Things to do in Byron Bay

Recently, as I was driving into Byron Bay, I saw a hand-painted sign on the side of the road. “Cheer up, slow down, chill out,” it read.

It wasn’t just a reminder of the hippie element that used to be the focus of the town (and certainly still exists). The sign also captured perfectly the essence of Byron Bay.

You come here to relax and not take things too seriously. In a town that has banned any international fast food chains, you can escape the rat race that’s so prevalent in our modern lives.

Many of the best things to do in Byron Bay are a reflection of this attitude. But it doesn’t mean that the town hasn’t modernised and evolved over the years.

There was a time when Byron Bay was known simply as a sleepy hippie enclave, a place where the smell of incense (and perhaps something green) drifted down the main street, and the only rush hour was the lineup of surfers at The Pass.

These days, it’s become a beacon of style and luxury, where you are just as likely to spot a Hemsworth buying a $7 oat latte as you are a barefoot surfer carrying a longboard.

But even though there are more influencers and the traffic is worse, it’s still a natural retreat full of beauty and deeper meaning.

Whether it’s the sight of the lighthouse on the easternmost point of the Australian mainland, the lush rainforests of the hinterland, or the turquoise water teeming with turtles and dolphins, the scenery is still the main event here.

It just helps that there’s also now incredible food, fun bars, water sports, and plenty of other interesting activities.

If you’re not here for long, here are my top tips for the absolute best things to do in Byron Bay:

• Cape Byron: Walk about the headland and see the lighthouse.
• Beaches: Choose your favourite and spend some time swimming and relaxing at a gorgeous beach.
• The Farm: Head out for a meal, a coffee, and to look around this cooperative agricultural project.
• The Hinterland: Join a tour or drive yourself up into the rainforest to see waterfalls and charming villages.

But my main suggestion is to stay here for a bit longer and enjoy as many of the Byron Bay activities as possible… or just do the ones you like again and again.

Remember, you need to cheer up, slow down, and chill out.

Cape Byron

The headland that juts out into the ocean at the eastern edge of Byron Bay is more than just a geographical feature – it’s the icon of this town.

It’s officially known as the Cape Byron State Conservation Area, but you’ll also hear it referred to by its Indigenous name, Walgun.

While many visitors just make a beeline for the lighthouse at the top, I recommend you take some time to explore the whole conservation area, where you’ll find spectacular views of lush green forest meeting the endless blue of the sea,

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Standing sentinel at the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, the Cape Byron Lighthouse has been beaming its light out to sea since 1901. And it’s still active today, protecting ships from the treacherous coast!

You can walk up to the base of the lighthouse to admire the architecture and the panoramic views, but for a deeper dive into the history, it’s worth taking one of the tours, where you can climb the tower and step out onto the balcony.

There is also a maritime museum in the former lighthouse keeper’s office which paints a vivid picture of what life was like for the keepers who once lived here in isolation.

Although this is where the sun first hits the Australian mainland, the lighthouse is more popular at sunset for the golden views across the region, so get here a little earlier to get a good spot.

Walgun Cape Byron walking track

If you’re feeling active, the best way to experience the cape is on the Walgun Cape Byron walking track.

One moment you’re walking through cool, shaded rainforest, and the next you’re out on the exposed clifftops with the wind in your hair.

You’ll pass by wattle trees, banksias… and the lighthouse. There may even be wallabies in the bush or whales migrating in the waters.

I think this 3.7-kilometre loop is one of the best coastal walks in New South Wales, but take note: there are quite a few steps and some steep sections.

I’d recommend starting from the Captain Cook Lookout car park, or just walking over from town (parking can get busy).

For something special, this Aboriginal walking tour of the trail is full of interesting information. There’s also a guided sunrise tour that includes some wellness exercises.

Wategos Beach

I’m going to talk more about beaches in a second, but I wanted to mention Wategos Beach here because it’s such an important part of Cape Byron.

Tucked into a sheltered cove below the lighthouse, it’s one of the most exclusive areas of Byron and the hills behind the sand are lined with multi-million-dollar homes.

But down on the beach, the vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with families setting up for the day and surfers cruising the gentle waves. It’s a good stop if you’re walking the trail.

If you want to escape the crowds even further, follow the path over the rocks at the end of the beach to find Little Wategos, a tiny patch of sand only accessible by foot (and officially Australia’s most easterly mainland beach).

Beaches

Hanging at the beaches is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay – and there’s something for everyone!

Each beach has its own distinct personality, so you can choose your spot depending on your mood (or the wind direction!). Whether you’re a surfer, a sunbaker, or just someone who loves a morning walk by the water, there is a stretch of coast here that’ll be just right.

Main Beach

Right in front of the town centre, Main Beach is exactly what its name suggests – the main strip of sand where most of the action happens. It stretches for more than a kilometre and you’ll find heaps of people here any time of the year.

This is where the Surf Life Saving Club is based and the safest swimming is between the red and yellow flags. The waves are usually gentle, although there can be some decent surf on the right days.

There are amenities here like showers, toilets, and picnic areas. The grassy slopes are also really popular just to hang, and there’ll often be performers entertaining the crowd.

The Pass

Walk east along the sand from Main Beach and you’ll eventually hit Clarkes Beach (even if it doesn’t look like a different beach). It has a bit more surf and isn’t usually quite as crowded.

Right next to it is one of the most famous beaches in Byron Bay, The Pass. It’s legendary for its long, peeling waves that can give you a ride for hundreds of metres if you catch the right one.

It’s a great spot to hang out, with a cute little cafe in the bush just behind the sand. It’s good for swimming when the waves aren’t too rough. You can also start the walk around the cape from here.

Belongil Beach

Go the other direction from Main Beach and you’ll be on Belongil Beach, a long open stretch of sand that’s much wilder and quieter than the bays near town.

The bit close to Main Beach is a nice alternative when you want to have a swim close to town but would prefer not to be amongst the crowds.

Most of it, however, is more popular with walkers than swimmers because you can stroll for kilometres past the sand dunes where there’s not nearly as much urban development.

Parts of Belongil Beach are also dog-friendly, so it’s perfect if you’ve got your four-legged friend with you.

Tallow Beach

But if you really want to escape the crowds and the development, head to Tallow Beach. This seven-kilometre pristine stretch of sand starts at the southern end of Cape Byron and goes straight down the coast.

Because it’s so long, it’s easy to find a patch of sand all to yourself, even in the middle of summer. It’s often a bit rougher here and it’s not patrolled, so you need to be careful swimming, but it’s fantastic for beach walking and birdwatching.

Much of Tallow Beach is alongside Arakwal National Park, so it feels wonderfully remote, even though you’re only a short drive from town.

On the water

Aside from just swimming at the beaches, there are lots of other things to do in Byron Bay on (and in) the water. After all, it’s the waves, reefs, and gorgeous coastline that brought so many people here in the first place.

Surf lesson

If there’s one thing you should try in Byron Bay, it’s surfing.

This is one of Australia’s most famous surf towns, and the conditions here are perfect for beginners. You’ve warm water, some gentle waves, and experienced instructors.

Most beginners start at Main Beach or The Pass, where the waves are more forgiving and the beach break is easier to navigate.

Unless you’ve got a friend who can teach you, I would recommend doing a surf lesson if you haven’t tried much surfing before.

There’s this great two-hour small group lesson that will give you the basics, or I’d recommend this half-day lesson that means more time in the water.

You could also do a private two-hour lesson, or there’s even this fun two-day surf camp!

Snorkelling tour

Just offshore from Byron Bay lies one of the best snorkelling spots on Australia’s east coast. Julian Rocks, also known as Nguthungulli, is a nature reserve that attracts an incredible diversity of marine life.

The rocks sit at the meeting point of warm tropical currents from the north and cooler temperate waters from the south, which means you’ll see species from both ecosystems.

And, because it’s relatively shallow, even snorkellers can often see animals like turtles, rays, tropical fish, wobbegong sharks, and even dolphins.

There are quite a few tours to Julian Rocks from Byron Bay and they are all normally about three hours long, including getting there and back by boat.

I would recommend this great snorkelling tour, but there are a few other options here:

Remember, between June and November, you might also encounter migrating humpback whales around Julian Rocks, which makes for an unforgettable experience!

Diving

For those who want to go deeper (literally), Julian Rocks is also a great diving site. The rocks have dramatic drop-offs, caves, and archways that create an exciting dive environment, with depths ranging from about 8 to 24 metres.

Other than that, Byron Bay isn’t the most famous diving destination in Australia. But it does have a few dive shops – partly because it’s an easy and safe location for beginners to build up some confidence.

A friendly team to join for a trip out to Julian Rocks is the Byron Bay Dive Centre. If you’re thinking you might like to do a longer course to potentially get certified, I’d suggest Sundive.

Kayaking

A gentle way to explore Byron’s waters is by kayak, and there are lots of beautiful routes you could take.

For example, paddle out from Main Beach or Clarkes Beach, hug the coastline (avoiding the surfers), and pass beneath the dramatic cliffs of Cape Byron for incredible perspectives you won’t get from land.

Often there will be dolphins in the waters, and you might even see whales in the middle of the year.

If you haven’t done much kayaking, the best approach is probably to go with a tour. Not only is it safer, but the guide will be able to share lots of information about what you’re seeing.

I think this two-hour kayak tour is the best one in Byron Bay, but there are some other options here that offer slightly different features:

Experiences

Now that we’ve talked about the beaches and the water, let’s have a look at some of those other unique Byron Bay experiences that make this place so special.

(Sunrise) yoga

Byron has long been associated with yoga and wellness, and there’s no better way to start your day here than with sunrise yoga on the beach.

As the first rays of sunlight hit the most easterly point of mainland Australia, you can flow through your practice with the sound of waves in the background.

Several studios and independent instructors offer beach yoga sessions, usually meeting at Main Beach or The Pass just before dawn. Classes are typically drop-in, so you don’t need to book ahead.

Many studios also welcome casual visitors (beginner and experienced). Or you might like to try something like this full-day yoga retreat, which includes meals and sauna.

Indigenous tours

To understand more about Byron Bay, listen to the stories of the Arakwal people who have called this land home for thousands of years.

Indigenous cultural tours offer a fascinating perspective on the area’s history and culture, including topics like traditional practices, bush tucker, and spiritual significance.

They don’t run every day, but there are a few different options here, so check the dates for your stay:

You can also ask at the visitor centre to see if there are any general tours taking place around Byron Bay.

Although nothing is regularly scheduled, there are sometimes historical tours about the town’s evolution from a sleepy fishing village to a global tourism destination.

Otherworld

For something a little bit different, one of the newest things to do in Byron Bay is Otherworld.

It’s an immersive digital art experience that’s housed in a purpose-built space. Basically, each artwork is interactive in its own way, so you can spend some time engaging with them all.

It might be a projection, an installation, a sculpture with mirrors that you can look at from different directions.

Otherworld is part art gallery, part digital playground, and 100% photo-friendly (you’re bound to want to put something on Instagram).

While it might seem at odds with Byron’s natural attractions, it’s a great option for a rainy day or for when the kids need a different activity.

Byron Solar Train

A quirky piece of Byron Bay history, the Solar Train runs on a three-kilometre section of track between Byron Bay and the northern beaches.

It’s powered entirely by solar panels on the roof of the vintage train carriage, which is a restored heritage diesel engine from the 1940s.

The journey takes about 15 minutes each way and passes through farmland. While it might seem like it’s only a tourist novelty, it can actually be used as transport to different beaches.

The Byron Solar Train runs several times a day, and you can hop on and off at either end. Check the timetable before you go, as services can be affected by weather and maintenance.

Skydive

For an adrenaline rush – and views that’ll take your breath away – skydiving over Byron Bay is hard to beat.

Jumping from up to 15,000 feet, you’ll have about 60 seconds of freefall before the parachute opens and you float down to land on the beach.

Once the fear subsides, you can relax and enjoy the views during the descent. You’ll see the curve of the coastline, the lighthouse on the headland, and the hinterland rising up behind the town.

If you’re brave enough, I would recommend this tandem skydive that includes a 20-minute scenic flight.

Night Vision tour

There’s lots of wildlife out there in the bushland around Byron Bay, but it isn’t always easy to spot. Why? Because a lot of it only comes out after the sun sets.

That’s why local tour operator Vision Walks created the Night Vision tour. You’ll go out into the rainforest equipped with military-grade night vision technology!

It’s a really strange experience to be seeing the world so clearly when it’s pitch black outside, but that’s part of the fun. You’ll use thermal-imaging devices to scan for wildlife and then watch them with the night vision. And they act like you’re not even there!

The tour is really fun and different and appropriate for all ages. The tour guides are passionate about conservation and wildlife, so you’ll learn a lot about the ecosystem while you’re there.

Local produce

Byron Bay and the surrounding hinterland are known for their exceptional local produce, helped by rich volcanic soil and a subtropical climate.

From organic farms to artisan food producers, there are lots of places where you can learn about – and taste – the best of the region.

Farmers markets

A good place to start is the Byron Bay Farmers Market, which takes place every Thursday morning at the Byron Bay Community Centre. It’s a bit of an institution, where locals come to stock up on fresh ingredients and where you can meet the producers.

You’ll find lots of different produce, including organic vegetables, tropical fruits, and artisan breads. There are also things like local honey, fresh seafood, and flowers.

The market has been running since 2002 and many of the stallholders are also the farmers. There’s usually live music, a coffee cart, and a friendly community atmosphere that makes this a fun thing to do in Byron Bay.

If you’re staying at Byron Bay accommodation that has a kitchen, this can also be a good opportunity to do the shopping for your meals.

The Farm

A fantastic place to hang out – and get a taste of the sustainable food scene in Byron Bay – is The Farm, about 15 minutes’ drive from the town centre.

Set on 35 hectares, The Farm provides space to small independent farmers who can have their own space to do things like grow fruit and vegetables, raise pigs and chickens, or maintain a whole macadamia orchard.

Visitors are welcome to wander around and have a look at the various lots, although I would recommend taking one of the official tours to really understand what’s going on.

Even if you don’t want to look at the farm, it’s worth coming here for the restaurant, Three Blue Ducks, run by some of Sydney’s most respected chefs and serving a seasonal menu with some ingredients from the site. There’s also a shop and a cafe, plus regular entertainment events.

Zentveld’s Coffee

Australia isn’t exactly known for coffee growing, but Byron Bay’s subtropical climate makes this one of the few places in the country where it can be cultivated.Zentveld’s Coffee has been growing coffee here since 2001 and offers tours that take you through the entire process.

You’ll walk through the plantation, learning about how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed. The tour includes tastings of different roasts and preparation methods, plus you can see (and smell) the roasting operation.

There are a lot of interesting sustainable farming practices going on here so there’s much more to learn than just a bit of coffee trivia. Anyone who is interested in gardening will pick up a few tips, for instance.

Zentveld’s Coffee also has a cafe with gorgeous views where you can enjoy a drink, grab a bite to eat, and buy some beans to take home.

Breweries and distilleries

The Byron region has seen an explosion of craft distilleries in recent years, producing award-winning spirits that showcase local ingredients.

My favourite is the Cape Byron Distillery, which has a really interesting story. It’s based up in the hinterland is a large patch of rainforest where the distillers find a lot of their ingredients. When you visit, you can do a tour of the rainforest to taste things like finger lime and aniseed myrtle, before trying the gins back at the bar.

Back in town, the Lord Byron Distillery is another popular producer where you can do a tour of the processing plants, distil your own gin, or just relax and drink.

And if you prefer beer to spirits, then the Stone & Wood Brewery is a must-visit. Based just outside Byron in an industrial estate, this local brewery has become a national success story with their Pacific Ale.

The brewery has a large tasting room and beer garden where you can sample their range of beers, many of which are only available on tap at the brewery. Food trucks are often set up outside.

Food and drink

With all this fantastic local produce, it’s no surprise that Byron Bay has an impressive food scene.

For as long as I can remember, there’s been a wellness aspect to the food here, so you’ll easily find healthy things to eat and drink.

But in recent years, a trend for more upscale dining has also appeared, with top chefs from Sydney or Brisbane opening up new restaurants and attracting

Cafes

If you want to keep things casual, there are a lot of cafes in Byron Bay that are perfect for a tasty and healthy breakfast and lunch.

Also, coffee culture is taken seriously, so you’ll normally find a great long black or flat white.

Although it’s not in the centre of town, I would recommend Top Shop, a 1950s milk bar in a residential area that does things like sandwiches, burgers, and acai bowls.

Other good options that aren’t in the town centre are the Byron Bay General Store and Otherside Cafe.

And if you’re staying in town and just want a short stroll, there’s the very cool Bayleaf for a proper meal, or Sparrow Coffee if you’re more focused on the caffeine hit.

Restaurants

As I mentioned, there’ a huge range of places to eat in Byron Bay (although no international fast food chains).

For something relatively casual, Treehouse does tasty wood-fired pizza, and Chihuahua Taqueria does good tacos.

If you’re looking to take things up a notch, then the Asian-fusion restaurant Light Years is one of the best restaurants in Byron Bay. That team also has two other places that are really good: the Japanese hibachi grill Moonlight and the Middle-Eastern-themed The Smoking Camel.

For something a bit more traditional at the higher end, there are two excellent waterfront options I would recommend: Beach Byron Bay and Raes Dining Room.

Pubs and bars

I feel like no trip to Byron Bay is complete without an afternoon (or evening) drink at the Beach Hotel. Right on the edge of Main Beach, there’s been a pub on this spot since the 1880s! Its beer garden is still a casual and central place for people to catch up.

Just around the corner is the Northern Hotel, which can get a bit rowdy. A bit out of town, the North Byron Hotel is much more relaxed and is set amongst greenery.

Back in town, there are some elegant wine bars. Bar Heather is one of the best and also does excellent food. There’s also Loft Bar, which feels quite bright and fresh, while the rooftop at Hotel Marvell attracts a glamorous crowd.

Day trips

While there’s plenty to keep you busy in Byron itself, the surrounding region is equally beautiful and worth exploring.

In fact, if you’re staying for a decent length of time, heading out on a day trip to somewhere like the hinterland is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay.

Waterfalls and glowworms

In the valleys of rainforest up in the Byron hinterland, you’ll find some beautiful waterfalls and, after dark, thousands of tiny glowworms that light up the forest like a natural planetarium.

Heading out of town to see all of this is one of the most popular day trips from Byron Bay. There are a few tour companies that combine visits to waterfalls during the day with glowworm spotting in the evening.

You’ll walk through ancient trees, swim in crystal-clear pools beneath cascading water, and then return after sunset to see the dark grottos light up.

I think this is the best tour to see it all, and it will take about six hours in total. Another option is this evening tour that is shorter and focuses more on the glowworms.

Most tours include transport from Byron Bay, so you don’t need to worry about driving on unfamiliar roads in the dark.

Byron hinterland

There’s lots to see up in the Byron Bay hinterland. If you have a car, it’s easy to visit for the day and see a bunch of the sights.

What makes the Byron hinterland lush landscape of rainforested valleys and small villages feels like a complete contrast to the beachy vibe of the coastal town.

Bangalow is probably the prettiest of the hinterland towns, with wide streets lined with heritage buildings, antique shops, galleries, and cafes.

Federal is another small village worth visiting, mainly for Doma Cafe, which serves some of the best Japanese-inspired food in the region. It’s a quirky spot in an old butcher shop, and the menu changes based on what’s available.

For nature lovers, Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park is spectacular, with a 100-metre waterfall plunging into a gorge. There’s a lookout at the top with incredible views, and a walking track down to the base of the falls.

And on the way back, stop at the Eltham Hotel, a classic country pub that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades. The beer is cold, the food is hearty, and the locals are friendly.

The Tweed

Just before the border to Queensland, the Tweed region has so much to do, that it’s easy to spend a whole day here (or even a few days, to be honest).

The Tweed Valley is one of Australia’s most fertile areas, so food is a focus. Drop into Tropical Fruit World or Husk Farm Distillery to try some of the local produce.

The Tweed Regional Gallery is one of the best in Australia and it’s on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, so you can combine the two.

The coastal towns of Cabarita and Kingscliff have beautiful beaches that are often quieter than Byron’s, and both have good cafes and restaurants.

And inland, there’s Mount Warning (Wollumbin) inside Wollumbin National Park. You can’t hike to the top anymore, but the drive to the main carpark is beautiful and then there’s a short walking loop you can do once you’re there.

If you’re keen on this great day trip, I’ve got lots of tips for the best things to do in the Tweed.

Gold Coast

Finally, perhaps you are visiting Byron Bay on a road trip between Sydney and Brisbane. If so, you’ll likely stop at the Gold Coast anyway.

But if not, the Gold Coast is very easy to do as a day trip from Byron Bay.

While it might seem like the opposite of Byron’s laid-back vibe, the Gold Coast has its charms. The beaches at Burleigh Heads and Currumbin are beautiful and have a more local feel than Surfers Paradise.

HOTA is an impressive art gallery space, and the theme parks are always popular with kids. There are also plenty of activities in the Gold Coast Hinterland in places like Binna Burra.

I’ve got lots of tips for the best things to do on the Gold Coast, and I reckon you’ll find something of interest. If you’re staying in Byron for a while, it’s worth considering.