Not only does byron have pristine beaches and excellent surf breaks. Its also known for its incredible food, vibrant community, famous festivals, and an abundance of tourist attactrions. Below are a few options to get you ready for your next holiday...
Visit Cape Byron lighthouse
Marking the easternmost point on the Australian mainland, Cape Byron is also famous for being home to one of Australia’s most beautiful lighthouses. Perched atop the headland, the Victorian-style Cape Byron Lighthouse is one of Byron Bay’s most visited landmarks. From the lighthouse, you can follow the track down to the Point. Cape Byron is also an important place for the Bundjalung people, the traditional custodians of Byron Bay. Known for thousands of years as Cavanba, the headland was renowned for its physical and spiritual gifts, as well as being a place for cultural, social and religious gatherings.
Browse local markets
Byron Bay is renowned for its vibrant and diverse markets, which offer a unique shopping and cultural experience. Here is some information about the markets in Byron Bay:
Byron Bay Community Market: Held on the first Sunday of every month at the Butler Street Reserve, the Byron Community Market is one of the most popular in the area. It features a wide range of stalls selling locally made products, including arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, homewares, fresh produce, and more. The market also hosts various food stalls, live music performances, and entertainment, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Byron Farmers Market: Taking place every Thursday morning at the Butler Street Reserve, the Farmers Market is a haven for fresh and organic produce. Here, you can find a wide selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, dairy products, honey, preserves, and more. The market provides an opportunity to support local farmers and producers while enjoying the best of Byron Bay's local food scene.
Byron Bay Twilight Market: Held during the summer months (usually from October to March) on Saturday evenings from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It takes place at Railway Park, showcasing an array of local arts and crafts, fashion, accessories, and food stalls. The market is accompanied by live music, creating a relaxed and enjoyable ambiance as visitors shop, eat, and socialise.
Walk the trails
Byron Bay is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and offers a variety of walking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some notable walking trails in and around Byron Bay:
Cape Byron Walking Track: This iconic 3.7kmloop takes you to the easternmost point of mainland Australia. The trail winds along the coastline, providing breathtaking views of the ocean, cliffs, and wildlife. You can also spot the Cape Byron Lighthouse along the way. Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and whales during their migration season.
Minyon Falls Walking Track: Located in Nightcap National Park, this 7.5kmreturn hike takes you through lush rain forest to the spectacular Minyon Falls. The trail features several lookout points offering panoramic vistas of the waterfall and the surrounding countryside.
Broken Head Nature Reserve: This coastal reserve offers a range of walking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. The Three Sisters Walking Track is a 1.6km loop that takes you through rainforest, over headlands, and along pristine beaches. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great spot for whale watching during migration season.
Tyagarah Nature Reserve: This reserve is known for its secluded beach and beautiful coastal scenery. The Tyagarah Nature Reserve Walking Track is a short 1.6km loop that takes you through coastal heathland and offers glimpses of the ocean. The reserve is also home to the clothing-optional Tyagarah Beach.
Shopping at local boutiques
If you miss out on the markets, fear not, Byron is famed for its amazing shopping opportunities – especially for alternative, boho-chic fashion, homeware, arty jewellery and eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives. A little way out of town, the Arts & Industry Estate is also worth a visit, with plenty of pop-up shops and workshops. A 20-minute drive inland from Byron, Bangalow is also known for its independent boutiques and local designers. Or stay in Byron and try out Spell and the Gypsy Collective.
Visit a café – or many..
Along with surfing and shopping – and, of course, the laid-back lifestyle – Byron Bay’s café culture is world-renowned. Whether you’re after breakfast, brunch or lunch, or just fancy a caffeinated pick-me-up, Byron Bay’s café scene is on point. From the decor – predominantly white with earthy accents, timber and repurposed pallet furniture, bar stools and occasional pops of colour – to the artisan coffee and the perfectly presented food, Byron’s cafés are the perfect blend of simplicity and luxury. One of the best you can try is Bayleaf, just a stone’s throw from the beach itself.
Visit The Farm
A couple of kilometres out of town, ‘The Farm’ is an 80-acre operational farm with animals, gardens and on-site workshops, as well as a great café-restaurant and produce store. Home to a devoted community of growers, educators and producers, including a local brewery, the Farm has become a symbol of the town’s passion for sustainable, eco-friendly initiatives. It is well worth a visit when you’re in Byron Bay.
Snorkel Cape Byron Marine Park
Stretching from the Brunswick River to Lennox Head, the Cape Byron Marine Park has plenty of unique marine habitats, including sandy bays, rocky reefs, submerged pinnacles, rugged rocky islands, estuaries, coastal creeks and lakes, mangroves, and salt marshes. The Cape Byron Marine Park’s underwater world is pretty incredible, with over 400 species of tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays and wobbegong sharks. You can also explore the waterways and ocean habitats by kayak or paddle-board and go fishing, hiking and bird watching from the mainland.
Go Whale Watching
During the whale migration season, from May to October, Byron Bay is a prime spot to watch humpback whales as they make their way north for winter. Although you can sometimes catch a glimpse of them from the mainland with a good pair of binoculars, the best way to see these incredible creatures is by joining a whale-watching tour.
For bookings visit - www.outoftheblueadventures.com.au
Horse Riding on the Beach
Embark on a spectacular horse trail ride through beautiful sub-tropical woodlands before arriving at Belongil Beach. Here you can trot along the secluded shoreline, observe bird life and marvel at the crystal clear waters, enjoying views back toward the lighthouse and out to Julian Rocks.
For bookings visit - www.zephyrhorses.com
Sea Kayaking with Dolphins
Paddle a kayak alongside bottlenose dolphins in scenic Byron Bay on this guided tour. As you experience these gentle creatures, learn about the protected habitat of Cape Byron Marine Park (park fees are included in the tour price) and catch a glimpse of historic Cape Byron Light. Conclude your adventure with tea and refreshments on the beach. No kayaking experience is required to enjoy this tour.
For bookings visit - www.capebyronkayaks.com
Hot Air Ballooning
Feel the magic of floating among the clouds and with the rising sun during this hot air balloon flight over Byron Bay. Take in the beauty of the ocean and the rolling hills on the hinterland from a unique perspective.
For bookings visit - www.balloonaloft.com
Skydive Over Byron
Send your senses into overdrive as you tandem skydive over the spectacular Byron Bay from 15,000ft! Experience invigorating freefall for up to 60 seconds, before the parachute is opened and you float peacefully back down to ground, taking in this world-class region from above.
For bookings visit - www.skydive.com.au/locations/byron-bay
