
The 39 Best Things to do in Byron Bay
Table of contents
To me, Byron Bay is a magical place – so much so that I’ll readily admit it changed my life. Byron Bay is a pacifists’ mecca, a place where people are free to be who they want to be with no judgement. I spent five months in this hippy paradise and I had to drag myself away, knowing that I had a huge continent to explore and limited time to do it.
I couldn’t really write a ‘how to spend a weekend’ post for Byron Bay, because it really is that kind of place that you need to spend the extra time in. To be honest, if you’re backpacking in Australia and looking for the authentic Byron experience, I’d really recommend getting a job here and living in Byron Bay for a few months. There’s so many unique things to do in Byron Bay that will help you really feel the magic of the beach town, but many are experiences that can be had again and again, each with a different type of intensity. Interested in the best things to do in Byron Bay? Here’s my pick…
1. Walk up to the Byron Bay lighthouse for sunset
A favorite for both locals and visitors to the beautiful town, Byron Lighthouse stands at the most Eastern point of mainland Australia and the views from it are incredible. Sunset is a great time to hike up to it (make sure you go the beach way for the most beautiful scenery!), as the afterglows over the Eastern sea are amazing from it.
2.Try to make it up for sunrise!
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
Sunset at Byron Bay lighthouse is beautiful, but the sunrises are magical – definitely one of the best things to do in Byron Bay. The sun rises majestically straight over the sea, lightening the town and all of its surrounds. Be sure to try and catch a Byron lighthouse while you’re in town!
3.Go surfing at The Pass
Byron’s beaches are all affectionately nicknamed, ‘The Pass’ being where the huge rock viewing platform is. Surfing here is awesome for beginners and professionals alike; and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins! Which brings me to my next point…
Want a surfing lesson in Byron Bay? Check out this 2 hours beginner’s lesson which is a great deal – click here to book.
4. See dolphins from The Pass or the hill toward the lighthouse
These are some of the best dolphin-watching spots on the east coast of Australia; dolphins frequently congregate around these coastal areas.
Fancy seeing the dolphins up close? How about a kayaking with dolphins tour? Click here to reserve your spot!
5. Eat the champion of all breakfasts at Byron Fresh Café
Byron Fresh Café has a mouthwatering menu where even the pickiest of eaters will find something to tickle their tastebuds. They have some great vegan options!
6. Dance away at the drum circle
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
The drum circle is on every single night (weather permitting) and is exactly what it says on the tin; a circle of drummers, playing amazing music as the sun goes down. It’s a place where you can really dance like nobody’s watching, or just sit on the rocks enjoying a cider while admiring the gorgeous sunset.
7. Walk to Tallows Beach
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
The first time I arrived at Tallows Beach, I couldn’t help exclaim ‘if this beach was in England, it would be packed!’ How British of me. You’d be pushed to find a beach with sand so white and sea so blue in the United Kingdom, and it’s pretty much deserted all of the time.
8. Actually, walk to ALL the beaches
Byron Bay is home to an array of amazing beaches, all with different character. The beach strip of Byron isn’t as well known as some of Australia’s, like the Great Ocean Road or Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, but it’s absolutely beautiful. ‘Main Beach’ is where everyone hangs out, ‘The Wreck’ is where a shipwreck sticks out of water, ‘Belongil’ is a bit further away but well worth the walk for the views, tea tree lakes and quietness, ‘The Pass’ is where a huge rock with accessible steps makes an ideal whale watching spot, ‘Wategos’ is where dolphins are often spotted and Tallows as I previously mentioned, is my favourite.
9. Go to the Tree Sanctuary
Affectionately known to many locals as just ‘The Sanctuary’, the Tree Sanctuary has preserved a chunk of rainforest which the area of New South Wales was once covered in. A boardwalk makes strolling through the peaceful sanctuary accessible, and many an hour can be passed just sitting and listening to the birds here!
10. Go scuba diving or snorkelling
Byron Bay is located at the confluence of two types of marine life; tropical, coral fish from the North and coldwater animals from the South. This makes for very interesting scuba diving or snorkeling; here you can swim with dozens of leopard sharks and colorful fish aplenty in one session.
11. Skydive over the town
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
Byron Bay is an amazing skydive location (and a great deal cheaper than further North!). Because of its geographical location, you can visualize part of the map of Australia beneath you as you descend 14,000 feet. Not to mention the gorgeous scenery you will witness as you see miles of jungle meet the golden coastline which spills out into the deep blue sea… there’s nothing quite like it!
Book your skydiving tour by clicking here.
12. Go to a legendary Byron Bay beach party
News of these beach parties is only spread by word of mouth, but if you hear about one, get there. They’re normally awash with great music, fire spinners and hula hoopers and a cosy bonfire. It’s a night out like no other!
13. Go to Reggae Night at the Beach Hotel
The Beach Hotel hosts a weekly reggae night every Monday. It often hosts semi-famous acts, but even if its just the resident DJs, the tunes are always cheery and aplenty and there’s always a great vibe there.
14. Catch some live music at The Railway Bar
Known by locals as ‘The Rails’, The Railway Bar hosts live music every Friday night and has a great ‘al fresco’ pub vibe.
15. Get a BAYger
Bayger is on the outside just a fancy takeaway burger joint, but its menu is so elaborate that you’ll be taking forever to make up your mind… and no doubt be returning to try the rest! Bayger’s especially great at vegetarian options, with a delicious mushroom burger, and lots of vegan choices too. Mmmm…
16. Learn macramé
As previously mentioned, Byron is a hub for everything creative. You’ll definitely want to pick up a new skill while in the promised land, and macramé is a great one. Learn how to make these necklaces from the street vendors and build a collection to give as gifts, sell or just wear yourself all the time…
17. Start slacklining
If you walk to the grassy spot above Clarkes Beach, you’ll nearly always find someone slacklining. This is kind of tightrope – walking, and it’s incredibly hard, and also great fun. If you see anyone with one set up, just ask if you can have a go – they’ll most likely be more than happy for you to, in true Byron spirit!
18. Visit the tea tree lakes
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
There’s lots of tea tree lakes within and around Byron. Most easily accessible are those by Tallows and Belongil. They have the ingredient ‘tea tree’ in them, which is great for your skin. Take a dip in some of these pools and feel like you’ve had a spa treatment!
19. Bye something tye-dye from the Rainbow Shop
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
It’s incredibly cliché, but I can’t help but love the Rainbow Shop. There’s tye-dye everything there, and have you really visited Byron Bay if you don’t own a rainbow vest top? 😉
20. Browse magical crystals at Soul Life
Soul life is everything I love about life within a shop. There’s inspirational books, incense sticks and crystal after crystal after crystal. So many that you could spend all afternoon reading about each crystal’s meaning. (I’ve only done that once, I swear…)
21. Try hula hooping
Hula hooping is NOT just for kids! As soon as I got to Byron, I met the most incredible hoopers doing insane tricks – and wanted to give it a try for myself. I’m no pro now, but I have a hoop and can hoop it around various parts of my body (nothing too fancy!) If you’re visiting Byron Bay, you’ve got to at least give hooping a try.
22. Or wait until it’s dark and use these glowing poi balls
Poi is basically twirling balls on a string around. At dark, these super cool glowing balls cause amazing effects! At a beach party, they’re seen all over the place, and some people can work them amazingly.
23. Try out the falafel samples from the Orgasmic (restaurant name, ha) waitress standing near the beach hotel
Imagine if your food was so great, you could give out free samples all the time and still make money? A waitress of Orgasmic is always standing by the beach hotel giving out falafel samples, and they’re GOOOD. Of course, by the time you’ve tried these twenty or so times, you do owe it to Orgasmic to actually go and purchase something. It’s worth it!
24. Go to the Friday free BBQ
Speaking of free falafel, head over to the free BBQ at the rails park every Friday at around 4-5pm. It’s run by the church group, but everyone’s welcome and they normally have both vegetarian and meat options. I used to go every single Friday…
25. Find a fire spinning show at main beach
These happen pretty frequently; a semi-professional fire spinner will take a dragon staff and all sorts of other toys and play with fire right by the main beach. It’s enchanting to watch!
Experiences at the Arts Factory Lodge
I spent five months living in a tent at the Arts Factory Lodge. It’s a hostel a little out of town with a distinct hippy vibe, and contains various dorm-style and private room accommodation. It ALSO is home to ‘The Jungle’, the wonderful community that I spent my time in. ‘The Jungle’ is a campsite on the edge of the hostel, that quite literally backs onto the jungle. If you’re in Byron for any amount of time, you should spend at least a little time at the jungle. Yes, that means camping for an unlimited amount of time (there’s a kitchen with power sockets, toilets and showers on site though!) but the atmosphere is just incredible, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
26. Watch the Arts Factory talent show
The talent show is brimming with amazing singers, professional dancers and people doing circus skills that you didn’t even know existed. Catch it at the Arts Factory every Tuesday night
27. Hang around in the Jungle Hut
If you missed out on the talent show, don’t worry because most people performing jam nearly every night in the jungle hut! This is a hut in the middle of the campground where people come together to play music and hang out. It’s got a wonderful atmosphere day and night.
28. Take an African drumming workshop
Apparently, Byron Bay is the spiritual home of drumming in Australia! Take a one hour class three times a week to learn about how to get the right rhythm and play these instruments. It’s great fun!
29. Have a reiki treatment
There’s normally somebody at the Arts Factory who is able to perform Reiki which is spiritual healing. One of these treatments will help you get rid of any stress and tension, or any negativity weighing you down.
30. Take a didjeridoo lesson
Because if you didn’t try the didjeridoo, did you even go to Australia?
31. Do yoga every day
There’s nowhere better to do yoga than Byron
32. Live in a tent in ‘The Jungle’
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
Go on… you know you want to!
Things to do near Byron Bay
The surrounding country of Northern NSW and Southern Queensland make for some great day trips. Here’s some more great things to do around Byron Bay…
33. Visit Nimbin
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
Nimbin is the real hippy capital of Australia, a tiny village packed with quirky shops, buildings painted with pacifist quotes and sayings and a few too many people offering weed on the street…
34.Escape Byron at Brunswick Heads
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
Brunswick Heads is a quieter, beachy area 20 minutes North of Byron Bay. The beaches here are amazing – jungle literally spills into sand – and it’s the perfect getaway if you want a break from Byron’s business.
35. Stroll around Springbrook National Park
Springbrook is a beautiful national park in the Gold Coast Hinterland, filled with waterfalls, sloping hills and vast jungle. It’s worth spending a day getting acquainted with the place!
36.See sunrise at Mount Warning
A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on
About an hour and a half away from Byron, Mount Warning is a gentle hike (with a rope climb part at the end!) with amazing views at the top. It’s best to do it in the dark to witness a spectacular sunrise over the sea.
37.Spend a night at The Rainbow Temple
The Rainbow Temple is the ultimate retreat. It’s a temple built on the foundations of peace and togetherness, with beautiful quotes and mottos adorning the walls. You can pop in for tea, or stay the night for $30 (which includes some food).
38.Be awed at the Crystal Castle
The crystal castle contains some of the oldest and largest crystals in the world, and discusses their meaning and significance.
39.See one of the many waterfalls in the area
There’s loads of waterfalls in the Byron Bay hinterland; check out Minyon Falls, Protester Falls and Killen Falls which are all reachable in a few hours from the coastal town. They’re beautiful and you can swim in most of them; making a refreshing day trip from Byron Bay!
If you don’t have a car, check out these tours which explore the hinterland of Byron Bay.
The Best things to do in Byron Bay
There you have it, the best things to do in Byron Bay. If you’re just here for a weekend, do try and experience a few of these, but I’d really recommend staying for longer… Byron is a place that helps you heal and grow, a place that teaches you about yourself and leaves yourself feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and transformed. Stay a while in Byron Bay, and nothing will ever be the same again, in the best possible way.
Byron Bay is magical.
Enjoyed this post? Please share it or follow me on Facebook!
Pin Me!
Claire – thank you for sharing these tips. I’ve been at Byron Bay in 1992 and while it does make me realize how old I am it also brings a lot of memories back! Just such a gorgeous place!
Aw I wonder what it was like in 1992! I bet lots has changed but I’m sure it always has and will be a beautiful beautiful place <3
You’ve definitely made me want to visit!! I was just in Australia (again lol) but STILL didn’t make it to Byron Bay and I really need to. I was chatting to one of my flight attendants on Qantas though and they mentioned the tree sanctuary and I really would love to visit that too!
Ah did they! I wasn’t sure if many people knew about it!! You definitely have to visit sometime soon 😀
I’ve heard stories of how awesome Byron Bay is, but when you’ve outlined it so nicely – WOW! It sounds like another world! Next time I make it to Australia, I’m definitely spending some quality time here!
Byron Bay is the best! Let me know if you end up there and need any recommendations 🙂