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You might be familiar with the area’s most popular attractions, such as Cape Byron Lighthouse, Arakwal National Park, and Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, but there are even more hidden gems to explore. Here are 12 of Byron Bay’s lesser-known sights that will take you off the beaten path and help you discover more about this Australian paradise.
1. Cumbebin Wetland Sanctuary
- Address: 1 Skinners Shoot Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
- Opening hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily
Cumebin Wetland Sanctuary is the remainder of what used to be a large swamp before Byron Bay was urbanized. Despite being carefully managed, Cumbebin retains a wild, unbridled look that serves as a lovely contrast to the sleek modernity of Byron Bay town center.
The huge, gnarled trees serve as homes to an array of wildlife — wander along a boardwalk to admire the swampy grounds and see what creatures you can spot.
2. Waterfalls
The gorgeous hinterlands and rainforests in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales are home to several beautiful waterfalls, including Minyon Fall, which are a popular attraction for Byron Bay tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds, check out these two quieter gems:
Killen Falls
- Address: 38 Killen Falls Dr, Tintenbar NSW 2478
- Opening hours: 24/7
Killen Falls is only a 20-minute drive out of town, but it feels wonderfully secluded. The ten-meter waterfall provides soothing white noise, and there’s a small pool at its base where you can dip your feet. Be wary of swimming though, because the water quality is changeable.
There’s car parking nearby, and the hike down to the waterfall’s base is a short 0.6-mile round trip. The track is very steep, so if you’re not a confident bushwalker, simply spend a while taking in the view from the lookout at the top.
Protestors Falls
- Address: Nightcap National Park, Terania Creek Rd, The Channon NSW 2480
- Opening hours: 24/7
Nightcap National Park forms part of the sprawling World Heritage-listed rainforest that covers a large swathe of New South Wales (NSW). The falls were named after protests that took place in the 1970s to save this section of rainforest and protect several endangered frog species that live here.
The walking track to Protestors Falls is a short, family-friendly trail that lets you admire the magnificent rainforest. If you complete the walk in the late afternoon, consider hanging around until it starts to get dark so that you can admire the rainforest’s glow worms and bioluminescent mushrooms.
3. Julian Rocks Nature Reserve
- Address: Tallow Beach Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
- Opening hours: 24/7
Julian Rocks are two small islets that lie 1.5 miles off Byron Bay’s coastline and have played a significant role in the history and culture of the Aboriginal Arakwal people. Since 1982, the rocks have been protected as a marine nature reserve to ensure that the wildlife that depends on them can continue to thrive.
Fishing and commercial exploitation are forbidden within a 500-meter radius of the islets to protect the likes of grey nurse sharks, leopard sharks, wobbegong, and nudibranchs.
The area is often on the bucket list of keen scuba divers because it’s so rich with marine life. If you’re not a diver, you could give a snorkeling guided tour a try instead. Whale-watching tours often pass near Julian Rocks, too, because humpback whales can be seen here during their migratory season.
4. Belongil Creek
- Address: Childe St. Byron Bay, New South Wales 2481
- Opening hours: 24/7
Belongil Creek lies just 1.5 miles away from the town center but it feels so much more remote and secluded thanks to its unspoiled nature. Wildlife, marine life, birdlife, and plant life are abundant here, including several vulnerable species. You can stroll along the beaches for some peace and quiet or consider renting a kayak to explore the estuary from the water itself.
5. Bangalow Market
- Website: bangalowmarket.com.au
- Address: Byron Street, Bangalow, New South Wales 2479
- Opening hours: 8 am – 2.30 pm on the fourth Sunday of the month
You may be familiar with Byron Bay’s weekly Farmers Market and monthly Community Market, but Bangalow Market is a great alternative. It’s hosted on Bangalow Showgrounds, where enormous camphor laurel trees generate cooling shade and a charming rural atmosphere.
There’s a great variety of vendors and products, including hot food, baked goods, clothing, jewelry, art, and crafts. Local bands and buskers provide tunes and entertainment while you shop and eat.
6. Lake Ainsworth
- Address: Pacific Parade, Lennox Head, New South Wales 2478
- Opening hours: 24/7
The freshwater Lake Ainsworth is bordered by tea tree plants whose oil drips into the water to create a nourishing, all-natural bath. It is thought that a dip in this tea tree lake can help relieve aches and pains, boost the immune system, and improve the skin.
At the very least, you’re bound to feel more relaxed after spending a quiet few hours here. When you’re not soaking yourself in the fragrant waters, you can explore the surrounding walking tracks or make use of the picnic and barbecue facilities.
7. Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Byron Bay is renowned for surfing, but stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a slower-paced alternative that is quickly growing in popularity. It’s low-impact, relatively easy to pick up, and perfect for families or groups of friends with mixed fitness levels.
There are several beaches and waterways in Byron Bay that are perfect SUP spots. Main Beach often sees flat surf, and there are lots of beachside surf shops offering paddleboard rentals.
Wategos Beach is a small, sheltered beach close to Byron Bay Lighthouse, and its calm waters are great for paddleboarding. If you don’t mind a bit of drive, head out to pretty Cudgen Creek in Kingcliffe which lies halfway between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.
8. Broken Head Beach
- Address: Broken Head Beach, NSW 2482
- Opening hours: 24/7
If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of Main Beach, head to Broken Head Beach instead. It’s unspoiled and naturally beautiful, framed by rainforest and the rugged cliffs that give it its name. The golden sands are great for sunbathing, but local surfers also like this spot as an alternative to busy Main Beach and The Pass.
9. Wollumbin National Park
- Address: Tyalgum Ridge Road, Mount Warning NSW 2484
- Opening hours: 7 am – 6 pm daily
Wollumbin National Park is a World Heritage site and one of NSW’s most beautiful areas. It centers around the impressive Wollumbin Mount Warning, which towers 3795 feet above sea level. The park is an hour’s drive from Byron Bay but large enough that a day trip is well worth it.
There’s a great range of walking trails to explore but the short Lyrebird track is an easy route that’s perfect for families. You’re sure to see a great range of flora and fauna and feel invigorated by the ancient subtropical rainforest.
10. Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Website: byronbaywildlifesanctuary.com.au
- Address: 419 Hinterland Wy, Knockrow NSW 2479
- Opening hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily
The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-do activity for wildlife lovers. You’ll have the opportunity to see kangaroos, koalas, wombats, crocodiles, and snakes, amongst many other wild and domesticated animals. If you want to meet some of the animals, consider booking a wildlife encounter in which you’ll get a close-up experience with some of the critters.
11. Craft Breweries
Byron Bay is renowned for its distilleries, which produce delicious gins, rums, and whiskies, but there’s no better way to cool down after a hot day than with a cold beer from one of these craft breweries:
Stone & Wood Brewing Co
- Address: 100 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay NSW 2481
- Opening hours: 10 am – 6.00 pm Monday to Thursday / 10 am – 7 pm Friday / 12 am – 7 pm Saturday / 12 am – 6 pm Sunday
Three friends established Stone & Wood in 2008 after their careers in the corporate brewing world inspired them to take a community-centered approach to their craft. A tour of the brewery, which lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, teaches visitors all about the brewing process and the quality ingredients that go into making Stone & Wood beers. If you’d prefer to simply enjoy the beer, you can visit the bar and sip a pint or two on a sunny patio instead.
Seven Mile Brewing Co
- Website: sevenmilebrewing.com.au
- Address: 188-202 Southern Cross Dr, Ballina NSW 2478
- Opening hours: 12 pm – 6 pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday / 4 pm – 9 pm Thursday
Seven Mile Brewery was established by father and son Matt and Lou Wilson. Having worked at breweries in Sydney and Manly, Matt used his expertise to initially craft three core beers.
The core range has since expanded, and the brewery also has a seasonal rotation of brews on tap. Seven Mile’s taproom regularly hosts events, such as a weekly trivia night, and there’s often a food truck set up outside so you can enjoy some tasty eats along with your beer.
12. The Rainbow Shop
- Website: therainbowshop.com.au
- Address: 71a Jonson Street, Byron Bay, New South Wales 2482
- Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily
Byron Bay has long been considered a hub for hippies, which is why colorful tie-dye clothing reigns supreme as the souvenir of choice for visitors. The best place to find it is in the Rainbow Shop, a longstanding indie store with a huge variety of vibrant products, including t-shirts, jewelry, bags, and hats.
The store lies on Jonson Street which is considered Byron Bay’s main street, so you’re bound to pass it often as you wander around town. Drop in to support a friendly local business and embrace Byron’s hippy heritage.
Discover More Hidden Gems on Your Byron Bay Vacation
Byron Bay and the surrounding Northern Rivers region are home to some incredible beauty spots and cool communities. There’s no shortage of attractions, so be sure to explore far and wide to discover all that the area has to offer.
