The Best Things to Do in Byron Bay, Australia

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Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by sydabroad

Looking for the best things to do in Byron Bay, Australia? Then keep reading! 

Byron Bay, located just about 8 hours north of Sydney, is one of the best places to visit in Australia known for its pristine beaches, surfing, and vibrant community. 

In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know before visiting Byron Bay. We’ll talk about the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and more. Make sure to save this post for your trip because I’ve included a map with all the locations mentioned in this guide. 

I visited this town during my East Coast Australia trip and this was one of my favorite places. I love the laid-back atmosphere and surf culture, and the food is amazing! After visiting Sydney, our group took an overnight bus to Byron Bay – it was quite the experience! Alright, let’s get into the guide so we can talk about why Byron Bay is a must on your East Coast Australia itinerary! 

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Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Byron Bay, Australia.

The Best Things to Do in Byron Bay 

Learn to Surf 

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, Byron Bay is the place! What better place on earth to take surf lessons than in Australia? There are all sorts of different tours you can book. They will provide all that you need to surf and teach you before heading out on the water. 

I will say, it was a blast but definitely challenging. Surfing takes a while to get the hang of, but it’s worth trying while you are in Byron Bay. 

Book a surf lesson in Byron Bay here!

Explore the Local markets 

There are so many wonderful markets here! The Byron Bay Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 7 AM to 11 AM. 

And you’ll have to check out the Byron Bay Community Market that started back in 1987! This market is one of the biggest in the area and it’s held on the first Sunday of every month. Here you can find hand-crafted jewelry, furniture, pottery, fresh produce, takeaway food, skincare, and more. They really have it all! 

Spend Time at The Beaches

You can’t miss out on Byron Bay’s pristine beaches. Go for a swim or sunbathe at one of the many beaches in Byron. Although Byron Bay is a wonderful place for surfing, you’ll also find beaches with calm conditions perfect for swimming and relaxing. 

Here are the best beaches in Byron Bay: 

• Main Beach: The most accessible beach in Byron right in the town center.  
• Wategos Beach: This beach is known for its excellent surf breaks – a fav for surfers and beach lovers.  
• Little Wategos: This secluded beach is accessible via a walking track from Wategos Beach. 
• Clarks Beach: Clarks Beach is much more relaxed than Main Beach and it is known for its gentle waves, perfect for swimming.  
• Belongil Beach: Belongil is known for its laid-back vibe and dog-friendly atmosphere. Also a great spot for watching the sunset!  

Morning Yoga

There is no better way to start your day than with yoga! I stayed at Wake Up! Hostel and they offered free yoga classes every morning in their cute little yoga tent. A dream. 

If you are not staying at Wake Up!, there are plenty of yoga class options in Byron Bay such as Bamboo Yoga School, Peaches Pilates, Heat Byron Bay, and Byron Yoga Centre. 

Watch the Sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse

Watching the sunrise from Cape Byron Lighthouse is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay! The lighthouse is situated on the most easterly point of mainland Australia and it’s also an amazing whale-watching spot during whale season. 

You’ll have to get up bright and early, but it’s well worth it. We got up around 4 AM to go see the sunrise and this was my favorite morning. The sun rising over the Pacific Ocean is truly mesmerizing.  

Stand-up Paddle Boarding 

There are all sorts of water activities to do here! If you haven’t tried it before, I highly recommend stand-up paddle boarding. It’s so much fun and there are plenty of places to rent paddle boards along the beach. You can also book a guided paddle board tour.  

Check out Byron Stand Up Paddle and Let’s GO SUP Byron Bay. I’ve also linked a couple of options here so that you can book online ahead of time. 

Dolphin Kayaking 

Another fun water activity is kayaking and watching dolphins! I will say, this was not the leisurely kayaking experience you expect. We were suited up with helmets and all and took the kayaks out from the beach through the waves.

It was quite the experience and quite the arm workout. It was a blast but I was exhausted at the end. Unfortunately, we did not see dolphins but if you don’t see any dolphins you can come back for free another day. 

Book a dolphin kayaking tour here!

Coffee in Town

The cafes and coffee shops in the town center are the best! They have delicious coffee and the best ambiance. Check out Combi, Bayleaf Cafe, Folk Byron Bay, The Top Shop, and Otherside Byron Bay. 

Whale Watching in Byron Bay

If you are here during whale-watching season, which starts in mid-June and ends in late October, you have to do a whale-watching cruise! Thousands of humpback whales migrate along the Australian east coast, passing Byron Bay on the long journey. 

There are all sorts of ways to experience whale watching in Byron Bay. You can watch them from Cape Byron Lighthouse, and book boat tours, and even kayaking excursions. Make sure to book your whale-watching experience in advance, they do fill up quickly.

Check out this whale watching cruise!

Visit The Farm Byron Bay 

The Farm Byron Bay is a working farm, sustainable market garden and plant nursery, and an onsite restaurant and bakery. They offer guided farm tours, farming workshops, and activities for kids. 

Three Blue Ducks is the onsite restaurant, The Bread Social is the bakery, and you can even get gelato at Baylato! 

Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens

The Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens is a charming place to visit near Byron Bay. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and see some of the biggest crystals in the world. Visitors can take part in healing walks and meditations. 

You’ll also get to explore lush gardens, sacred statues, and enchanting pools. This is a unique opportunity to connect with nature and find inspiration in a serene setting.

Go On a Hike

There are all sorts of hiking and walking trails in the area each showcasing the region’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Here are a few you should check out when you visit: 

• Cape Byron Walking Track 
• Minyon Falls Loop 
• Lennox Head Boardwalk 
• Nightcap National Park 
• Three Sisters Walking Track
• Mount Warning Summit Trail (the most challenging) 

Shopping in Town 

There are so many cute boutique stores and local markets in the town center of Byron Bay. You can find everything from clothing and jewelry to books and furniture. 

With a vibrant wellness and art scene, you’ll find an abundance of health stores and holistic wellness shops along with art galleries and studios. 

One of my favorite places to visit was Trinkets Beach Shop, you can make your own jewelry here! The jewelry here was also very affordable, I picked up a bracelet and a necklace! 

A Night Out at The Duelling Pianos Bar 

A weekend in Byron Bay is not complete without a night out at the iconic piano bar in town. It’s called the Great Northern Hotel – no it’s not a hotel, just a bar. Visiting the Duelling Pianos bar is a must. 

BBQ at The Beach 

There is truly nothing better than having a chill Aussie BBQ at the beach. If you don’t want to cook your own burger, pick up takeaway food in town and bring it to Main Beach for a picnic. 

This is the best spot to watch the sunset and people watch. You can also bring a football or volleyball and enjoy the beach! 

Breakfast at Top Shop 

I had to include breakfast at Top Shop as one of the best things to do in Byron Bay because their food and the ambiance are amazing! I love their cozy little cafe and the smoothie bowls are fantastic. This is a favorite among locals and tourists. Add it to the itinerary! 

The Best Byron Bay Tours

Below you’ll find links to the best tours in Byron Bay. You can easily book these tours online so you don’t have to worry about planning once you arrive.  

Byron Bay Map 

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Byron Bay 

Where to Stay in Byron Bay? 

Wake Up! | If you are looking for wonderful budget accommodation, I highly recommend Wake Up! It’s clean, there is a pool, a kitchen, free morning yoga, and they have a pool bar with amazing cocktails and pizza. Check rates here!

Atlantic Byron Bay | If you are looking for something aside from a hostel, the Atlantic is a nice hotel in a great location. It has a pool and beautiful spacious rooms. Check rates here!

Crystalbrook Byron | If you are looking for luxury, check out Crystalbrook Byron, a luxury resort. The property is stunning and equipped with a pool, restaurant, and more. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway, this is the place. Check rates here!

How to Get to Byron Bay?

You can get here via car, bus, or airplane. Byron Bay is about 2 hours from Brisbane and 8 hours from Sydney (which will take longer on a bus). If you rent a car you can easily road trip the east coast. 

On the other hand, a great way to travel around Australia is via the Greyhound Australia buses. This is how I traveled throughout the East Coast. And finally, you have the option of flying. Although more expensive, this is the quickest option. You can fly into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. 

How Many Days in Byron Bay is Enough? 

I’d say 3 to 5 days is enough time to see all the highlights of Byron Bay. If you are a beach lover, you could easily spend weeks relaxing and surfing on all of the pristine beaches.

What is Byron Bay Most Known For? 

This town is known for its amazing beaches, laid-back culture, and incredible food. You can’t miss it if you are visiting Australia. 

Where to Eat in Byron Bay?

There are SO many amazing restaurants in Byron. I loved Treehouse for coffee and fish tacos, Tokyo Station for sushi, and The Top Shop for smoothie bowls. If you’re looking for a delicious Aussie pie, check out Hot Bread Kitchen.

Is it Worth Visiting Byron Bay? 

Yes! Byron Bay is one of the best places to visit in Australia. Its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and endless outdoor activities make Byron well worth a visit. 

Is Byron Bay an Expensive Area? 

To live here, yes. Some of the wealthiest people in the world live here. But if you are traveling here, although it can be pricey, it’s very possible to do it on a budget. 

There are so many backpackers traveling through Byron Bay so there are plenty of budget accommodations and affordable things to do.

What is The Best Time of Year to Go to Byron Bay? 

The best time to visit is during the Spring, September through November. However, I visited in January during summer and I had a wonderful time! It was veryyy hot in the summer though. 

Which is the Closest Airport to Byron Bay? 

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) is 30 minutes away, the closest airport to Byron Bay. The Gold Coast Airport is also pretty close, this airport is 50 minutes away.

I hope you enjoyed this guide packed with all of the best things to do in Byron Bay! If you have any questions about planning your trip to Australia, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram.

Recommended Tours in Byron Bay

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