Discover Byron Bay With Our Top Things to Do

If you’re contemplating taking a bit of a break instate, Byron Bay should definitely be included in your itinerary. Byron Bay is a large coastal town in New South Wales, renowned for its picturesque natural beaches and hikes, serene scenery, and vivacious culture. Byron Bay offers an endless array of possibilities for leisure, exploration, and adventure. 

In this travel guide of Byron Bay, we have put together some activities that this beachside town is most known for, along with some great places to eat and iconic tourist spots to document your visit!

Things To Do In Byron Bay, Australia

1. Visit the Byron Bay Lighthouse

The Byron Bay Lighthouse is an iconic landmark and a mandatory visitation for Byron Bay visitors. It’s a popular destination for Byron Bay tourists at sunrise, when it’s breathtaking panoramic vista of the town and the Pacific Ocean is beautifully lit up in a soft golden light.

After relishing a scenic stroll towards the lighthouse, you can continue enjoying the view with coffee and breakfast at the Byron Bay Lighthouse Cafe with a balcony spot that overlooks trees and the ocean. 

2. Explore the Beaches

Byron Bay is renowned for its stunning beaches – the region is saturated with them! From the ubiquitous Main Beach to the secluded Little Wategos Beach, there’s a sandy shore to suit every disposition. Don’t overlook Suffolk Park Beach, a hidden treasure trove with picturesque views and lesser crowds, and one of Australia’s most photographed beaches.

There are also many other beaches in Byron Bay to visit and experience: 

• Wategos Beach
• Belongil Beach
• The Pass
• Clarke’s Beach
• Tallow Beach

3. Take A Walk In The Hinterlands

Byron Bay’s Hinterlands is a haven for nature enthusiasts with its undulating hills, lush rainforests, and more. There’s so much to see like waterfalls at Minyon Falls, gorgeous surrounding rainforest or a magical glow worm cave which you can see by booking a private tour. 

There are also so many things to do.

Embark on a hike in Ewingsdale and explore the rainforest, or visit the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens for a unique and spiritual experience. 

For the person who loves to shop, there are also lots of small villages and towns in the Hinterland region with unique and eclectic boutiques, stalls and artisanal goods to discover something new. 

4. Experience the Surf

Byron Bay is one of the foremost surfing hotspots in Australia, boasting beaches with some of the most consistent swells throughout the year. Whether you’re a beginner or an adept surfer, there are numerous beaches for choice, surf schools to get lessons and rental shops to get your gear. 

The Pass is the most popular surfing spot on Byron Bay, with a variety of conditions to suit different types of surfing.

However, if you’re a beginner, Clarkes Beach offers perfect conditions to get started with gentle waves across a long sandbank. 

5. Unveil the Local Culture

Byron Bay has a vibrant and diverse culture with a burgeoning music and arts scene.

One of the easiest ways to feel the thriving local community spirit and get a sample of the local works of artists, craftspeople, fresh-grown produce and live music all in one place is with  Byron Bay’s many Regional Markets. There are many flea markets and farmers across the town every month, giving you an easy access point to what’s hot in Byron Bay – as well as a way to maybe meet some new people. 

The town is also home to some of Australia’s most iconic festivals and events, such as the Byron Comedy Festival, Byron Bay Music Festival, and Australia’s biggest winter music festival: Splendour in the Grass. So if you’re craving some cultural enrichment or inspiration, check out what’s happening in Byron Bay this year or this month. You might be lucky to be in town with something happening around the corner.

6. Savor the Local Cuisine

Wondering what to eat in Byron Bay? Thankfully you’re in luck if you’re experiencing the grumbles. Byron Bay is a haven for restaurants, cafes, bars and eateries that make the most of the picturesque location and laid-back atmosphere. There’s lots of places that will make for a delectable brunch that’s pretty enough for the gram, seafood restaurants that serve locally caught and fresh fish, as well as pubs, breweries and distilleries to experience artisanal liqueur straight from the source. 

There’s no doubt you’ll love discovering some of your new favourites in town, but these are some of our must-visit recommendations:

Balcony Bar and Oyster Co. will be loved by anyone who loves oysters and the idea of dining on them with some white bubbly overlooking the town from the restaurant’s famous tropical balcony view.

Bang Bang Byron Bay is renowned for its modern Asian menu, avant-garde interiors and inventive drinks. 

The Farm is not just a place for a good feed, but it also gives the opportunity for educational farm tours and animal feeding to learn more about how food goes from the farm to the table. As the name suggests, it is a real working farm and one of Byron Bay’s favourite attractions with many micro-businesses inside: like the Three Blue Ducks restaurant, The Bread Social bakery and Baylato Gelato.

7. Visit the Cape Byron Marine Park

Want to explore to connect to some of Australia’s local marine life? The Cape Byron Marine Park is a protected area that harbours various marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and whales. The easiest way to see these amazing creatures up close is by embarking on a boat or snorkelling tour. Taking a kayak ride here almost guarantees you a chance to get a close encounter with a dolphin. An experience that you’ll likely never forget.

There’s a lot going on in Byron Bay, so no matter your interests you can create an itinerary that caters to the things that make you happy. Whether you’re seeking the surf, some exploration, or a fun-filled roadtrip with some mates, Byron Bay has the activities! So, pack your bags, and start planning your trip to the city and what Byron Bay attractions you’re going to see. 

In Byron Bay and Mullumbimby we offer our Popcar Hybrid vehicles which are perfect cars to zip around in around the region, or we also offer two seater commercial vans that have a lot of space in the back for surfboards or any other adventure items. Read more about our car options on Popcar.

Popcar makes it easy to do day trips without having to rely on public transport or get stuck in an expensive car hire loan. You can book immediately or in advance to hire a car for only a short amount of time to cover you throughout the time of your vacation. 

Learn more about becoming a member to access easy and affordable car sharing just when you need it.