Local Experiences

Byron Bay has so much to offer; beautiful beaches, killer surf, stunning sunsets, cliff top walks, national parks, local markets, great eats and luxury health retreats. This laid back surf town has got it all.


Byron Bay is renowned for its natural beauty, holistic lifestyle, cosmopolitan culture, and year-round subtropical weather.  Temperatures average at 25°C daily, perfect for strolling along the beachfront of some of the most pristine beaches in Australia.


Byron Bay Beaches

Byron Bay beaches are legendary in the surfing community. The surf breaks are some of the best in the world and on beautiful, clean, turquoise waters.

Even if you are not a surfer, you will enjoy the unique energy these stunning beaches have. Cape Byron, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, you can be amongst the first to watch the sunrise from the majestic lighthouse, or watch the dolphins and whales at play. It is truly magical.  

Clarkes Beach
Clarkes Beach is located just across the road and is between Main Beach and The Pass. A wonderful beach for families with some fun rock and tidal pools. Clarkes is a nice quiet beach and a lovely spot to watch the sun rise over the ocean or set behind the distant hinterland.
Main Beach
Main Beach is the perfect spot for swimming and lounging in the sun and is patrolled daily by lifeguards. From Main Beach you can continue walking down to the Wreck and Belongil Beaches. 

The Pass
Whether you’re a soul surfer or surf school novice The Pass is Byron’s most famous surf break. A combination of white sand and glassy turquoise water its not surprising that perfect right handers peeling down the beach draw a crowd. 

Wategos
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches, Wategos is surrounded by lush rainforest, it’s Byron Bay’s most exclusive beachfront suburb. It’s popular with the laid back long boarders who flock to this break and is a highlight on the scenic walk to the Byron Bay Lighthouse. 

Tallow Beach and Cosy Corner
Tallow Beach is a six and half kilometre stretch of beach between the Cape Byron Conservation Area and Broken Head Nature Reserve. It is part of Arakwal National Park.  Tallow Beach is a very popular beach and is great for swimming, surfing, beach walking, fishing and even bird watching. Look out for Osprey and White-bellied Sea Eagles.

Tallow Beach is prone to strong rips so is not recommended for beginners, only experienced surfers and strong swimmers should go here.

Coastal Walks

Byron Bay Lighthouse

Approximately an hour walk (4km round trip from the Beach House), embark on a hike that winds through rainforest, beach and cliff tops, arriving at the Cape Byron Lighthouse summit, the most easterly point of Australia. Take in the view once you reach the headland to the West the beautiful Border ranges and Mt Warning and to the East spot dolphins, rays and turtles . Cape Byron is listed as one of the best vantage points to view the Humpback whales in the winter season.  If the lighthouse is open, it is well worth taking a tour to the top to see the stunning views and the impressive light itself – the strongest light in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Fisherman’s Lookout
A leisurely stroll to your right once on the beach will take you to the end of the Bay known as The Pass. Best at low tide, you can climb the stairway to Fisherman’s Lookout for a panoramic ocean view, watch the surfers below and capture some amazing photos. 

Sunset Walk
Leave yourself an hour before sunset to take a walk along Belongil Beach, to the left of Main Beach. On the way back, stop off at The Wreck and take in the drumming circle (Friday – Sunday, sometimes weekdays) where local troupadours and rhythm makers come to drum, dance and shake off the day. 

Shopping 

Farmers Markets
Don’t miss the vibrant scene every Thursday morning from 7 – 11am where you can stock up on organic fruit, veggies and local products including honey, macadamia nuts and sourdough loaves. It’s worth going for a brown paper bag breakfast, fresh muffins, local coffee, listen to some music and get caught up in the local vibe. 

Craft Markets

From local produce to crystal jewellery, the local craft markets are a colourful tapestry of all that’s good about the area. Over 100 stallholders sell arts and crafts, there are musicians to entertain and delicious food stalls to tempt you. The markets are held from about 8am – 3pm. 

  • Byron Bay – First Sunday of the month or fortnightly in summer

  • Brunswick Heads – First Saturday of the month

  • The Channon – Second Sunday of the month

  • Nimbin – Third Sunday of the month

  • Mullumbimby – Third Saturday of the month

  • Bangalow – Fourth Sunday of the month

Stores
Island Luxe Tribe, Rowie, 11.11, Hope & May, Spell & the Gypsy Collective and Nikau to name a few, are all unique to Byron and worth a shopping fix. If you’re here over the weekend try your luck at the pop up second hand yard stores from Byron out to Suffolk Park! And not to be missed Book Room to pick up a holiday read. Habitat is located in the Industrial Estate and is great for finding beautiful local wares.

Nearby Towns 

Newrybar
Harvest is forever our go-to suggestion for a scenic drive followed by a long lunch, then pop next door and peruse local gourmet goods at their Bakery and Deli. Next door you’ll find Driftlab and across the road Newrybar Merchants, a creative collective of local artisans in a charming 1890s dwelling turned concept store. 

Bangalow
The main street of Bangalow is lined with cafes and eclectic stores, our favourites – Our Corner Store, Bangalow Flower Bar and Island Luxe. Bangalow Pub captures the beautiful country green palmy out look while enjoying a cold beverage. Behind the pub you’ll find a few more hidden gems. Bisque home wares and Woods Cafe for a healthy local produce lunch along the way.  For the best cakes in the area, Town, is located in the main street and is a must!

Brunswick Heads

This little coastal town north of Byron Bay is a 15-minute drive and is the home of the infamous “must book ahead” Fleet Restaurant and Brunswick Pub’s beer garden. Brunswick is set between the ocean and a crystal clear river, so it’s also an ideal day trip for some stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. 

Federal

The pilgrimage to the country town of Federal (around 40 minutes drive from Byron Bay) for lunch at Doma is well worth it for rustic, home-style Japanese dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting. Be sure to order the tempura and cone- shaped hand rolls made with organic brown rice. 

Mullumbimby

Australia’s “Biggest Little Town”, Mullumbimby is a 20-minute drive north of Byron Bay. Meander around the vintage, craft and health food stores before enjoying a wood fire pizza at Milk & Honey or a delicious pastry from Scratch.