Byron Bay - stylish coastal town

Things to do

Start at sunrise: Cape Byron is the most easterly point in Australia — so don’t miss being one of the first to see the sun come up. Wander through the shade of bangalow palms along the Cape Byron walking track up to Cape Byron Bay Lighthouse. It’s a stunning way to begin your Byron journey.

Surf and swim

Byron’s picturesque beaches and surf breaks attract families and surfers all year round. Popular spots include the patrolled Main Beach, as well as Clarkes and Wategos beaches.

Little Wategos is Australia's easternmost beach, accessible on foot, and The Pass is an Instagram-worthy surf beach with a famous right-hand point break. Let’s Go Surfing Byron Bay hosts surf lessons throughout Byron with special women’s classes and Surf Groms for children.

Swim or snorkel with turtles and fish at Julian Rocks, jump on board a seasonal whale watching tour, or kayak with dolphins around Wategos.

Farm Gate: Immerse yourself in a peaceful farm experience at Farm&Co Kingscliff, about 45 minutes from Byron Bay. The stunning family-owned farm grows avocados, sunflowers, herbs, organic vegetables and is home to cattle, horses and pigs. Pick up vibrant greens, honey and fresh farm eggs at the store, then take off your shoes and explore sunflower fields while breathing in fresh country air.

Magic Crystals: A visit to the Crystal Castle is truly unique. Amongst lush subtropical gardens you’ll discover a crystal cave, be at peace near the largest stone Buddha in Australia, and marvel at the huge spires of sparkling crystals, the Crystal Guardians. At over five metres each, they are some of the world’s tallest smoky quartz geodes.

Shop at bohemian boutiques: Byron Bay is renowned for high-end boutiques brimming with fashion, handmade arts and crafts, and stylish homewares. Cult, homegrown local fashion brand, Spell & the Gypsy Collective, has its flagship store on Marvell Street, selling whimsical dresses and pretty outfits. Pop into Etnix Byron Bay for bohemian festival clothing or Hope & May for straw sun hats, lightweight cotton towels, and shell necklaces. Discover artisan collections of homewares at Island Luxe or head to Byron Bay Candles to purchase Australian hand-poured natural pure soy candles and reed diffusers with pure essential oils and natural fragrances.

Byron Bay Brews: Byron Bay is home to cool craft beer brewers and boutique distilleries. Husk Distillers is nestled in the pretty Tweed Valley about 45 minutes from Byron Bay. Book a table or spot on the lawn to sample their famed innovative spirits such as Husk Rum or Ink Gin with 13 organic botanicals.

Amongst macadamia plantations and rainforest in the Byron Bay hinterland, discover Cape Byron Distillery where you can try gin, whisky and cocktails or embark on a unique distillery tour. For craft beers, Stone & Wood Brewery produce fresh, regional beers brewed from the finest hops and malt. Try the crisp Green Coast Lager or the cloudy, aromatic Original Pale Ale.

Go horse riding: Zephyr Horses is a unique coastal horse ranch in Byron Bay. They offer small, personalised horse tours on the beach, in the beautiful subtropical woodlands, and at The Farm. Saddle up and enjoy the picturesque views around Byron on horseback!

Whale Spotting: While you might spot a whale as you walk along the coast and up to the high point of Cape Byron, get closer with a cruise through the stunning Cape Byron National Park in search of humpback whales with Out of the Blue Adventures. Based in Ballina, their modern eco vessel seats just 20 people with 360-degree views, exploring secluded stretches of coastline accessible only by water.

Byron by Balloon: Get a birds’ eye view of Byron Bay with Balloon Aloft Byron Bay Adventures. Rise up above the surfers and the Byron bustle and have a beautiful view of the beaches, hinterland, lighthouse and more. Balloon Aloft have been flying for over 40 years in Australia: your comfort and safety is assured. For the Byron flight experience you meet at The Farm, Byron Bay.

Where To Eat

Byron Bay’s dining scene is bursting with local produce and a variety of cuisines, farm-to-plate eateries and coastal cafes offering everything from cold-pressed juices to sushi and raw food. Byron Bay has mastered a playful approach to food, with Mexican cantinas, coastal cafes, and fresh seafood.

Boutique retreat Raes on Wategos is known for its pristine location, but also its exceptional food. Raes Dining Room offers a unique, authentic dining experience and a menu with a Mediterranean influence in a laid-back yet elegant al fresco dining space.

Taste fresh seafood at Beach Byron Bay or Balcony Bar and Oyster Co, which is just metres back from the main beach and offers amazing seasonal food from locally sourced and sustainable suppliers. For gourmet fish and chips, head to the popular Fishmongers Byron Bay.

Zentveld's Coffee Plantation and Roastery, based in the hills behind Byron Bay in Newrybar, is one of the few farms in Australia which grows, roasts, and makes espresso out of the coffee beans all in one place. This ensures all their organic products maintain the highest quality. Make sure you try the Byron Blend!

INSIDER TIP: For the full farm-to-plate experience, visit The Farm Byron Bay — a café and restaurant from the team at Three Blue Ducks in Bronte, Sydney. The Farm has a petting zoo, cooking school, foraging trail and picnic spots to enjoy the goodies from the onsite store. The 80-acre property is a working farm and home to a community of growers, producers and educators passionate about sustainable methods. Visitors can tour the grounds, dine at Three Blue Ducks, and visit animals such as chickens, cattle and pigs.

Credits: Destination NSW