15 Things To Do In Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a scenic and beautiful destination with exciting attractions. There are so many things to do in Byron Bay and a lot to love about this quirky coastal town. From the lush Byron hinterland to pristine beaches and pumping surf, it’s the holiday destination that has visitors falling head over heels from the moment they arrive. Combined with trendy cafes, friendly laidback locals and lively nightlife, Byron Bay ticks all the boxes for the perfect beach escape.

Catering to adventurers, romantics, families and wellness enthusiasts, it’s no surprise why this destination is so popular with tourists from across the world. So, whether you prefer to unwind in paradise, or embark on a tropical adventure, Byron Bay is the ideal destination with attractions and experiences to suit all kinds of travellers. Here are the top things to do in Byron Bay.

Byron Bay

Getting To Byron Bay

Located on the New South Wales coast, Byron Bay is a spectacular holiday destination with so many things to do.

As the most easterly point of Australia, getting to Byron Bay is simple thanks to a range of transport options. 

Byron Bay by Plane

The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is located just 30 minutes from Bryon Bay and offers daily flights from major cities across Australia.

Alternatively, the Gold Coast International Airport is 45 minutes from Byron and services flights from across the world.

Shuttle buses are available to transport visitors from the airport into Byron Bay.

Byron Bay by Car

Getting to Byron Bay by car is very straightforward. Stay on the M1 motorway until you reach the Byron Bay exit onto Ewingsdale Road.

• Brisbane is 166km (103miles) or a two-hour drive
• Sydney is 765km (473 miles) or an eight and a half-hour drive
• Port Macquarie is 400km (248 miles) or a four-hour drive
• Yamba is 125km (78 miles) or one hour and forty-five-minute drive
• Gold Coast is 65km (40 miles) or a 50-minute drive
• Murwillumbah is 53km (32 miles) or a one-hour drive
• Ballina is 35km (22 miles) or a 30-minute drive

15 Things To Do In Byron Bay

1- Visit The Lighthouse

As the most easterly point of Australia, the Byron Bay lighthouse is one of the region’s most visited attractions and one of the most recognisable landmarks in Australia.

Sitting on a steep rocky cliff, the iconic lighthouse is the first place in Australia to see the sunrise.

Hiking to the top of the hill offers some incredible views of the local beaches, headlands and rainforests that surround Byron Bay.

Plus, it’s also one of the best vantage points for whale watching!

Not only does the lighthouse offer some of the region’s incredible scenery, but it also provides a historical insight into the Byron Bay region.

Take a guided tour of the lighthouse to discover the fascinating history of Byron Bay.

For other destinations on the NSW coast read:

For more things to do in NSW, read:

2- Take A Leisurely Stroll 

Home to beautiful coastal walks and scenic hiking trails, Byron Bay is a great place to take a stroll.

The Cape Byron Walking Track is a fantastic option that takes you through lush rainforests, grasslands and golden beaches leading to the Byron Bay lighthouse.

The Cape Byron walking track is 3.7km in length and takes approximately two hours.

On your journey, be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife including kangaroos, turtles, dolphins and whales.

After your walk, head into town to reward yourself with a delicious meal at one of Byron’s many fantastic cafes.

3- Visit The Local Markets

On the first Sunday each month, at the Butler Street Reserve, the local Byron Bay community markets are an excellent place to hang out while you’re in town.

Showcasing the very best local artisans, musicians, products and services, the Byron Bay Community Markets are where you can find local culture at it’s very best.

Boasting a variety of vendors, you can find everything from delicious food and beverages, to vintage handmade clothing and artwork as well as handmade jewellery and homewares.

You’ll also get to experience some fantastic live music and entertainment.

Shop ’til you drop, enjoy a delicious lunch with friends and kick back and relax to some live music before heading to the nearby beach for an afternoon swim.

4- Visit the Stone & Wood Brewery

If you’re into sampling some delicious craft beer, the Stone & Wood brewery is sure to impress.

Located just outside town centre in Byron Bay’s Arts and Industrial Estate, the Stone & Wood Brewery is equipped with 31 brewing tanks that offer a selection of local favourites including lager, pale ale and craft beer.

Together with delicious canteen slinging share plates and bar snacks, the Stone & Wood brewery offers the perfect day out with friends and family.  

Stone & Wood offer brewery tours three times a day, where you can learn about the history of Stone & Wood, see how the beer is made and sample tasty brews.

5- Experience The Lively Nightlife

With a thriving bar scene and relaxing coastal vibe, Byron Bay is renowned for its fantastic nightlife.

When the sun goes down, Byron Bay comes out to play.

From casual speakeasies to beachfront bistros, Byron Bay nightlife has something for everyone.

A great way to get into the groove is to go on a Byron Bay pub crawl?

Spend your night checking out some of the best rooftop bars and enjoy delicious cocktails with ocean views to match.

As the night progresses, put on your dancing shoes and make your way to the Beach Hotel to catch some fantastic live music and boogie with the locals.

6- Go Surfing

With its fantastic beaches and pumping waves, it’s no surprise why people flock to Byron Bay for the iconic surf.

From sunrise ’til sunset, Bryon Bay beaches are packed with surfers from all over the world.

Surfing is one of the active things to do in Byron Bay, and whether you’re a surfing beginner or seasoned pro, Byron offers a range of waves for all skill levels.

Experienced surfers will love the big swells and consistent sets at Tallows Beach, while beginners will enjoy the gentle waves at Clarkes Beach.

If you forgot to pack your board and wetsuit, there are plenty of places in town to hire all the equipment you need.

Another lovely beach not for from Byron is Cabarita Beach in the Murwillumbah region.

7- Shop At The Local Boutiques

Whether you’re searching for the perfect bikini or some unique vintage homewares, Byron Bay is a top spot to indulge in retail therapy.

The main street is bursting with retailers and local boutiques that stock chic beachwear, handmade clothes and an array of bohemian furniture items.

Many of the things you will find in Byron Bay are locally made and designed, so you can be sure you’re supporting the local community.

8- Take A Day Trip To Bangalow

Located just 20 minutes out of Byron Bay, the historic town of Bangalow is a great place to visit.

Enjoying a slower-paced style of living, Bangalow is the only intact Federation village on Australia’s east coast.

This quirky town attracts visitors for its rustic architecture and unique style.

The main street is full of historical buildings, fantastic restaurants, antique stores and local boutiques free from the over-development found elsewhere.

If your visit to Bangalow coincides with the local markets, you’re in for a real treat.

Occurring on the fourth Sunday of every month, the Bangalow Markets allow you to sample some incredible local produce and handmade goods as well as experience some live entertainment as you browse through the stalls.

9- Visit The Farm

Located on a beautiful property just outside of Byron Bay, The Farm is a fantastic holiday attraction for the whole family.

With a holistic approach to community and the natural environment, The Farm lives by the motto ‘Grow, Feed, Educate.’

Visitors can take part in an ethical farming workshop where they can meet the local farmers, learn more about the farming process and gain first-hand knowledge about sustainability practices.

The kids will love interacting with the animals and mum and dad will enjoy touring the farm.

Food often tastes better when you know where it comes from, so be sure to enjoy a meal at the delicious Three Blue Ducks restaurant and sample the heavenly homegrown produce.

10- Skydive Onto The Beach

If jumping out of a plane from 4600 m (15,000 ft) is a dream come true for you, Byron Bay is the perfect place to do so.

Skydiving is an adrenaline-pumping activity to do in Byron Bay, and you can even land directly onto the gorgeous beach.

It’s the experience of a lifetime as you take to the skies and free-fall at over 200 km/hr for 60 seconds.

Glide over the pristine coastline and lush hinterland taking in the views from Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and beyond.

Once you land, you can relive the experience over and over again with your very own skydiving video.   

11- Listen To Live Music At The Beach Hotel 

From busking street performers to international DJ’s, there’s always live music happening around Byron Bay.

Some of the world’s best performers have originated from Byron Bay.

Watching live music is a great thing to do in Byron Bay, and there are plenty of venues to choose from.

Some local favourites include The Beach Hotel, The Northern and the Railway Friendly Bar.

Whether you’re into soulful reggae or heavy rock, there’s sure to be a live music show for you.

12- Try Purna Yoga At Sunrise

Byron Bay has grown into a yoga destination over the last 30 years, as yoga has become a central characteristic of Byron Bay’s wellness culture.

Yoga is so well-entrenched in Byron Bay, which is also the birthplace of a new type of yoga, known as purna.

Start the morning with a sunrise yoga session on the beautiful Byron Bay Beach.

Prepare to relax, unwind and practise mindful movement while you watch the sunrise over the ocean before anyone else in the world.

With a good range of yoga classes available including power yoga, Bikram yoga, vinyasa and hot yoga, there’s something to suit all skills and experience.

13- Snorkel or Scuba Dive

Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s most spectacular marine life on a snorkel or scuba diving excursion in Byron Bay.

The Cape Byron Marine Park is an incredible diving location home to breathtaking reefs, and there are many excursions to choose from including leisurely snorkelling tours, full-day diving excursions and PADI certified diving courses.

Byron Bay snorkel and scuba diving tours include all of your equipment, refreshments as well as helpful instructors that will be there to guide you every step of the way.

You will be amazed at the marine life you will encounter in Byron Bay.

From 400 species of colourful fishes and friendly sea turtles to majestic manta rays and wobbegong sharks, there’s so much natural beauty to be seen.

14- Get A Massage

For a relaxing experience, treat yourself to an indulgent Byron Bay massage.

The main town is full of beauty salons and massage therapists who will transform you into a world of relaxation and rejuvenation.

From relaxing body massages and hot stone therapy to deep tissue and reflexology, there’s a variety of treatments on offer.

A great thing to do if you want to relax, Byron Bay massage is the perfect holiday activity to switch off from everyday life and truly unwind.

15- Grab A Coffee

If there’s one thing that Byron Bay does well, it’s coffee, and with over 20 coffee shops in town, you’re bound to find the brew for you.

Begin your morning by checking out some of the local favourites below:

Combi Café on Fletcher Street is a fair-trade coffee shop that offers some great brews and homemade treats.

Together with a range of organic and alternative milk options, the Combi menu combines healthy food with delicious flavours.

Just a stone’s throw away from the main beach, Espressohead is a famous Byron coffee shop that has been serving coffee for over 15 years.

This local favourite serves up some incredible coffee and locally sourced brunch options.