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Byron Bay is a gem of a town on the east coast of Australia. Located north of Sydney in New South Wales (NSW), tourists from around the globe visit to enjoy outstanding nature, top-tier surfing, and a relaxed and friendly hippy vibe.
There’s so much to do here that you’ll have no trouble finding exciting activities to fill your time. If you’re planning a Gold Coast getaway and need a helping hand with your itinerary, here are our 17 top things to do in Byron Bay.
1. Discover Byron Bay’s Beautiful Beaches
Photo Credit: Visual Collective
Byron Bay is perched on the Pacific Ocean and is one of Australia’s most impressive beach towns. Main Beach is where most tourists head for spectacular views, convenient amenities, and lively surf culture. If you’re planning a day of beach hopping, don’t miss three stunning stops:
- The Pass – come in the late afternoon to swim in the calm waters before climbing the steps to Fisherman’s Lookout to watch the sunset over Byron Bay’s hinterland.
- Tallow Beach – this four-mile stretch of beach is located between Broken Head Nature Reserve and Cape Byron Conservation Area, making it a popular spot with nature lovers. Don’t miss the migrating whales that visit the bay during the winter months.
- Belongil Beach – If you’re traveling with your furry friend, this pet-friendly beach is close to bushland, so there’s plenty of space for dogs to run around.
2. Find Your Inner Peace
Visitors seeking a moment of peace shouldn’t miss the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens. This idyllic establishment is where you can:
- Stand between two of the tallest crystals in the world, known as the Crystal Guardians.
- Experience a meditative moment in an amethyst cave.
- Stroll among the tranquil, perfectly manicured gardens.
- Enjoy the restful ambiance of the sacred Peace Dome.
There’s a regular program of events and activities at Crystal Castle, so be sure to check the website to see what’s happening during your visit.
3. Take Flight Over Byron Bay
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL
Skydiving is a popular pursuit in Australia, and Byron Bay is one of the most scenic places to take flight. Daredevil visitors will experience an intense adrenaline rush while freefalling at a speed of more than 200 km per hour for up to 60 seconds. The remaining journey down to earth is a little more gentle and rewards divers with breathtaking views of the spectacular coastline.
4. Take a Guided Aboriginal Tour
Learn about Byron Bay’s Aboriginal heritage by taking a tour of Walgun (Cape Byron), Broken Head, and Bangalow. These tours are curated by Delta Kay, an Arakwal Bundjalung woman and respected elder in her community.
During the tour, participants will hear stories about important Aboriginal places and traditions while learning about bush food, natural medicine, and even a little Bundjalung language. Many visitors also report seeing an abundance of wildlife during the tour, including wallabies, dolphins, and white-bellied sea eagles.
5. Learn to Surf
Photo Credit: Will Day
Byron Bay is known for having some of the best surfing in the world, and pro surfers come from far and wide to ride powerful Pacific waves. Even if you’re a novice, no trip to Byron Bay is complete without taking a surf lesson at one of the town’s many reputable surf schools.
Surfboards are provided, so all that’s left to do is to choose a beach for your lesson:
- Little Wategos Beach – access this hidden gem via the Cape Byron walking track for full, slow, long waves.
- The Pass – a popular surfing beach for all levels. Only experienced surfers should attempt to surf here when the waves are big.
- Clarkes Beach – gentle waves make this beach the best spot for total beginners.
6. Climb Cape Byron Lighthouse
This impressive lighthouse sits on Australia’s most easterly point and makes a fascinating day out for anyone with an interest in Australia’s rich nautical history.
The lighthouse was operated by resident keepers until 1989 and is now fully automated. Visitors can come along to enjoy panoramic ocean views or call ahead to join a guided tour. Don’t miss the Maritime Museum below to discover the lighthouse’s past as well as dramatic stories of shipwrecks off the Australian coast.
Tip: Be sure to bring along your binoculars as humpback whale sightings are common here.
7. Bike the Northern Rivers Rail Trail
Photo Credit: Michael Dawes via Flickr CC 2.0
For an outdoor adventure to remember, head out to explore the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. This diverse nature trail is a great way to take in NSW’s picturesque landscape and some of its quaintest communities.
Places not to miss on the route include:
- The Tweed – nature lovers won’t regret stopping off to see the glittering coastline, lush wetlands, and seemingly endless farmland. You’ll also find three Australian World Heritage-listed national parks in this region.
- Murwillumbah – visit the charming community to discover pretty Art Deco architecture, boutique shops, and an abundance of cafes and restaurants.
- Stokers Siding – swing by the Stokers Siding Pottery Building to see artisans in action, or stop for refreshments at the tearoom in the old railway station.
8. Kayak with Dolphins
If getting up close with pods of dolphins sounds like fun, you’re going to want to sign up for a sea kayaking tour. An experienced guide will lead your excursion while you paddle around Byron Bay’s stunning Marine Park.
Kayakers have the chance to see humpback whales and sea turtles as well as dolphins during the tour. And, if you don’t see any wildlife, you get another tour for free!
9. Shop in the Community Market
Photo Credit: Glen Berlin
The Community Market takes place on the first Sunday of every month and is part food festival, part live music show, and part farmers market. Having been in operation since 1987, this vibrant market is an unbeatable way to experience local produce, talent, and the famously friendly Byron Bay community all in one place.
10. Go Whale Watching
If a kayaking tour to see Byron Bay’s marine life seems like too much physical exertion while on vacation, we recommend joining a whale-watching cruise instead. During this bucket list experience, you’ll have the chance to see majestic humpback whales swimming nearby.
The tours take place on boats fitted with hydrophone equipment, so you may ever be lucky enough to hear their calming whale song!
11. Take a Side Trip to Sydney
Photo Credit: Alan Kean
Sydney is the capital of NSW and one of Australia’s largest and most famous cities. It’s an eight-hour drive from Byron Bay (or a short flight) which makes it an ideal destination for a fun-packed side trip.
Here are three sights not to miss during your visit:
- Royal Botanical Garden – relax and soak up the sun in this urban oasis while enjoying picturesque views of the harbour.
- Sydney Opera House – take a tour of this world-famous venue to learn about its history and architecture.
- Take a Ferry Ride – the harbour area is best explored by water, and the extensive network of ferries is the easiest and cheapest way to see this iconic part of the city.
12. Go Snorkeling
For a new perspective on Byron Bay’s sparkling coastline, head to Nguthungulli Julian Rocks on a snorkeling tour. This off-shore rock formation is home to some of the country’s most diverse marine life and you’ll be astounded by how many creatures you can see here. Snorkeling tours are led by marine biology experts who can tell you all about Australia’s underwater world and the fish who call it home.
13. Enjoy the Views at Minyon Falls
Photo Credit: Ninefiver Media
This astounding 100-meter waterfall is a 40 minute drive from Byron Bay and offers some of the most spectacular views in all of NSW. The lookout platform not only gives visitors a great vantage point of the falls and the valley below, but it’s also possible to see all the way to the coast on a clear day.
The pool at the base of Minyon Falls is ideal for cooling off after a hot and sweaty hike down. There’s also a beautiful shaded picnic spot to enjoy an al fresco lunch in.
14. Dine at Three Blue Ducks
Three Blue Ducks is a highly popular restaurant set on an 80-acre working farm and is a top pick for an unforgettable dining experience.
The restaurant is the work of three friends who wanted to create a more sustainable approach to eating and living. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are all based on ethically sourced and home-grown ingredients, and the Sunday roast is legendary. It’s also possible to bring your own refreshments and have a picnic on the farm if you’d prefer.
15. Take a Day Trip to Ballina
Photo Credit: photoK-jp
The delightful town of Ballina is just 30 minutes south of Byron Bay and is a great option for a relaxing day trip. Ballina boasts the same pristine beaches as Byron Bay, plus a thriving dining scene that foodies will love.
15 miles of well-kept cycle path snake through town, so it’s easy to explore on two wheels. You’ll have no trouble finding places to hire a bicycle if you aren’t traveling with your own.
16. Grab a Flat White
Did you know that the flat white, which is similar to a latte but with a higher proportion of espresso, was invented in NSW? Coffee aficionados shouldn’t miss the chance to sample one while in Byron Bay, and there are dozens of superb cafes to get your caffeine fix in.
Here are three favorites:
- Sparrow – grab a perfectly prepared coffee to go from this friendly takeout coffee shop near Nobby Beach.
- Bay Leaf Cafe – flavorful coffee is served alongside artisan bread and organic dishes in a laid-back setting.
- The Top Shop – a 1950s-style cafe close to Clarkes Beach. Coffee beans are carefully sourced and prepared, and the food menu is also great.
17. Join a Distillery Tour
Just 15 minutes from Byron Bay is where you’ll find Cape Byron Distillery. This award-winning business produces gin and whisky infused with local botanicals that create unique and interesting flavors. Come for a tour to learn all about the distillery process and take part in a fascinating guided tasting.
This family-run venture is nestled in a macadamia farm and surrounded by rainforest, so even the non-drinkers in your group are certain to appreciate a visit.
Embark on an Unforgettable Trip to Byron Bay
Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline seeker, or a history buff, you’ll find no shortage of incredible things to do in Byron Bay. What adventure will you experience first?
