In this travel guide about Byron Bay, we tell you exactly why Byron Bay is so much fun! What activities you can do here and what the hotspots of Byron Bay are. This blog also contains the best (backpacker) hotels, best beaches of Byron Bay and of course were to eat in this beach town!
Byron Bay: a must-visit when travelling along the Australian East Coast!
Everyone we spoke to beforehand absolutely loved Byron Bay. Well, since we are backpacking through Australia, this is an excellent opportunity to see what the whole hype is about. After spending five days in Byron Bay, we left this little paradise with a little pain in our hearts. We now fully understand why everyone is crazy about this place so much!
Byron Bay is a magnet for hippies, hipsters and backpackers. People walk barefoot, there is great street performers and don’t be surprised if you see a man passing by with just a rainbow flag. The surf town attracts nice boutiques and healthy restaurants. The backpackers ensure that everything remains somewhat affordable. And the hippies keep the atmosphere mellow. All in all a sweet melting pot!
With its beautiful long beaches, friendly people, a relaxed vibe and excellent restaurants, Byron Bay is a place where you automatically feel at ease. This is a perfect place where you can easily spend a week, a month, or live permanently.
Tip: Allow enough days for Byron Bay, we recommend a minimum of three nights!
9 things to do and experience in Byron Bay!
Besides relaxing on the beach, there is much more to do in Byron Bay! Below are nine activities and attractions that you shouldn’t skip while visiting Byron!
1. Learn to surf the most beautiful beaches in Byron Bay!
Byron Bay is a true surf paradise. Everywhere you see cool surf dudes and surf chicks who walk with their board under the arm and just come and go the sea. Since the waves are perfect and the sand is soft without barely any rocks, it is really a fantastic place for surfing. a pro or just a beginner. This place is great for improving your surf skills. In the need for a surf school? Click here to directly book a private surf lesson!
2. Hike to the Byron Bay lighthouse during sunrise
At the very tip of Byron Bay, also the most western point of mainland Australia, there is a beautiful lighthouse. Start your day like a local and hike during the sunrise. You are guaranteed of a beautiful view and healthy exercise!
Tip: definitely walk to the end of the path where to ocean hits the rocks. Here you see the force of nature: how the water hits the cliffs!
3. Byron Bay hotspots: Go shopping at one of many (designer) shops in Byron Bay
Are you ready for a new wardrobe? Byron Bay is full of great shops! For us, it was just window shopping, but we saw beautiful clothes and accessories. Our favourite shops are Unplugged, Spell, Salt Gypsy and Magic Child.
4. Hike around the impressive Minyon Falls!
A half-hour drive from Byron Bay, you will find yourself in a completely different world. Welcome to the countryside with mountains in the distance, you will find a real rainforest here: the Nightcap National Park. This park consists of a large jungle and high cliffs. And of course the Minyon Falls. This over 100-meter high waterfall is quite impressive!
From the Minyon Falls Lookout point, you can see the waterfall from above (perfect if you are with children or don’t have much time). From here you also have a view of the rainforest that lies at the foot of the cliffs of this waterfall. If you are ready for a workout, hike the Minyon Falls Loop.
This hike is about 13 kilometers long. You walk among tall palm trees all the way to the base of the waterfall, which gives a completely different perspective. It is a nice hike that you can cover in three to four hours!
Note: the hike is not a real loop, you either go back the same way when you came or you walk a bit on the paved road.
Do you not have your own transport or do you not want to do this hike on your own? Then consider booking a tour. You will also visit the nice town of Bangalow! Click here for more information.
5. Experience farm life at The Farm, 5 miles from Byron Bay
A must when you go to Byron Bay is to visit The Farm. This fun concept consisting of a large farm, flower shop, coffee shop and restaurant is perfect if you are travelling with children! But even without children, this is worthwhile and fun to see.
It is fun to walk through the meadows in the sun, past all kinds of animals. In the large orchards, you can look for nuts (macadamia and pecan). Crack and eat them on the spot! And finally, you can enjoy great food in the restaurant Three Blue Ducks!
Looking for an adventure in your itinerary through East Australia? Visit Fraser Island!
6. Kayak with dolphins in Cape Byron Marine Park!
Cape Byron Marine Park is not far from Byron Bay. Hundreds of dolphins, turtles and even whales live here for part of the year! You can view all these beautiful animals by kayak and you even have a 99% guarantee that you will see dolphins.
You can kayak with dolphins in the marine park of Byron Bay from €37.50. Click here for more information.
7. Eat the most delicious organic, healthy dishes at one of the many trendy restaurants!
Byron Bay is really full of nice cafés, restaurants and cool hotspots. So there is no shortage of quality food, delicious cocktails and wines.
Here are our favourite restaurants, cafés and hotspots in Byron Bay:
Hotspot Byron Bay: Twisted Sista Cafe: For the tastiest cakes, lasagna and quiches, Twisted Sista Cafe is the place to be.
Hotspot Byron Bay: The Top Shop: Located in an old milk bar, The Top Shop is a cute restaurant. You can eat tasty burgers here, but you can also enjoy a healthy breakfast. Note: The Top Shop closes at 4 pm.
Hotspot Byron Bay: Treehouse on Belongil: Fancy a beer, pizza or party? Then Treehouse on Belongil is your place! It is close to the trendy beach Belongil.
Hotspot Byron Bay: Byron Fresh: This cozy restaurant near the beach is always packed. The perfect place for brunch, coffee and drinks. All food is organic and comes from the surrounding area.
Hotspot Byron Bay: The Mez Club: Tired of all that Australian food? Then visit The Mez Club and enjoy Mediterranean dishes!
8. Visit one of the fun markets in Byron Bay
Almost every day there is a market in Byron Bay, or in one of the surrounding villages! You have the farmers market, the antique market, the organic market and our favourite a small flea market. In Byron Bay, these markets take place on Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
At the small flea market that is held every Saturday, you will find stalls with clothing, furniture and rugs, coffee and above all a cosy atmosphere.
9. Take a ride on the first solar train in the world!
The first fully solar-powered train runs in Byron Bay. A short drive (10 minutes) takes you from the center of Byron Bay to North Beach Station, a hip neighbourhood of artists, cafes and Stone & Wood brewery. Perfect for when you want to get away from the tourist centre of Byron Bay.
The other way around is also a good option: park your car at North Beach Station and take the train to the centre. A one-way ticket costs $4 for adults and $2 for children.
Also, planning to visit the Sunshine Coast? Make sure you don’t miss out on Noosa!
Byron Bay budget tips for backpacking by campervan through Australia
Due to its popularity, Byron Bay is unfortunately not cheap. Below are budget tips for Byron Bay and scroll down to find two nice budget hotels!
1. Fill your tank completely before entering Byron Bay. The gas stations in Byron Bay charge an average of 20 cents per litre more than the gas stations just outside Byron Bay!
2. Free parking in Byron Bay? Drive a little further outside of the centre. Here you can park for free. In the city centre, every parking spot is paid ($4 per hour). However, if you drive just a bit out of the main streets, you can find free parking spots on Shirley Street and Lawson Street!
3. Go shopping in Byron Bay at the Aldi. Yes, there is an Aldi in Byron Bay. Perfect for some budget shopping!
4. Buy your wine/beers outside Byron Bay or at The Great Northern Bottle Shop. Most liquor stores charge high prices for alcohol. So buy your wine or beer outside Byron Bay or at The Great Northern Bottle Shop where normal prices are used.
Where is Byron Bay and how do you get here?
Byron Bay is a small town on the east coast of Australia in the state of New South Whales. It is two hours south of Brisbane and over eight hours north of Sydney. Below is a handy itinerary along the east coast of Australia where you also visit Byron Bay
Map of Australia: Byron Bay and other top attractions of the east coast
What is a logical itinerary for Byron Bay in the East Aoast of Australia?
Are you travelling along the East Coast of Australia and do you want to include Byron Bay in your itinerary? Then consider the following itinerary: travelling from Sydney to Brisbane on a two-week road trip! The destinations you will visit in this itinerary are the following:
Sydney – Blue Mountains – Hunters Valley – Port Macquarie – Byron Bay – Gold Coast – Brisbane
Looking for a nice itinerary for the East Coast of Australia? Then read our Australia east coast itinerary blog!
The best beaches of Byron Bay: our top 5 list!
Byron Bay is surrounded by fine beaches. From locals to tourists, everyone seems to spend most of the day on the beach. Not surprising, the soft sand and blue sea are irresistible. Below our favourite beaches around Byron Bay.
Main Beach
Main Beach is the beach located right at the centre. It borders on a lawn where you can sunbathe.
Wategos Beach and Little Wategos Beach
Wategos Beach and Little Wategos Beach are sheltered bays near the lighthouse of Byron Bay and are especially popular among surfers!
Belongil Beach
Belongil Beach located in the North of Byron Bay has a more hippy vibe. There are surfers here too, but the atmosphere is more relaxed and you see people doing yoga on the beach.
The Pass & Clarke’s Beach
The Pass and Clarkes Beach: These two beaches are next to each other and are great if you want to learn to surf! You will find fewer tourists and a lot of locals here who enjoy the sun and the salty water.
Tip: Walk to the end of The Pass. Here you will find Fisherman’s Lookout from where you have a beautiful view of the bay and the surfers!
Tallow Beach
Tallow Beach: This mile-long beach south of Byron is very quiet. So you really have all the space here!
The best (budget) hotels and campgrounds in Byron Bay!
We travel by campervan through Australia. So, we sleep at campgrounds. There are several campgrounds in Byron Bay itself, but unfortunately, these are very expensive. There are no free campgrounds close to Byron Bay. However, just outside Byron Bay, there is a very nice campground where you sleep for $29 a night. This clean Ingenia Holidays campground has a swimming pool, unlimited Wi-Fi and the 3rd night is free!
Below, you find our budget recommendations for good hotels and hostels. Click here for more hotels in Byron Bay!
Byron Bay YHA € 
This cosy hostel has a swimming pool, BBQ night and free Wi-Fi! There are dorms (€14 per person) and private rooms (€46 for two people).
Book now!Byron Palms Guesthouse €€
This stylish bed and breakfast with swimming pool is within walking distance of Byron Bay. You sleep here from €54 in a beautiful room including breakfast!
Book now!The Bower Byron Bay €€€ 
Need a little more luxury? Then spend the night at the luxurious Bower Byron Bay. Including swimming pool, you sleep here from €120 a night.
Check out our Australia hotel guide: our favorite hotels both budget & luxury accommodations!
Click here for more Australia blogs!
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