Embrace the buzz of bohemian-luxe Byron Bay, the North Coast beach holiday town where you’ll always find something new to discover. Refresh with a drink at a hot new bar, book a tour to experience Byron more deeply, or simply relish the opportunity to relax and recharge in one of the most glamorous corners of the state. Read on for some itinerary inspiration.
Choose your own culinary adventure
Lean into Byron’s focus on wholesome, locally sourced produce, kicking off a memorable day with a hearty breakfast at the likes of Bayleaf, The Byron Bay General Store or Topshop. Or meet the farm animals at Three Blue Ducks, set on a working farm on the northern fringe of town.
Soak up the dreamy Wategos Beach views as you savour a memorable, Mediterranean-inspired lunch at Raes Dining Room, in the luxe Raes on Wategos boutique hotel, or at Beach Byron Bay, perched above Clarkes Beach. Or people-watch from breezy, elevated locations at more casual contemporary restaurants such as Balcony Bar and Oyster Co. and Loft Byron Bay.
Feel spoiled for choice for dinner options in Byron, with buzzy Asian restaurants Light Years and Bang Bang always a good bet for a fun, zingy meal. Try something different and reserve a table at newer restaurants such as pastel pink-hued Belongil Beach Italian Food, or Moonlight for contemporary Japanese. Be wowed by the extensive, natural-leaning wine list at Bar Heather in the new Jonson Lane precinct and be enticed by its creative, share-style menu. Enjoy the pub vibe and bistro fare, beers and tunes at The Rails, the Beach Hotel or the Great Northern.
Immerse yourself in nature
Harness the restorative benefits of Byron’s lush subtropical surroundings on an invigorating stroll to the Cape Byron Lighthouse via the 3.7km Cape Byron Walking Track — it’s a beautiful walk at any time of the day, with dolphin sightings always likely. Watching humpback whales making their annual migration along Australia’s east coast from May to November from the elevated track can feel like a spiritual experience. Indeed, Cape Byron is deeply significant to local Arakwal Bundjalung people; connect with its Aboriginal stories on a riveting walking tour with Arakwal Bundjalung woman Delta Kay. Delta also guides bush food tours in the Byron Bay Hinterland with Vision Walks Eco Tours.
Then roll out your towel on Byron’s famous beaches including Main Beach, which curves east towards The Pass, a famous surf beach with an epic right-hand point break. Ogle some of the state’s most exclusive real estate as you enjoy a dip at Wategos, or get a thrill on a surf lesson with expert coaches from the likes of Lets Go Surfing Byron Bay or Soul Surf School.
Commune with turtles, eagle rays and more on an action-packed snorkelling or scuba diving trip to Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli), 2.5km off the coast, with Sundive or Byron Bay Dive Centre. Marvel at playful cetaceans on seasonal Byron Bay whale watching tours, and kayak alongside curious bottlenose dolphins year-round with Cape Byron Kayaks or Go Sea Kayak.
Dip into Byron’s wellness scene
Slow your breath and calm your mind on a yoga class at Creature Yoga or Bamboo Yoga School, to name just a few of the many popular yoga studious in famously alternative Byron. Feel your core in a whole new way during a Pilates class at Bende, or embrace the endorphin rush of a faster-paced workout at Hustl. Treat yourself to a restorative massage at the likes of Comma or Endota Spa, or perhaps a relaxing infra-red sauna session followed by a heart-starting ice bath at Nimbus Co.
Slumber in style
Nod off to the soothing sounds of the subtropical rainforest surrounding eco-luxe Crystalbrook Byron, which recently welcomed an Eléme Spa. Feel similarly calmed by the nature-based setting of the Elements of Byron resort at the northern end of town, which has direct beach access and an adults-only pool, or step back into old-school Byron at The Sunseeker, a recently reimagined 1980s hotel with a playful retro vibe.
If guesthouses are more your style, you’ll feel right at home at 28 Degrees and Bask & Stow. Enjoy the best of both worlds, along with a highly Instagrammable circular pool, at centrally located boutique hotel The Bower Byron Bay.
