Looking for the best things to do in Byron Bay? You’ve landed in the perfect place!
I have been returning to this East Coast paradise for 11 years, and I just recently moved here, so you can guarantee that this Byron Bay travel guide will ensure you don’t miss any of the key spots and experiences in Byron. I’ve got you.
Whether it’s the world-class longboard waves at Wategos, the live music schedule at the Beachy, the infamous lighthouse walk, sunrise surf sessions, Spells flagship store or Combi’s acai bowls that’s drawing you into Byron Bay, you’re in for a treat.
Though Byron Bay has been developed significantly over the years, there’s still an undeniable magic in the air and an energy on the streets that has freedom ringing through your bones.
Byron Bay is where barefoot luxury meets eco-conscious living.
In my opinion, there aren’t many places in the world that have the level of adventure, creativity, free spirit and natural beauty that Byron Bay has to offer. I do not doubt that the moment you arrive, you’ll understand why this is one of the most loved towns in Australia, if not the world.
Where is Byron Bay, you ask?
Byron Bay is located on the east coast of Australia, in the state of New South Wales. It’s an 8-9 hour drive north of Sydney (an epic road trip option for you to consider!) and about two hours south of Brisbane.
The best way to get there? The places to stay? The best time to visit?
Getting to Byron Bay: If you’re down for a road trip, fly into Sydney or Brisbane and pick up a campervan. The east coast lends itself perfectly to van life.
If your time is limited or you just want to get to Byron Bay, the easiest way is by flying domestically into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (about 30 minutes away) or Gold Coast Airport (about 45 minutes away). From there, I’d highly recommend hiring a car so you’ve got the freedom to explore the full Byron experience, beach and hinterland.
Public transport does exist here but it’s infrequent, slow and I think you will get frustrated at the lack of efficiency it provides!
Where to stay in Byron Bay? If you want to be right in the heart of the action, stay in central Byron Bay. Jonson Street is the main street and if you book something near here it will put you in walking distance of cafes, beaches and bars.
If you’re looking to stay out of the centre and maybe save some pennies, try Suffolk Park or the Industrial. Gorgeous hotels are abundant, so are Airbnb’s and hostels in Byron Bay, so you won’t be short of choice. Remember, though, if you’re coming in peak season between December and February, you’ll want to book in advance to get your preferred choice.
The best time to visit Byron Bay? Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are considered the most ideal times to visit Byron Bay. The weather is gorgeous, the water’s still warm, and you’ll avoid the chaos and crowds present in summer. And the traffic.
But honestly, Byron is beautiful all year round, and there’s magic in every season!
Let’s tuck into the best things to do in Byron Bay, shall we?
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
1. Watch the sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse
No trip to Byron Bay is complete without doing the Lighthouse Walk, so get this one on your list! Because it’s located on the most easterly point of mainland Australia, the lighthouse walk is, without a doubt, the best place to watch the sunrise.
You can start the walk from the main beach, from The Pass or Wategos, depending on how far you’d like to walk. From The Pass it’s about 35-40 minutes and i’d highly recommend comfy walking shoes as the last part of the walk has a steep incline.
The path winds its way along the coast, through Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area (where you can sometimes spot Koalas!) and with views across some of Byron’s most loved beaches, so it’s a great way to see Byron whilst getting your daily steps in!
Keep your eyes peeled across the ocean as you walk, as turtles, dolphins and humpback whales (June to November is prime whale-watching season) are no strangers to these waters, especially visible on a clear day. This walk is easily one of the best things to do in Byron Bay, especially for early risers and photography lovers.
2. Spend the afternoon at The Pass
The Pass is one of Byron’s most loved and famous surf beaches. The Pass is where both beginner longboarders and local legends share waves. A great spot to get a surf lesson or jump in with a board rental. It’s also just a beautiful beach to kick back and relax on.
There’s a cute little juice shack tucked behind the beach carpark (The Pass Café), or bring a picnic down and stay for the sunset hues. Having a beach day at The Pass is also one of the best things to do in Byron Bay if you’re chasing relaxed beach vibes and good surf.
3. Have a slow brunch at Folk
This cafe, located just outside of central Byron Bay in the industrial (also worth spending a day wandering around), has forever been one of my favourites. It’s a popular spot with the locals, with plenty of outdoor seating and just AMAZING food.
I love and highly recommend the avo on toast here, the turkish eggs (pictured below right) and the ceremonial cacao which is made with house coconut milk (pictured below left).
So if you have a morning or afternoon and you’re looking for the best brunch spot in Byron Bay – give Folk a try!
4. Explore the Byron Bay hinterland for a day
Yes, the beaches are stunning in Byron Bay, and there’s more than enough to keep you occupied for your whole trip by the coast, but there’s another side of Byron that is sent from heaven called Byron Hinterland and is just a short drive inland. Think lush rainforests, waterfalls, nature-infused cafés, weekend markets and farm-to-table restaurants.
Some villages to check out:
- Bangalow (Woods cafe before a day at Whian Whian falls)
- Newrybar
- Federal (Doma cafe for lunch after Minyon Falls)
- Mullumbimby (Friday morning farmers market at the showground)
If you’re looking for something different, have a car or can hire one, heading inland from Byron Bay is one of the best things to do during your time in Byron Bay.
5. Go surfing at Wategos Beach
Wategos Beach is probably the most photographed beach in Byron Bay, with its idyllic white sand and turquoise waters. It’s not uncommon to witness dolphins riding the waves alongside the surfers here, and the long boarding waves are world-famous.
Watego’s is a pretty exclusive spot with some of Byron’s most prime real estate perched on the hill. It’s a pretty small nook for the number of visitors it attracts, and so parking can be an absolute nightmare. Particularly in the summer and when the waves are good, you’ll want to leave time to do some loops and to secure a spot. If you’re not carrying much, the coastal track from Main Beach to Wategos is a shorter take on the Lighthouse Walk and it’s pretty much flat the whole way so you can park a little further out and then walk down.
There are public toilets on the beach here and a free outdoor shower for post surf rinses. I’d also highly recommend making the most of the free public BBQ’s here on Wategos! Grab some food and cook up a feast in between surf sessions.
If you’re looking for a more fancy dining experience or sunset cocktail, Raes on Wategos is a boutique hotel and restaurant set just a few metres behind the beach. It’s one of the best things to do in Byron Bay if you’re on holiday and in the mood to spoil yourself.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
6. Catch some live music at The Beach Hotel (aka The Beachy)
The Beach Hotel in Byron Bay is the town’s most iconic pub and a solid spot for sunset drinks, live music, and people-watching. It’s right across from Main Beach (the big pub on the corner with lots of outdoor seating), so you can wander over straight from the beach and quench your thirst.
There are so many incredible musicians in Byron Bay, so whilst you’re in town, check what’s on at the beach hotel (locals call it the beachy) and see if you can catch a live show!
This is where many international artists passing through will play, I’ve seen Garret Kato, Hollow Coves, Crooked Colours and more play here! For music lovers, this is absolutely one of the best things to do in Byron Bay.
7. Book a yoga class
Byron’s wellness scene is the real deal and is one of the reasons people come but never leave.
You can take yoga classes any hour of the week in everything from luxe studios to open-air decks in the rainforest. The teachers in Byron Bay are some of the best in the world, and you can’t go wrong! Some of my favourite studios include Haum Yoga (formerly Creature) and Peaches Pilates.
Post-savasana, head to one of Byron’s many gorgeous cafes for a smoothie or elixir of your choice. Here are a few of my fav: The Byron General Store, Bayleaf Café, and Top Shop.
For wellness enthusiasts, this combo of yoga + brunch is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay.
8. Go kayaking with dolphins
Head out on a guided sea kayaking tour from Main Beach and paddle your way along Byron’s coastline, spotting dolphins, sea turtles and marine life.
This trip is around $80 for a 3-hour experience and is a unique and unforgettable way to experience Byron. Plus, you’re guaranteed to get up close with a few curious marine locals!!!
There are a few companies that offer the trip, like Go Sea Kayak and Cape Byron Kayaks. They provide everything you need and so you’ll just need to turn up with your camera! For wildlife lovers, this is easily one of the best things to do in Byron Bay.
9. Go skydiving over Byron Bay
Just north of Byron Bay, Skydive Australia runs tandem jumps that you can book onto and you don’t need any prior experience to say yes to this activity.
This is SO much fun and such a unique and exhilarating experience to add to your Byron Bay adventure. Look at the views in my picture below, you can see the lighthouse and the whole of Byron Bay! If you’re lucky you’ll spot some marine life from the air too!
Skydive Australia offer packages that include photos and videos, so if you’re looking for some images like mine (below) you can opt in for the memories! All I’ll say is don’t have a huge brekkie just before you jump haha! This is one of the most adventurous and best things to do in Byron Bay—especially if you love a rush.
10. Explore the markets and boutiques
Byron Bay has become a boutique fashion haven with some of the dreamiest clothes and designs I’ve ever laid my eyes on. You’ve got Spell’s dreamy flagship store, Arnhem, Rowie, and so many more. You’ll find beautiful handmade jewellery, natural skincare, and sustainable fashion galore.
Then you’ve got the markets, and there are a few here in Byron, check out your options below:
11. Watch the buskers at Main Beach and Jonson Street
Byron’s creative energy is one of my favourite things about this town. Talented buskers are pretty much always set up along Jonson Street (the main street) and in front of Main Beach, entertaining the crowds and playing everything from acoustic folk to didgeridoo beats.
When the sun begins to set, grab a ice cream at Frankies Gelato (trust me) and sit on the grass in front of the Beach Hotel. Sunset here with live music in the background is a proper Byron moment. If you’re in town for the vibe, this is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay hands down. Once the sun has set, take a walk through the main streets of Byron to continue your musical tour… perhaps ending up at the Piano Bar at the Northern!
12. Dance the night away at The Northern or The Rails
Byron Bay nails the chilled-out beach bum lifestyle, but you know what? It nails the nightlife too. If you’re looking for a dance and some quality music, check out:
- The Northern – a pub-meets-music-venue where big-name and up-and-coming artists often play.
- The Rails (Railway Friendly Bar) – live music every night and a friendly, easygoing crowd in an outdoor setting.
- Casa Luna – Mediterranean restaurant that’s just been refurbed (March 2025) which then turns into an epic dancefloor with some of the best local DJs playing.
- Paradiso Music Room – a new venue with some big nights and acts!
- The Beach Hotel – mentioned earlier in this post and just an absolute classic.
Between those, you are covered for your best places to go in Byron Bay for a night out.
13. Grab brunch or an açaí bowl at Top Shop
Top Shop is a Byron institution and alongside Folk is my favourite place to take a friend for brunch in town.
This relaxed corner café (set in a converted old milk bar) is perched up the hill around a 20 minute walk inland from The Pass and has the chillest weekend hangout vibes.
Grab yourself a spot on the grass or inside post surf or hike and choose something from their mouth-watering menu.
Their brekkie burger is famous, and my personal recommendation is the açaí bowl with a big dollop of Macadamia nut butter on the side (see photo below).
Grabbing brunch here is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay on a slow morning.
14. Book a dinner at Bang Bang
Looking for a vibey dinner spot or date night-worthy restaurant? Bang Bang is where it’s at. This pan-Asian restaurant is all candlelight, cocktails, sexy tunes and flavour-packed dishes designed for sharing.
They do a great-tasting menu that lets you sample their most popular dishes, think sticky pork belly, crispy cauliflower, and next-level massaman curry!
It books out regularly, so reserve a table online in advance if you can—and don’t skip the margaritas. A must-visit for foodies chasing the best things to do in Byron Bay after dark.
15. Go for cocktails and oysters at the Balcony
For a pre-dinner cocktail or afternoon treat, head up to the Balcony Bar. It’s right above Jonson Street, on the corner just down from the beach hotel and overlooks the buzzing heart of Byron. If you can secure yourself an outdoor seat on the balcony, it’s a prime people-watching spot with some seriously good seafood to go alongside it.
Order a dozen oysters and pair them with a crisp white wine or a cocktail. One of the best things to do in Byron Bay if you’re craving ocean-fresh flavour and good vibes.
16. Grab a coffee and croissant post-surf at Masa
The most perfect Sunday morning treat. Located in the Industrial, this Artisan Craft Bakehouse serves up some epically designed pastries and is known for it’s mouth-watering menu of croissants, scrolls and doughnuts. Get yourself down there and thank me later!
17. Visit Killen Falls and Lake Ainsworth.
Another option for those with a car or with the means to hire one is Killen Falls and Lake Ainsworth (tea tree lake!). Both are located a shore drive from Byron and present the opportunity to get out of the bubble and see a little more of the hinterland!
See my road trip blog post here.
18. Book a stay in the Hinterland
If you’re looking to switch off in nature and find some relief from the crowds and the noise, there are SO many insanely beautiful properties and retreats just inland from Byron Bay.
We booked the one pictured below on Airbnb, but there were so many to choose from. You’re spoilt for choice in this corner of the world.
If you’re looking for more of a curated experience, you have the like of Soma, Blue Green and Gaia – heavenly properties that offer wellness stays, yoga retreats and experiences.
See what I did during my DIY retreat in this blog post.
That’s all of my best things to do in Byron bay!
I’ll keep adding to this as I discover, remember and experience more of this magical land so keep an eye out and if you’re looking for ALL my tips, tricks, finds and recommendations – you can access hundreds of my Google Pins in the Australia Google Map legend here.
Have you been to Byron Bay?
What were your favourite things to do in Byron Bay? I’d love to know!
Love as always + happy adventuring,
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
