Australia, break free to Byron Bay any time of year!
Great escapes don’t have to involve plane tickets. Sometimes it’s just a decent road trip away.
Byron Bay is the place to relax or the place to get a little adventurous, it’s totally up to you. For a guide on where to stay and what to eat, check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.
So what are the best things to do in Byron Bay? Find out below!
Photographed by Jiri Foltyn. Image via Shutterstock
Tour Cape Byron Lighthouse
One does not go to Byron Bay without visiting Cape Byron and its many wonderful spots. Top spot goes to the pinnacle, Cape Byron Lighthouse, which is wonderful to photograph. But while you’re here, trek around the cape and be sure to make your way to the easternmost part of Australia. There’s also Fisherman’s Lookout and The Pass in the north end, and Cosy Corner Beach in the south.
Photographed by Tropical Studio. Image via Shutterstock
Snorkelling at Julian Rocks
When you’re on the coast of any town, there’s bound to be snorkelling sites. The most popular in Byron Bay is three kilometres off the coast on the Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve. You can head out with the Byron Bay Bay Dive Centre (linked below) and see the vibrant ecosystem that resides below the surface. The tour includes full gear hire, a snorkel lesson, optional camera hire and a boat ride out to the rocks.
Photographed by Macadamia Castle. Image Supplied
Visit Macadamia Castle
Welcome to the quirkiest zoo in northern New South Wales. Macadamia Castle is the perfect spot to learn about all things Australian wildlife – from kangaroos to koalas. It’s also a great pitstop for weary drivers, featuring a classic cafe that serves more than just the essential coffees. After you’ve browsed through the animal farm, be sure to try your skill at mini-golf.
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Tour Stone & Wood Brewery
The town of Byron Bay is home to one of Australia’s popular craft beer brewers, Stone & Wood. With a brewery open for tours, here you can stock up your mind with brewery knowledge while tasting your way through their mighty selection – sometimes at various stages of the brewing process. Then, once you’ve had your intellectual fill, hone in your tastebuds with a beer flight.
Photographed by Darren Tierney. Image via Shutterstock
Beach Spotting
Byron Bay is home to a quaint selection of sandy oases, including some that are off the beaten track. Start your bespoke tour at Byron Beach then head your way around the cape seeing beauties like Clarkes Beach, Wategos Beach (pictured) and Little Wategos Beach before weaving around to Tallow Beach. While you’re here, check out Cosy Corner. But be careful trekking over those rocks!
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Wander the Markets
The most effective way to understand the feel of any small town or city is to visit the markets. For Byron Bay, you may not want to restrict yourself to the town limits as there are plenty of markets that pop up in the surrounding hills and towns. You can get a full list via the link below. For an afternoon to evening filled with local delights, we highly recommend the Twilight Markets at Byron Bay.
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Experience the Nightlife
As we’ve noted, Byron Bay is not just for relaxing. Sometimes you need to let off some steam with a good dose of dancing and a hearty chinwag. Byron Bay shares a vibrant nightlife, whether you’re on the search for casual chill-out spots or beating nightclubs. Popular local hotspots are Woody’s Surf Shack, Railway Friendly Bar, Cheeky Monkeys and The Bolt Hole. It’s your night, make the most of it!
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Tour Cape Byron Distillery
It’s not just beer that makes Byron Bay so delicious; they even dabble in gin and liqueurs. They not only ferment most of the botanicals, they grow them too. The tour of Cape Byron Distillery takes you through their distillation rooms as well as their rainforest out the back. Then, following a decent afternoon of trekking, take a seat and tipple your way through their popular gins and liqueurs.
Image supplied by Byron Bay Train
Take The Byron Bay Train
You cannot visit Byron Bay without hopping aboard their solar-powered train. This is a shuttle service that connects the main hub of Byron Bay with the locally-adorned cultural district that’s situated three kilometres north. The ride itself is a dazzle on the eyes, featuring sprawling beach views and a short bridge over Belongil Creek. We recommend bringing a bike with you (bike hire shops in the main hub) and riding around the cultural district.
Photographed by Poly Liss. Image via Shutterstock
Horse Riding On The Beach
For the most quintessential activity in Byron Bay, look no further than riding a horse on the beach. Zephyr Horses is your go-to, offering small personalized horse tours on the beach and even in the subtropical woodlands nearby. In addition to cruising along the beach, Zephyr Horses do horseback pub crawls, mounted archery lessons and trick riding clinics. Your followers on Instagram will be absolutely startled!
Looking for things to eat around Byron Bay? Check out our guide to the 10 Best Eats in Byron Bay.
