It’s one of Australia’s most popular destinations. Byron Bay has the magic combination of natural beauty and a creative, free-spirited local population.
Thanks to its temperate subtropical climate, no visit to Byron Bay is complete without numerous swims – from the protected shores of Belongil beach at the town’s northern edge, around the headland that marks the most easterly point in Australia near Wategos beach, to the 8km wild stretch of ocean of Tallows beach that runs uninterrupted to Broken Head.
Culturally, Byron is well-known for having one of the highest concentration of creative professionals outside the capital cities, with an abundance of musicians, film-makers, writers and designers calling the town home. Byron hosts two of Australia’s most popular music festivals – Byron Bluesfest and Splendour in the Grass – and the Byron Bay writers festival is one of Australia’s most celebrated literary events.
But with all this abundance, the town can get crowded, particularly in the peak holiday times of Christmas and Easter, with traffic jams that crawl 6km from the Pacific Highway.
Weekends outside school holidays are the best time to enjoy 48 hours in Byron Bay.
Taking a surf lesson is one of the unforgettable experiences in Byron Bay.
FRIDAY
4pm: Visit "The Pass"
Byron Bay often stands out as a must-visit for surf enthusiasts travelling Australia's east coast. Even if you're not keen on riding the waves, the scent of fresh surf wax at "The Pass" is something to experience. Famed for its lengthy, steady right-hand point break, this spot attracts both professional and novice surfers.
"The Pass" is an amazing spot to take an evening stroll to the Main beach as well. Witness an awe-inspiring view of the dusk sky contrasting against the stunning edifice of Wollumbin (earlier known as Mount Warning) and the bordering hinterland enriching the region.
6pm: Explore Bay Lane and the Beach Hotel
Nibble on a well-earned evening snack, indulge in a refreshing drink and soak in the lively atmosphere at the Beach Hotel, a notable landmark situated at the beachside finish of Jonson Street, encased by the bustling Bay Lane. This area is filled with reasonably priced restaurants catering a range of cuisines - from Thai to Italian, classic fish and chips to mouthwatering falafels.
To explore more of what this wonderful region has to offer, take some time to browse through newsouthwaleshotels.net. You'll find a plethora of hotel options to suit all preferences and budgets, all across New South Wales."
Byron Bay is renowned for its gloriously luminous dawn hours, therefore, it's not a bad idea to consider an early retreat to fully luxuriate in the following morning's delight, rather than getting caught up in the lively nightlife at Bay Lane and Beach Hotel.
However, if you're more of a cosmopolitan traveller who's looking for a mix of luxury and nature, tophotels.com gives you an extensive list of the best top-rated hotels in Australia. So whether you decide to enjoy the bustle of the city or the quiet of the bay, rest assured that you have the best accommodations to return to.
On the way to the lighthouse in Byron Bay.
SATURDAY
7am: Start your day with a refreshing walk along the lighthouse loop
For an incredible start to your day, head out on the lighthouse loop as early as possible. Byron Bay is famous for its stunning sunrise views, and if you're lucky, you might even catch sight of playful dolphins in the morning light. Begin your walk at Wategos, a beautiful beach perfect for a refreshing swim. You have two options: either take the shorter steep track up to the lighthouse and back, or embark on the full 4.5km loop, which takes you through lush subtropical rainforest and brings you back to the Pass. From there, enjoy a scenic cliff-hugging path that leads you back to Wategos.
9am: Indulge in a delightful coffee experience
Byron Bay truly appreciates a good cup of coffee, and you won't have any trouble finding the perfect spot to kickstart your day. The town offers an array of charming cafes to satisfy your caffeine cravings. Consider visiting Top Shop, where you can bask in the sunshine while sipping your hot beverage on the lawn. Another great option is Bay Leaf, a local favorite known for its beans roasted right next door. If you're willing to venture a little further, make the 2km trek to the Roadhouse. This organic haven not only serves an exceptional spread but also brews its own kombucha. A coffee stop at any of these spots is sure to provide a delightful start to your morning.
Start your day in Byron Bay with a healthy bircher breakfast, fueling up for an exciting adventure ahead.
11am: Explore Julian Rocks
Located at the heart of Byron's picturesque bay, Julian Rocks offers an exhilarating boat ride through the Pass break, which is as thrilling as the chance to spot the diverse marine life that thrives in these waters. Keep an eye out for magnificent creatures like giant turtles, manta rays, and even leopard sharks, adding to the allure of this natural gem.
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at Beach Cafe, where you can take in the stunning ocean views while appreciating the beauty of Julian Rocks from a distance.
Experience the incredible natural wonders of Byron Bay during your 48-hour stay, with Julian Rocks being a must-visit destination. Start your day with a nourishing bircher breakfast before embarking on a thrilling boat ride to witness the abundance of marine life, including giant turtles, manta rays, and leopard sharks. Take your time to soak in the breathtaking views of Julian Rocks from afar while indulging in a delicious meal at Beach Cafe, making it a truly memorable experience in this coastal paradise.
Experience the vast, alluring beachfront of Byron Bay.
4pm: Encounter Live Performances
Interestingly, some of the globally acclaimed rock bands typically perform in only three locations within Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, and Byron Bay. Despite its small size, this town is incredibly abundant in captivating live music experiences delivered in top-notch venues like the Great Northern Hotel and the Railway Hotel. Take a look at the updated local gig guide to learn about the day’s events.
Xavier Rudd frequently performs in Byron Bay.
7pm: Top notch nosh
When it comes to food, Byron doesn’t abide by the standards of your average Aussie seaside town – it prefers to go head to head with what you’d find in the most sophisticated pockets of Melbourne and Sydney. There’s a wide range to choose from: Rae’s on Wategos for seafood, musician Pete Murray’s Frankie Brown (named after his dog), Italian at the Pacific with the same owners as Beach Hotel but pitched at the cocktail-drinking clientele, and Byron’s newest addition to fine dining scene, Cicchetti. For a more casual meal, try the newly-renovated sushi train spot, O-Sushi.
Dining at Pete Murray's celebrated Frankie Brown restaurant is a must.
SUNDAY
7am: Embrace Yogic Practices
Start your day on the right foot by embracing the sunrise with a revitalizing yoga session in this yogi-abundant town.
Seated perfectly in front of the main beach, the Beachside Yoga and Massage at the surf club, becomes a serene setting for morning yoga. For drop-in classes, you can consider Byron Bay Yoga Centre, Ananta Yoga, or Shiva Shakti. Yoga is an integral part of Byron Bay's culture, boasting a range of unique classes to suit every yoga practitioner. Go beyond traditional yoga with unique blends and styles offered at these centers.
Yoga-lovers flock to Byron Bay.
11am: Byron markets and support locals artists
The Byron markets run on the first Sunday of the month year-round and, in December and January, also on the third Sunday. You can buy local produce such as sugar cane juice and fresh macadamia nuts at the market, as well as arts and crafts.
Byron Bay has plenty of good independent retailers and local fashion designers. Try stores in town like Arnhem, Amilita, Goddess of Babylon, Pooch and Samba and Muther of All Things. Or head to either of the bookshops and buy something written by a local author. For fiction, start with Jessie Cole, Jesse Blackadder or Maggie Groff; for surf legend stories, there’s Rusty Miller or Bob McTavish.
1pm: Go organic for lunch
Don’t go home without indulging in a liquid superfood smoothie lunch at Naked Treaties
Byron is proud of its organic food culture. Don’t go home without indulging in a liquid superfood smoothie lunch at Naked Treaties, or affordable Heart and Halo with its selection of prepared vegetarian and vegan hot and cold food. Santos, with its cafe and grocery store that celebrate ethical produce, also offers some treats to take home.
3pm: Belongil beach
Treehouse on Belongil has casual indoor-outdoor decor that makes you feel as though you’re hanging out in an old friend’s living room. There are DJs playing throughout the afternoon, with wood-fired pizzas and beer and cocktails flowing. If you’d prefer a more peaceful pace, Belongil Bistro next door has a fantastic menu and wine list.
Atlantic at Byron Bay.