Byron Bay was founded by surfers in the 60s. While it still has that original vibe going on, it sure has grown since its humble beginning. Today, its 9 stunning beaches provide great experiences for surfers, but other people also have a ton of things to do and see in modern Byron.
From great coffee spots, clubs and restaurants to breathtaking nature walks, Byron Bay is perfect for families, singles and groups of friends. It has national parks, luxury accommodation, trails, markets and festivals—everything you might need for a fun and exciting adventure. If you need a more in-depth reason to visit Byron Bay, here are eight:
Chill out at the beach
Byron Bay is all about that beach life. After all, it’s known as the hipster surfer paradise thanks to its stretches of sand, great surf spots and the overall chill vibe that can’t be described with words.
Today there are 9 beaches in Byron, each one different and ready to give you some good time. You can start from Belongii, a nice little secluded beach. It’s long thus perfect for walks and spending an entire day at the beach surfing, playing and catching the sun.
Right next to Byron Bay town center is Main Beach. This one provides you with a lot of parking so it’s perfect for families with kids. The beach is long and wide, covered in soft white sand and surrounded by a beautiful mountain backdrop. It’s a popular beach, so expect some crowds, but there’s always plenty of space to enjoy your day in peace.
Next, we have Wategos—a beautiful cove of white sand and blue waters. If you come early, you won’t struggle with parking (keep in mind that it’s metered, like pretty much every spot in Byron Bay). Wategos beach is equipped with all the usual facilities like toilets, showers, tables and BBQ spots, and it’s also a great spot for a base if you want to take a clifftop walk to the nearby lighthouse.
Walk the Cape Byron Track
If you love an active vacation, head to Clarkes Beach and follow the walking track along the hill to the Byron Bay lighthouse and the easternmost spot of the Australian mainland. This well-marked track is 3.7 km long with handy few spots for stops so you can soak up the view and take photos. You can come back via the roadside, but also just reverse your course to stay close to beach views. Cape Byron Track is cursed or blessed with many steps, so expect to feel the burn in your calves, but it’s all worth it.
Have an unforgettable night out
If you’re a party animal eager to see what Byron Bay has to offer, you won’t be disappointed. You and your crew can warm up with a few bring-your-own-drinks on the main beachfront. Later, you can hit The Beach Hotel that often hosts DJ and different live music. The place is always packed, so be prepared. Or you can head to The Railway. This spot is overflowing with positive vibes and live music. It’s a perfect spot to grab a few beers, play pool and spend time with your friends.
If you’re in a fancy mood, get all dressed up for cocktails at Miss Margarita’s or Loft on Main Beach. On the other hand, if you want to let loose and spend the night dancing your heart out backpacker style, hit Cheeky Monkeys.
If it’s just the boys celebrating, they can go all-in with some adult entertainment—Byron Bay can be very naughty. No matter if bachelors party, birthday or end of a boys trip, one can find the best strippers in Byron Bay to surprise the gang and have a blast during one of their many shows. This will surely be something none of them will forget in a long time!
Go whale watching
Since Byron Bay is the eastern-most point in all Oz, whales pass very close to the shore during their yearly migration trip from northern breeding grounds on the Great Barrier Reef to Antarctica, their home, sweet home. You can book a whale-watching cruise, but these gentle giants can also be seen breaching the water and spouting from the land. There are many spots with great views along the coastal walkway and on top of the cape.
Visit a farm
Just outside Byron Bay, you can find the Farm. This is a fully working farm, and its 80 acres offer a modern take on cooperative working where businesses can unite their efforts and grow food, feed people and educate the masses. You can wander through the farm and meet animals, stop for a snack or full-on meal when you get hungry, pick up some fresh produce and plan how you can turn a new leaf and start living healthy. This little field trip is a great way to support the community and protect the environment.
Visit a brewery
If you’re not concerned with healthy living, you can visit a brewery instead. Stone & Wood Brewery is a must-stop on your Byron Bay trip. On their tour, you will learn a lot about the brewing process, taste different batches of beer and enjoy beer-inspired snacks from their on-site kitchen.
Spend some money
Be a good tourist and go spend some money to support local businesses. The bay has plenty of spots where you can buy one-off designs, hand-made crafts and natural homewares you can take home as a memento. Make sure to visit Spell & The Gypsy Collective. This local brand is synonymous with Byron’s vagabond lifestyle. Adored by stars like Miley Cyrus, you also will fall in love with Spell’s vibrant designs and picture-perfect store.
Relax like a boss
Finish your trip with some deep relaxation after you’ve worked so hard lying at the beach, sipping on cocktails and snacking on local goods. Book a treatment at Comma and relax your body and soul. Their signature treatments like Sticks and Stone use warm stones to give you a deep massage that will banish all stress and tension from your body. It’s a perfect ending to your trip!
Byron Bay is a must-visit location for all travelers, so make sure to hit it this year and enjoy an adventure filled with fun, activities, fresh air, beautiful natural sights and some tasty food and drinks—that’s Byron for you!
