Top things to do Byron Bay

A holiday in Byron Bay conjures up images of beaches, sunshine, surfing and yoga... and it provides all that and more. There are so many options to keep you entertained in and around Byron Bay. Here is our list of favourite things to do, so you'll never be stuck for ideas.

Walk the Cape Byron Headland

No visit to Byron Bay is complete without walking the Cape Byron Headland Reserve track up to the magnificant Cape Byron Lighthouse. A great way to go is to start your walk from main beach in town (it will only take you an hour or so at a leisurely pace to get right to the top, and that way you can leave your car behind and avoid paying the $7 car parking fee up at the lighthouse). Read more...

Have a surfing lesson

Byron Bay is a surfing mecca so when you are here, why not make like the locals do and hit the waves! Have a go at surfing (or at the very least, watch some surfing!). There are numerous surf schools to choose from, and a variety of breaks to suit differing skill levels, from absolute begginer to the more confident. With some world famous surf spots like the Pass, there is no better Byron Bay pastime to enjoy than surfing. Learn more...

Visit a market

From food to arts and crafts, those who love a morning spent pottering around the markets will not be disappointed. There are a variety of different weekly and monthly markets in Byron Bay and the surrounding region, with something to tempt everyone. The Thursday morning Farmers Market is a favourite for picking up some delicious local goodies. The Byron monthly market is also extremely popular and is always a hive of activity. Find out more about the markets...

Explore the Hinterland

If you can tear yourself away from the glorious beaches, escape into the tranquil hinterland to find another way of life. Cute villages, gourmet food trails and endless nature walks await. From Byron Bay it's an easy day trip into the beautiful Tweed Coast area, with its lush hinterland dominated by Mt Warning. Meandre through green farmland, drive along scenic rivers, and past tropical sugar cane fields. One of the best hinterland experiences to enjoy just 20 minutes from Byron Bay, is a visit to the beautiful country town of Bangalow. It's quaint, friendly and is a perfect stop off for lunch and shopping when on a country drive.

Go whale watching

Cape Byron is one of the best places in Australia to witness whales up close. Through winter humpback whales are commonly found in Byron Bay's waters, and there are multiple options for land based whale watching and for getting near them out on the water. A walk up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse in whale watching season is often rewarded with some great whale sightings, as being Australia's most easterly point they can come right in close to shore. Land based whale watching is great fun and can be really exciting. However, there's nothing like getting up close to these huge creatures out on the water. Find a whale watching cruise and get out and enjoy!

Go to Bluesfest

The East Coast Blues and Roots Festival is legendary in Australia. Held every Easter just outside beautiful Byron Bay, it's been going for 22 years and in 2010 won the title of 'Australia's Best Event'. Camping and listening to luminaries such as Bob Dylan, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, BB King, John Legend, Crowded House. Market stalls, 5 different stages, bars, all just down the road from Australia's coolest beach town. You can't go wrong!

Pamper yourself

Byron Bay is known as being a place with a unique healing energy. Often called the yoga capital of Australia, people come here to revitalise and relax. There's a host of natural therapists here to soothe and restore your body and soul, as well as some gorgeous day spas and spa hotels to retreat to. Take an early morning yoga class by the ocean or book yourself in for a soothing massage or treatment and float away...