Looking for things to do in Byron Bay? Maybe something a little more than lazing by the beach? We hear you. Whilst chilling out might be the order of the day in Byron, that’s not to say there aren’t any number of ways to be able to enjoy doing exactly that. Even if you’re just looking for a couple of ideas to fill your Byron Bay itinerary out, we’ve got your covered. Read on for our list of things to do in Byron Bay and planning how you’ll be relaxing.
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Where is Byron Bay?
Located on the coast of northern New South Wales, you’re just a stone’s throw from the Queensland border. Byron Bay is home to great weather just about all year round. Don’t let the locals tell you about ‘winter’. If you’re from anywhere south of Sydney, the temperatures will be to your liking.
If you’ve chosen Byron Bay for a holiday getaway, here’s our list of the best things to do in Byron Bay.
Thinking of road tripping to Byron Bay? Check out our Sydney to Byron Bay road trip itinerary.
13 of the best things to do in Byron Bay
Stay somewhere luxe
Starting with your accommodation, there are some properties which themselves are something of a ‘thing to do’. There are a great range of premium properties and we’ve had the chance to sample two.
The Byron at Byron is perfect for those seeking a rainforest vibe. Set amongst its very own rainforest, you’ll wake the birds chirping before taking a wander through the boardwalks. It’s not all about the forest of course, there’s a sizeable pool which will afford you time to do not much at all. Rooms are very sizeable, breezy with cross flow ventilation and surrounded by treetops.
For those seeking a more beachside haven, Elements at Byron might take your fancy. Rooms are well appointed cabins with premium finishes. The adults only pool is a great place to laze away with a swim up bar. And for those with families, the common pool area has more than enough space to accommodate you. The private beach is also an excellent option. So however you like to relax, there will be an option here for you.
Visit the most easterly point of Australia – Cape Byron
Visiting Byron Bay in my youth, I remember being fascinated with visiting ‘the most easterly point of Australia’. It started a fascination with geographic destinations that were the southern most, northern most, last fuel stop before etc.
If you’re like me then, you’ll enjoy the easterly most point of Australia which sits at Cape Byron. You can choose to put in the hard yards and walk up to the cape. Alternatively, you can make the hasty route, drive and pay the parking fee to park near the lighthouse. It’s not just a random geographical landmark though. The area has spectacular views back to Byron, out over the ocean and the Julian Rocks. It’s the perfect place to idle away some time.
A short wander down the pathway will take you to the easterly most point. Make it an easy dawdle, or run it at pace like many others. The choice is yours!
Kick back on a brewery tour
No judgment from me as to whether you walked it or drove to Cape Byron. Either way, I reckon you’ve earned a beer. Byron Bay’s laid back lifestyle lends itself well to a brewery. Fans of Stone and Wood will find the brewery here where you can sample of great amber drops and accompany it with a meal.
I’m yet to discover a brewery that hasn’t lived up to expectations, so if it’s a lazy lunch with some cold beer you’re after, it’s hard to look past Stone and Wood.
Interested in a beer and distillery tour? Check out this one on Get Your Guide.
Scoff down on some Byron Bay cookies
We’ll start with an open hint – this is right behind the Stone and Wood brewery. I first fell in love with Byron Bay cookies when they were served up as a snack on domestic flights. These delicious little morsels are packed with flavour, fruit and sweet goodness. And there are a range of flavours to choose from.
There’s a limited range available in supermarkets throughout Australia, so it’s kind of like being let into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Definitely one of the key things to do in Byron Bay, and worth a second visit too if you happen to run through your ‘gifts for home’ before you head.
Take a hike to Minyon Falls
Alright beers and cookies probably don’t make for the healthiest things to do in Byron Bay. And indulging too much might see you a little out of whack compared to the healthy bodied locals. So why not get yourself out to Minyon Falls?
Located in Nightcap National Park, Minyon Falls has some stunning waterfall views. That’s to go with some excellent walking tracks where you can burn off some of those earlier calories! A great destination for a packed lunch or even a BBQ (facilities are available in the picnic area).
Find your inner peace at the Crystal Castle
Byron Bay’s hinterland isn’t just packed with waterfalls and rainforests. It’s also home to some of the biggest and most beautiful crystals in the world. A sanctuary within a sanctuary, the Crystal Castle oozes tranquillity.
Here you can also wander through the gardens of Shambhala, wander a labyrinth and visit an ancient amethyst cave.
There’s a café on site, and of course a gift shop where you can pick yourself up some precious stones as well. An interesting and easy addition to any Byron Bay itinerary.
Chill out in Mullumbimby
‘Mullum’ to those in the know sits around 20 minutes drive from Byron Bay. A small town, it bats above its average for a host of great quality cafes and shops. Take an easy stroll around town and be sure to check out the murals of the historic buildings on McGoughans Lane.
Go rural in Federal
Another small village around 25 minutes out of Byron Bay, it’s worth a stop if you’re travelling by car. We stayed in Federal on a family trip years ago, and had a great time, particularly with our property having vistas out over the hinterland towards the ocean.
It’s a quiet location, but it definitely has its own vibe and is worth a drive by.
Sunset in town
In my memory, great sunsets and Byron Bay are synonymous. Maybe I’ve been lucky during each visit. Perhaps it’s that easterly aspect. Whatever the case, my recall of Byron is always accompanied by stunning pinks and purples of an evening.
Hopefully your visit is the same. Head down to Apex Park and sit down and take in the sunset of an evening. It’s an easy place to find a grassy patch, sit back and take it all in whilst the waves crash nearby. If you’re hungry, why not grab some take away from FishHeads nearby?
Some downtime with live music
What’s Byron Bay without music? Still pretty good in my opinion, but made better with some tunes. Of all the things to do in Byron Bay, grabbing some beers and a meal whilst listening to some live music at the Beach Hotel is an enjoyable way to spend an evening. The Beach Hotel is reasonably priced, well located and seems to always have some great music on the go.
A great option after you’ve watched the sun go down.
Check out the Heritage buildings in Bangalow
Another picturesque town, Bangalow is home to some stunning buildings. In fact, the main street of Bangalow, dotted with shops and boutiques is worth a wander for the history alone.
The Bangalow pharmacy is a throwback to the apothecaries of another era. Certainly one of the coolest pharmacies we’ve ever visited. Selling Aesop products in an early 1900s shopfront? Will get my vote for ingenuity every day of the week.
Be sure to check out the Ninbella Art Gallery as well. It is home to some stunning Australian art. Spare ten minutes for a wander through. If you’ve a blank space on your wall at home, mind your wallet. You’ll be inclined to fill that hole here.
Brunch or lunch at The Farm
No visit to Byron Bay these days is complete without a visit to The Farm. Absolutely mandatory in attendance. If you didn’t visit The Farm, did you even go to Byron Bay?!
A working farm, you’ll be able to wander about and understand how the farm operates. You’ll fine cows, chickens and pigs here, which roam about freely. There’s also gardens with vegetables which you can even buy.
The produce made here is also used in the various restaurants and providers who sell on site. For Sydney fans of Three Blue Ducks, you’ll find a Byron Bay outpost here. Bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment. If you’re looking for a more casual visit, you can grab a coffee, sweet treat or some baked goods to go as well.
For more info on The Farm, visit their website directly.
Beach anybody?
Everyone knows Byron has some great beaches. Although some have sadly suffered some considerable erosion in recent times.
Mother Nature aside, there are still some great spots to hit the sand and enjoy a few waves. Main Beach, The Pass and Watego’s Beach are some of the favourites of locals and visitors alike. For something a little quieter (and located near to the Byron at Byron) Tallow Beach might be more your thing.
And if you’re really feeling active and want to throw caution to the wind, why not do a surf lesson? If not in Byron Bay, then where? Surf lessons are run regularly here, and you can book your spot here.
We hope this list of top things to do in Byron Bay has been helpful for your travel planning. Is there anything else you’d add to this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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Take a ride on the solar train. Visit the Railway Friendly Bar, known for its live music and local patronage. Play some lawn bowls. Have a workout at one of the many gyms. Smile and he nice to people. 😘😁
Nice options! Particularly the last one which is free and easy Jon 🙂