Byron Bay sells itself without even having to try; in conjunction with the stunning views and the irresistible ocean, the people, food and lifestyle are things sought after by many, and it is not at all surprising! From luxury accomodation to world-class activities and attractions, Byron Bay is somewhere you can put your feet up or never stop running; it caters to all with sophistication and ease.
Stay
Cape Byron Retreat
Cape Byron Retreat. Image: Supplied, Cape Byron Retreat
The Cape Byron Retreat creates a balance between natural greenery and the beach, as it is located 3 minutes from Byron Bay in a secluded pocket of rainforest situated in 3 acres of natural beauty. The Cape Byron Retreat offers a different type of stay to a beachside hotel, as it creates a personalised getaway that is still minutes away from the beach and town. Relaxation, amazing views and luxurious accomodation; what’s not to love? The retreat in the hinterland of Byron offers views of Mt. Warning, rooms with spas and a pool. The rooms range from deluxe suites to villas, to a number of cottages for those who desire a longer stay. The retreat is an experience in itself, and is perfect for those who want both the natural views of a rainforest getaway and the ease of beach access minutes away.
310 Skinners Shoot Road Byron Bay NSW 2481 – Website
The Lord Byron
The Lord Byron. Image: Supplied, The Lord Byron
The Lord Byron sits in the heart of Byron, in the midst of the hustle and bustle and a short stroll from the beach. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture of Byron Bay, stay a stone’s throw away from the best cafes and restaurants of the town and enjoy the locals life with a touch of luxury, The Lord Byron is your place. The resort offers a pool, day and night tennis court, communal relaxation areas and poolside bungalows, along with comfortable and quality rooms. The Lord Byron is perfect for an immersion into the town of Byron Bay and offers a relaxing and simple stay in one of the prettiest locations in Australia.
120 Jonson St Byron Bay NSW 2481 – Website
Eat
The Beach
The Beach Cafe. Image: Supplied, The Beach Cafe
The Beach is a restaurant situated, you guessed it, on the beach – overlooking Julian Rocks, Clarkes Beach and the Pass, and serving a stunning menu. The restaurant’s menu reflects the surrounding landscape with a focus on local produce. The view is something out of a dream while the food is contemporary and refined, with a range of choice including steak, seafood and pasta. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Beach is a great choice for a picturesque view and a wonderful eating and drinking experience. If you’re on the run, there is also The Beach Kiosk, which offers takeaway eats and drinks.
2 Massinger St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 – Website
St. Elmo
St. Elmo Dining and Bar. Image: Supplied, St. Elmo Dining and Bar
On the corner of Fletcher St and Lawson Lane in Byron Bay sits a dining room and bar that serves Spanish tapas and has a cool, lively atmosphere. St. Elmo is a great example for how diverse Byron Bay is, and the range of different experiences one can hope to find if visiting. St. Elmo serves from a list of over 100 bottles of wine, all handpicked by the team to compliment their dishes. They boast a funky space to share with great company in the first-class food and drink service and quality. St. Elmo can be both cosy and fun, and is a welcoming place to drop in and enjoy yourself.
22 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481 – Website
Drink
The Pass Cafe
The Pass Cafe. Image: Supplied, The Pass Cafe
After a long day of surfing and swimming, The Pass Cafe is the place to recover and enjoy the view of the popular and beautiful beach. The Pass is well known as the place to surf and enjoy Byron’s water, and what is better than relaxing and enjoying from afar before or after a day spent in the sun? The Pass Cafe offers a range of food and drink from breakfast to lunch, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options and takeaway or eat-in. The Pass Cafe is a local gem, somewhere to retreat and enjoy to your heart’s content.
Brooke Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481 – Webiste
Balcony Bar and Oyster Co.
Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. Image: Supplied, Balcony Bar & Oyster Co
Balcony Bar and Oyster Co is a highly vibrant, aesthetically pleasing and a fun drink and oyster bar. Ideally located a couple of streets back from Main Beach, it has a casual and easy going vibe out on the balcony while inside the romantic beach house feel is effortless to have a few (or maybe more than a few) sips of a delicious cocktail and choose from the most selective oyster menu in Byron Bay. With renowned chef Sean Connolly and his mindset of simple but great food in the kitchen, there are more than enough reasons why Balcony Bar and Oyster Co is the perfect place for a drink, a meal or to just relax and enjoy the view of the wonderful town around you.
Corner of Lawson St & Jonson Street, Byron Bay N.S.W 2482 – Website
Must- Do’s
Walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse
Cape Byron Lighthouse Track. Image via: Shutterstock
One of the go-to activities in Byron Bay. There are a number of walking tracks around Cape Byron Lighthouse, and none of them disappoint. While the walk up is steep, the view and end result is definitely worth it. On your way up you can stand on the easternmost point of Australia, and drink in the view, and on the top you can visit the cafe and bask in your achievement of reaching the top. Thanks to the warm climate, you will most likely be craving a swim after your walk, or even halfway through, and there is the option for either. If walking is not your thing, there is also the option to drive up to see the lighthouse.
Cape Byron State Conservation Area, Byron Bay – Website
Snorkel at Julian Rocks
Julian Rocks, Byron Bay. Image via: Shutterstock
Julian Rocks Marine Reserve is one of the most special parts of Byron Bay, home to marine life that can be found in both the Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s Southern Ocean. There are not many places you can be guaranteed to swim with manta rays, sea turtles, a range of fish and (friendly) sharks. This experience is unforgettable, almost unimaginable and something that must be ticked off the bucket list. There are a number of tours available, from scuba diving, snorkelling, or boat tours that show off the fantastic Rocks and the sea life that surrounds them. So whether you decide to explore the depths or simply wade in the surf, we cannot recommend a dive in the beautiful waters of Byron Bay more highly.
