Byron Bay is undoubtedly the most charming surf town on Australia’s east coast. It attracts many travelers and locals who come for the delightful cafes, boutique shops, markets, and vibrant nightlife. In the evening, the many street musicians create a lively atmosphere in the town center. Add to that the stunning beaches and exciting activities you can do here, and it’s no surprise that Byron Bay is a favorite destination for many travelers in Australia. Below, you’ll find things to do, great places to eat, nightlife spots, and cozy places to stay. Here are 10 tips for Byron Bay!

Things to Do in Byron Bay

The following activities are a must in Byron Bay.

Watch the Sunrise at Cape Byron Light

Cape Byron is the easternmost point of the Australian mainland, and perched atop it is a 23-meter (75 feet) high lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1901 and is perfectly situated to catch the sunrise. From here, you can gaze out over the ocean, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to spot whales, especially between May and September. Dolphins are also frequently spotted here.

Parking at Cape Byron Light: It can get busy at Cape Byron Light during sunrise. There are a few parking spaces at the entrance, but they fill up quickly. A little further down the road, there’s another (paid) parking lot with more space. This is the location of the parking lot.

Kayak with Dolphins, Turtles, and (if you’re lucky) Whales

You can easily spot dolphins, turtles, and whales from the Byron Bay coast, but kayaking among them is even more special! During the kayaking with dolphins tour, you’ll spend 2.5 hours on the water. Paddle past towering cliffs, beautiful coves, and the famous lighthouse. An enthusiastic guide will join you, sharing interesting facts about the area and the animals. As with all wildlife activities, it’s a matter of luck, but there’s a good chance you’ll encounter dolphins. They often swim up to the kayaks out of curiosity. Turtles are also frequently seen when they come up to the surface for air. The ultimate prize is, of course, spotting whales.

Whale Season on the East Coast of Australia: The best chance to spot whales is from June to October. Around 25,000 humpback whales migrate along the east coast of Australia during the whale season. From May to July, humpbacks migrate from Antarctica to warmer waters in Queensland to breed. From September to November, the whales return south, often with their calves. Young whales are particularly curious and swim closer to the surface, increasing your chances of spotting them!

(Learn to) Surf in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is synonymous with surfing. Surfers from all over the world come to Byron Bay to catch the best waves. The area features a mix of beach breaks, point breaks, and reef breaks, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. You can surf year-round, but the Australian summer months (December to February) are ideal for beginners, while the winter months (June to August) are perfect for more advanced surfers. The top surf spot in Byron Bay is The Pass. The waves are long and considered perfect by many surfers. As a result, the water can often get crowded. A bit further is Wategos Beach, perfect for beginner surfers. Not far from there is Tallows Beach, where you’ll find larger waves for more experienced surfers.

Surf Lesson Tip: Want to learn to surf in Byron Bay? Consider joining this 2-hour surf lesson. You’ll surf in a small group (maximum of 6 people per instructor), while learning all about surf techniques. You’ll be catching waves in no time!

Relax on Byron Bay’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Looking to spend a day relaxing on the beach? Byron Bay has five beaches, each with its own character.

• Main Beach – This expansive beach is right next to the center of Byron Bay. On nice days, Apex Park is usually busy with people sunbathing and occasionally taking a dip in the sea. Here, you’ll find a large grassy area, a barbecue, and public restrooms and showers. The large trees provide plenty of shaded areas. On busy days, street musicians or DJs often create a lively atmosphere.
• The Pass – Known as the most popular spot for surfers, it’s also worth visiting even if you’re not into surfing. The nearby The Pass Cafe is great for breakfast or lunch.
• Wategos Beach – This beach is usually quieter than Main Beach and The Pass. Plus, the calm waters make it perfect for swimming.
• Little Wategos Beach – Just a small walk away from Wategos Beach, this secluded spot is accessible only on foot.
• Tallow Beach – This expansive beach, located south of the lighthouse, is ideal for long beach walks. The sea here can be rough, so swimming is not recommended.

Tip: Most of the beaches are a little further from Byron Bay’s center. Traveling through Australia by bus without your own vehicle? Renting a bike is a great option! Byron Bay Travel Co is a good rental company.

Hike the Cape Byron Walking Track

The Cape Byron Walking Track is a lovely 3.7-kilometer (2.3-mile) trail. You’ll walk along winding paths surrounded by eucalyptus trees and pass by several beautiful coves and beaches. Along the way, there are plenty of signs with interesting information about the local flora and fauna. Keep an eye on the trees, as you may spot koalas. We saw one with a baby high in a eucalyptus tree! They often sit at the branch splits, so look carefully. During the hike, you can also spot whales and dolphins from various spots. The Maps.me app clearly shows the trail. There are a few short side trails leading to scenic spots and viewpoints. Don’t forget your swimwear, as you can take a refreshing dip in the beaches along the way.

Starting Point of Cape Byron Walking Track: There is no official start or end point for the trail, as it loops around. There are often plenty of parking spaces at this parking lot along the route.

Visit One of Byron Bay’s Many Markets

Do you love exploring markets? You’re in luck because Byron Bay hosts many different markets. Here’s a breakdown of them:

• Farmers Market – This local market is held every Thursday morning from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. It’s a small market but offers a great atmosphere with people picnicking and live music. The stalls sell local products like cheese, bread, and vegetables.
• Byron Twilight Market – Held every Saturday from October to April, this market runs from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. You’ll find many stalls selling jewelry, leather goods, clothing, and accessories. There are also food and drink stands.
• Byron Community Market – This market takes place on the first Sunday of every month, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. In December and January, there’s an additional market on the third Sunday of the month. Over 300 stalls sell handmade products, art, food, and live music.
• Byron Beachside Market – This market is held four times a year in January, Easter, July, and September/October. It’s a creative market with plenty of art, ceramics, and clothing.

Watch Surfers from Fisherman’s Lookout

As mentioned, The Pass is the top surf spot in Byron Bay, but even if you’re not surfing, it’s worth a visit. Right next to The Pass, you’ll find a rock with a viewpoint called Fisherman’s Lookout. This wooden platform sits on top of the rock and offers an amazing view of the expansive beach. The view is even better at sunset. Often, surfers wait in the water just beside the rock for the perfect wave.

Shop at Byron Bay’s Best Boutique Shops

Hopefully, you’ve saved some space in your suitcase because the center of Byron Bay is full of cute boutique shops that every shopaholic will love. You’ll find them as you wander through the town center, but here are four we recommend:

• Spell – This iconic Australian fashion brand is known for its bohemian style with lots of color, lace, and floral prints.
• OTTWAY the label – This shop caters to both men and women, with clothing and accessories like checkered shirts, overalls, and oversized bomber jackets.
• Mister Zimi – A colorful store, especially known for its dresses.
• Trash Vintage Byron Bay – A great spot for anyone who loves vintage clothing.

Hike to the 100-Meter (328-Foot) High Minyon Falls

Tucked away in a beautiful rainforest about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Byron Bay, you’ll find the 100-meter (328-foot) high Minyon Falls. It’s a 40-minute drive, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll drive along winding mountain roads through the rainforest, encountering beautiful plants and trees. Once you reach Minyon Falls, you can view the waterfall from a viewpoint. However, the view is limited, so it’s better to hike to the base of the falls for a better view. The 8-kilometer (5-mile) Minyon Falls Loop Walk takes you to the base. You’ll walk through stunning nature, but be aware that it’s quite strenuous due to the elevation changes. The hike takes about four hours in total.

Tip: During the dry season (November to April), the waterfall can be less spectacular due to low water levels, and it can get quite hot in the valley.

Nightlife in Byron Bay

We found Byron Bay to be the most lively destination we visited during our journey along Australia’s east coast. The town has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and events of all kinds, ensuring a fun night out, especially on weekends. In the center, you’ll often see posters of parties happening that week, but there are a few bars that are lively year-round.

The Railway Friendly Bar is a popular spot, as they’ve had live music every night for the past 30 years, from reggae and blues to funk, folk, and rock. Friday nights are especially lively. The Piano Bar is another great spot located inside The Northern Hotel, open seven nights a week. A grand piano sits in the center, and dancing happens around it.

Tip: In Australia, you always need to show your ID or passport to enter a bar or club, so don’t forget to bring it.

Our Favourite Restaurants in Byron Bay

• No Bones – We’ve eaten at many vegan restaurants around the world, and No Bones is definitely in our top three for the best meals. The menu is small, but everything sounds so good it’s hard to choose. The dishes are prepared with a lot of care, and everything is organic and sustainably sourced. While it’s a bit pricier, we promise it’s worth every dollar.
• The Farm Byron Bay – Just outside Byron Bay, you’ll find The Farm. It’s a large farm with animals, an orchard, and a restaurant. During a visit, you can walk around the farm and have a bite to eat at the restaurant.
• Bayleaf Cafe – This cafe is often busy, but the food is absolutely delicious. The French toast is our favorite.
• The Corner Store – For a more affordable breakfast or lunch, head to The Corner Store. They serve well-packed sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and coffee.
• Folk – This cute cafe is a little outside Byron Bay’s center but definitely worth the visit. The ambiance is super cozy, and the menu features delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. Every meal feels like a celebration.
• Chihuahua – There are many Mexican restaurants in Byron Bay, but none serve tacos and cocktails as authentic and delicious as Chihuahua.
• Trattoria Basiloco – A great Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizzas and traditional pasta dishes.
• The Cardamom Spot – This tiny lunch spot offers a selection of delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes from the buffet for a low price. We had a delightful lentil moussaka and Indian curry.
• Main Street Burger Bar – The place to go for burgers in Byron Bay. They also have vegetarian burgers on the menu.
• Orgasmic Food Byron Bay – Here, you can enjoy delicious falafel sandwiches and other Middle Eastern dishes. Perfect when you don’t want to have a big sit-down meal.

The Best Places to Stay in Byron Bay

Let’s get straight to the point: accommodation in Byron Bay isn’t cheap. It’s best to book well in advance to find affordable places to stay. The Surf House is centrally located and one of the best hostels in Byron Bay. It has a large rooftop terrace with a bar, perfect for eating, drinking, and having a great time. There’s also a pool table, a spacious communal kitchen, and free surfboards available. If you prefer accommodation with a pool, Wake Up! Byron Bay offers the same great atmosphere, but with a spacious garden and a lovely pool instead of a rooftop bar. It’s a bit outside the center, but close to the beach. For a more luxurious stay, The Lord Byron is a beautiful hotel with a large pool, hot tub, and even a tennis court. Free surfboards and bikes are available, and the rooms are luxurious with a spacious lounge area to relax in.

The Surf House More Info

Wake Up! Byron Bay More Info

The Lord Byron More Info