extended Aboriginal community.
or return for a free trip to try again.
