Byron Bay is a popular beachside town nestled in the northeastern corner of New South Wales, not far from the Queensland border.
The town draws a large number of travellers each year, yet despite its growing popularity and the steady stream of tourists, Byron Bay has maintained its small-town, laid-back charm.
To help you plan your next trip to this scenic part of New South Wales, we’ve highlighted ten of the best attractions and activities in and around Byron Bay.
1. Spend a Day Beach Hopping
As expected, there’s no shortage of beaches in Byron Bay.
Main Beach, patrolled by surf lifesavers, is a scenic north-facing stretch of sand with a popular surf break, just a short stroll from the cafes across the road.
Further east is Wategos Beach, a sheltered, family-friendly spot with excellent BBQ and toilet facilities. Next door is Little Wategos Beach, Australia’s easternmost beach, accessible via the Lighthouse walking track.
Tallow Beach, located just south of Cape Byron in Arakwal National Park, is a long, expansive stretch of sand that connects with Broken Head. The northern tip of this beach, known as Cosy Corner, is a favourite surf spot with breaks sheltered from northerly winds.
Also worth mentioning is Belongil Beach, situated west of Byron Bay’s town centre. Ideal for families and dogs, Belongil offers a quieter alternative to Main Beach.
2. Hike to the Base of Minyon Falls
Just a short drive from Byron Bay, Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park is a spectacular plunge waterfall, dropping over 100 metres into a deep gorge.
A scenic 7.5 km walking track winds through subtropical rainforests, leading to a beautiful swimming hole at the base of the falls. On warm days, don’t forget your swimmers, as a refreshing dip here is a truly memorable experience.
Two lookout points provide fantastic views of the waterfall and its surroundings. The main lookout, located at the top of the falls near the Minyon Falls picnic area, offers the most impressive vantage point.
3. Walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse
The Cape Byron Lighthouse is arguably the most iconic landmark in the Byron Bay Shire, standing tall at the tip of Cape Byron.
While you can drive there, the best way to experience the area’s natural beauty is by walking the Cape Byron Lighthouse Track.
This easy 4 km coastal walk starts at Main Beach and winds along the coastline, passing Byron Bay’s beaches and clifftop lookouts with sweeping ocean views. The track also leads to the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, a prime spot for spotting dolphins and whales.
On the way back, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Tallow Beach before the trail takes you through a peaceful rainforest setting and back to town.
4. Visit the Local Shops and Markets
They say that visiting markets is one of the best ways to experience a local culture, and Byron Shire certainly delivers. With produce and craft markets running almost every day, visitors can soak up the vibrant, unique atmosphere of the Byron Bay region.
The Byron Bay Community Markets, held every Sunday at the Butler Street Reserve, showcase a fantastic selection of handcrafted goods, locally-grown produce, and a variety of artworks.
Another favourite is the Byron Bay Farmers Market, held every Thursday. This market supports local producers, offering fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables straight from the region.
5. Dine and Drink the Night Away
With its growing global appeal, it’s no surprise that Byron Bay boasts a wide variety of cafes, pubs, and bars scattered throughout town.
The town has long resisted fast-food chains (you won’t find a McDonald’s here), but you’ll discover plenty of spots offering tasty meals at reasonable prices.
Byron Bay is also known for its vibrant live music scene and nightclubs. And since it’s such a compact town, you can easily walk around and stumble upon your favourite spot for a bite or a drink.
Popular dining options include the Beach Byron Bay Restaurant, Balcony Bar, and The Roadhouse. For live music and classic pub food, The Rails is a favourite, offering a laid-back and slightly quirky vibe.
6. Go Surfing, Snorkelling or Scuba diving
With so many beaches right on your doorstep, it’s no surprise that Byron Bay is a prime destination for ocean-based activities like surfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving.
Popular surfing spots include Main Beach, The Pass, Wategos Beach, and Cosy Corner at Tallow Beach. For snorkelling and scuba diving, Julian Rocks is a favourite, with several operators offering day tours to this and other top locations.
You can also try stand-up paddling, kayaking, eco cruises, and whale watching, making the most of Byron Bay’s beautiful marine environment.
7. Visit the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens
Discover the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, a hidden gem in the Byron Bay Hinterland. This unique place features giant crystals, sacred statues, lush gardens set within a rainforest, unique jewellery, and fresh local food.
The complex is also home to the Kalachakra World Peace Stupa, an 8-metre-high sacred Buddhist shrine.
Blessed by the Dalai Lama, this impressive structure is the first Kalachakra Stupa in the Southern Hemisphere and only the seventh of its kind in the world.
8. Visit Mullumbimby
Just a 20-minute drive northwest of Byron Bay, at the foot of Mount Chincogan, you’ll find Mullumbimby, affectionately known as the biggest little town in Australia.
Locals simply call it Mullum, and visiting this charming town feels like stepping back in time, perhaps to a version of Byron Bay before tourism took over.
Full of character and warmth, Mullumbimby offers a laid-back atmosphere. The best way to appreciate it is by strolling through town and exploring its many shops, galleries, cafes, eateries, and hidden gems.
9. Visit Nimbin
No holiday in Byron Bay is complete without a visit to Nimbin, a quirky town nestled in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Located 60 km west of Byron Bay, Nimbin feels like it’s still living in the 1970s.
After the local dairy industry collapsed in the 1960s, Nimbin gradually became a haven for Australia’s counterculture movement, sparked by the Aquarius Festival held there in 1973.
Since then, it has drawn writers, artists, musicians, environmentalists, and permaculture enthusiasts, all contributing to its unique and creative spirit.
10. Explore Point Danger
Located at Tweed Heads and Coolangatta on the southern end of the Gold Coast, Point Danger is a scenic headland marking the border between New South Wales and Queensland.
At the heart of the headland, near the Captain Cook Memorial, stands a striking concrete tower that serves as a working lighthouse.
Both the lighthouse and memorial were built in 1970 to mark the 200th anniversary of Captain Cook’s discovery of Australia’s east coast. Cook named the area Point Danger when he first sighted it in 1770.
The Centaur Remembrance Walk, named after AHS Centaur, a hospital ship sunk by a Japanese submarine in May 1943, follows the coast and honours ships lost to Japanese and German attacks during World War II.
Where to Stay
Most people visiting Byron Bay will want to stay there for at least a few days, and luckily there are plenty of options available, catering to all budgets.
- Best Luxury: Elements of Byron
Our recommended luxury hotel in Byron Bay is Elements of Byron, a popular resort & spa that offers unrivalled luxury in picturesque surroundings, situated west of the Byron Bay city centre.
- Best Mid Range: The Cape Beach House
Our recommended mid-range hotel in Byron Bay is The Cape Beach House, a contemporary bed & breakfast located only a short stroll away from Byron Bay’s bars, restaurants and shops.
- Best Hostel: Wake Up! Byron Bay
Our recommended hostel in the Byron Bay area is Wake Up! Byron Bay, a nicely refurbished hostel located at the Belongil beachfront.
