Chill Out In Byron Bay and Surrounds - What to do and Where to Stay
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Travel up the coast of New South Wales to Byron Bay in the Northern Rivers region. This well-known town is known for its alternative culture and is a popular tourist attraction. It is home to notable festivals, the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, stunning beaches, significant surf breaks, incredible food, small unique businesses and a thriving community. World Heritage rainforests, numerous waterfalls, and vibrant hinterland communities beyond Byron Bay. You might easily spend a couple of pleasant weeks here, taking up the sun, sampling the local fare, and exploring the area.
Lovely beaches and beautiful people are synonymous with Byron Bay and despite the area becoming extremely crowded in the holiday seasons, Byron will never lose its charm.
Where to stay in Byron Bay
Finding the right place to stay in Byron Bay can shape your entire experience, whether you’re here for a relaxed coastal escape or a weekend of good food, beaches and boutique shopping. From luxury stays with ocean views and resort-style amenities to more affordable options that still capture Byron’s laid-back charm, there’s something here for every style of traveller. Below, I’ve featured a standout high-end stay alongside a well-priced option, both offering great locations and a comfortable base to explore everything Byron Bay has to offer.
Just a short walk to Byron’s town centre and quiet Tallow Beach, modern studio.
Average $197 per night best for singles or couples
A newly built, multi level, light filled sanctuary bordering the Arakwal national park.
Average $455 per night. Sleeps 6 (two bedrooms)
Where to Eat in Byron Bay
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Byron Bay, these are a few spots I’ve been keeping an eye on. Beach Byron Bay is hard to beat for its absolute beachfront setting and relaxed coastal feel, while Light Years Byron Bay brings a vibrant, modern Asian menu that’s as stylish as it is popular. Bang Bang Byron Bay has a similar energy, known for bold flavours and a lively atmosphere, and Treehouse offers a more laid-back option with woodfired pizza, live music and a setting that feels very Byron.
What to do in Byron Bay
Cape Byron Lighthouse is worth the visit
The Cape Byron Lighthouse is one of Byron Bay's most prominent features. It is still operational and is located on the easternmost point of Australia's landmass. Construction was completed in 1901, and lighthouse keepers operated it until 1989, when it became automated.
A 20-minute guided tour is available for a gold coin donation every day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn more about its history. You can also learn about the waters at the Maritime Museum, which is located at the base of the tower. Nature lovers can watch a breathtaking sunrise or glimpse migratory whales between June and November. The lighthouse walk is also part of the Cape Byron Walking Track, which leads to additional spectacular viewpoints and vantage points.
Unwind at Byron Bay's Main Beach
The closest beach to the town centre is Byron Main Beach, monitored during the summer months. It's a popular and lively spot with a long stretch of sand and lovely, tranquil waves. Parking, a playground, picnic areas, barbecues, showers, and public restrooms are all available, making it ideal for families.
Beginner surfers can learn to surf on the calm waves, or relax in the sun, have a dip, and take in the views of The Pass and Cape Byron. Best of all, when you've worked up a sun-kissed hunger, Byron Bay's excellent restaurants and cafes are just a short walk away.
Nightcap National Park
Nightcap National Park is a world-heritage listed subtropical rainforest with waterfalls, glow-worm caverns, and breathtaking mountain views. Nightcap, located a little under an hour from Byron Bay, is part of the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Parks and is home to the famous Protestors Falls. In the middle of Nightcap, Protestors Falls was the site of massive protests in the 1970s to protect the gorgeous rainforest, solidifying Byron and its environs as a hub for activism, environmentalism, and country care. The waterfalls are the most prominent after rainfall.
Discover Byron Bay Activities
Byron Bay Hinterland
If you love rainforests, The World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests are home to massive tree ferns, luscious palms, and cascading streams, to name a few. There are 41 Gondwana rainforest national parks and reserves along Australia's east coast, and five of them are in the Byron Bay hinterland: Border Ranges, Wollumbin, Mebbin, Nightcap, and Limpinwood. These parks provide a variety of excursions, from short 20-minute strolls to all-day hikes, as well as half-day driving loops along the Rainforest Way. The Wollumbin-Mount Warning Circuit, which begins in Murwillumbah, 57 kilometres (35 miles) north of Byron Bay, and loops around the base of Mount Warning, is one of the most beautiful.
The Nimbin Markets
The Nimbin Markets are poised to delight your senses with a wide range of foods, beverages, clothing, crystals, and stunning handcrafted goods looking for a new home. Nimbin is famed for its grass festival, but it's also home to many organic and handmade goods, from hand lotions to hemp linen!
You'll find eccentric antique boutiques, vintage second-hand shops, and genuinely unique finds all along Bangalow's main strip.
The Farm Byron Bay
The Farm is a Byron Bay landmark. It redefines the farm-to-table concept by being located just outside of town on Ewingsdale Road. "Grow, Feed, Educate" is their philosophy, and it shows in the variety of microbusinesses and activities provided. The facility is a fully operational farm with hens, pigs, and cattle spread across 80 acres of lush land.
The Three Blue Ducks restaurant, The Bread Social bakery, The Produce Store, and Baylato gelato are nearby. There are also two nurseries, kids' activities, adult classes, and a Grower's Collective Market Garden that supplies the restaurant and community. Stop in to take it all in — have a delectable meal, purchase fresh vegetables or baked goodies, and learn more about where your food originates from, all while breathing in some pure rural air.