The 39 Best Things to do in Byron Bay

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 are 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

When breathtaking sunsets are an everyday occurrence ? yet another reason to be he had over heels in love with Australia ? Where’s the best sunset you’ve ever seen?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Oct 6, 2016 at 11:53pm PDT

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!

I love sunrise because it’s an invincible time of day. It makes me think of starting afresh and reminds me that I can do whatever I want to in this world. Sunrises are so peaceful and beautiful, and make me feel free ? At what point of day are you happiest?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Feb 24, 2017 at 2:42pm PST

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

“How’s the surfing going Claire?” I can now sometimes stay (horizontally) on the board for more than 10 seconds… Can I call that progress? Can you surf?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Nov 8, 2016 at 4:37am PST

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

So here it is, Merry Christmas, everybody’s having fun. Look to the future now, it’s only just begun ? I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas and are continuing to spread festive love and joy around! What’s your favourite Christmas song? #aussiechristmas

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Dec 26, 2016 at 11:00pm PST

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

There’s a lot of beautiful beaches around Byron and Northern NSW, but this has to be my favourite ❤ Where’s your favourite beach?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Jan 3, 2017 at 4:12am PST

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

When you’re trying SO HARD to get an iconic photo of you with a Byron Bay towel with the famous lighthouse in the background but the wind just does not want to co-operate… I can’t complain though, I had the loveliest two days off this week at the beach and am finally feeling a little festive- although it is tough in 35 degree heat! What was your biggest photography fail? P.S. after my gopro being stolen last month, I finally bought a new one! And I’m determined to make the absolute most of it so stay tuned for heaps of Byron pics over the coming weeks ?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Dec 14, 2016 at 4:34am PST

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

“Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon I made a decision last week. I’m going to leave Byron Bay in under a month and spend a few months travelling before working again at the other side of the country. Byron Bay has literally changed my life. It’s taught me so much more than I ever learnt in school, it’s made me smile, laugh and cry harder than I ever have before and it’s made me look at a lot of things from an entirely different perspective. But even though I feel like Byron could never stop giving, I know it’s important that I hit the road again, to discover new things and find other places to fall in love with. But until I do, I’ll be savouring every bit of Byron possible ❤?✌ Have you ever visited somewhere that’s changed your life?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Jan 27, 2017 at 4:22am PST

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

“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new” – Brian Tracy I panicked BIG TIME when I tumbled into the water on the first day of my open water diving course. I had problems with my breathing, my goggles and my ears – most of the major issues with scuba diving! But I knew there was no going back, I just had to press on and try and accustom to being underwater. I’m not going to lie, I hated my first dive. I even felt a bit weird on my second dive. But by the time I dunked myself under water for the third time, I realized how stunning the ocean around me was. I noticed peaceful leopard sharks, colourful fish and chilled out turtles. It was a very surreal experience, but once I’d got used to being underwater, I loved it. BIG example of life begins at the end of your comfort zone. If I’d stayed in mine, I wouldn’t be a qualified scuba diver right now. Get out of your comfort zone – it’s the only way to grow! Have you got out of your comfort zone recently? Tell me stories! PS. Huge apologies for the big gap in my posts, being true to my clumsy self I broke ANOTHER phone by dropping it in the sea. I wouldn’t be your favourite clutz blogger if I didn’t have a technical breakdown issue every now and again, would I?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Feb 17, 2017 at 10:06pm PST

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

Saw a whole different angle of my beloved Byron today… From 14000 feet in the air! It was my second skydive and was definitely prettier than my last (if you know where Swindon is you’ll completely agree), but the adrenaline rush was just as amazing. I’ve definitely been bit by the skydiving bug! ✈ Have you ever skydived or done any other extreme sports?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Nov 4, 2016 at 4:54am PDT

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

You know tea tree oil, that super expensive product you can get in pharmacies that’s great for spots? If you ditch the chemist and take a dip in one of these tea tree lakes near Byron Bay and you can get the same effect completely freeee ? What’s your best natural remedy?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Dec 29, 2016 at 3:06am PST

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

Help me I think I’ve fallen in love with a shop… ? Isn’t this the happiest place you’ve ever seen?! If not, then where is? ?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Sep 18, 2016 at 7:13pm PDT

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

So here’s the entrance to the beautiful place I call home now. There’s a kitchen, toilets and communal seating area, and the tents lay beyond. There’s about 200 of us here at any one time. Some people just come for a few days, others a few weeks and some have been here months or even years! If you take a walk around this place, you’ll understand how so many get stuck here. So many people are extraordinarily talented – there’s always people jamming with guitars or someone singing – and it’s the perfect place to pick up a new skill, like juggling or hula hooping. There’s always someone to hug and chat to and the whole campsite has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. I’m feeling super blessed to have the chance to live in such a wonderful place ❤? I’m definitely in a bit of a bubble at the moment, but I’m very content to be stuck here!

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Nov 28, 2016 at 1:59am PST

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?

Just one of the really fun things you can try at The Arts Factory is Didjeridoo lessons. Taught by an experienced teacher, you can learn to play the famous Australian instrument and even make your own! I’m on class two at the moment- I can just about get the right base sound, now I have to work out how to play along to an actual song! Can you play any instruments?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Dec 1, 2016 at 3:58am PST

31. Do yoga every day

There’s nowhere better to do yoga than Byron

32. Live in a tent in ‘The Jungle’

When you choose the tent life… And you’re pretty happy about that decision ? Where’s the most interesting place you’ve ever lived or stayed in?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Sep 24, 2016 at 7:35pm PDT

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

First I found a rainbow shop then a rainbow cottage… Can the rainbow girl stay in this part of the world forever please?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Sep 20, 2016 at 12:12am PDT

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

You know when pictures really can’t accurately show what the place is like in real life? This was one of the most stunning places I’ve seen in Australia so far… First sea and sand, then jungle as far as the eye can see. This country is definitely a stunner ? What beautiful place have you visited that just can’t be captured in photos?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Nov 3, 2016 at 5:01am PDT

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

I just dropped completely off the radar for over a week. Well, first I dropped my phone and smashed the screen and only just got round to getting a replacement. That and being incredibly busy meant that I kinda disappeared for 10 days or so… Whoops. But I’ve had a fantastic 10 days. I rented a car and hiked in Queensland, visited Nimbin and found the most gorgeous hippy temple in the Byron Bay hinterland. I went surfing for the first time in 7 years (which is a work in progress!). I spent lots of time with my best friend (she’s currently with me in Byron Bay!). I had some fantastic Halloween celebrations. I started a new job. I just won a 2 for 1 skydive! And you know what? I didn’t miss my phone once. This might sound a bit rich coming from a blogger, aka someone who updates social media several times a day, but I’ve been reminded how futile phones and other material possessions really are. What counts is how we explore this amazing world we live in and connecting with the people we share it with ❤? Do you ever feel the need for a digital detox?

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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

(Continued) After gazing at the moon for a bit, the sun slowly started to appear on the horizon, giving us this amazing dawn view. The East Coast of Australia surely has to be one of the world’s best sunrise spots, doesn’t it? ? Where was the last sunrise you saw?

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Nov 24, 2016 at 3:45am PST

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 been a lot of pictures of my face recently, so have one of a beautiful waterfall we discovered in a cave in Springbrook National Park in Queensland. This picture reminded me that no matter how bleak things seem (I’m sure you can guess what I’m talking about) there is always beauty in the world. We don’t know what’s going to happen this year or in the next 4 – and don’t get me wrong I’m as scared and devastated as the rest of us – but we do know that there will always be things to love and appreciate. Even if sometimes we have to look in caves to find them.

A post shared by Claire’s Footsteps ? (@clairesfootsteps) on Nov 11, 2016 at 8:56pm PST

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.

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