Don´t let yourself being scared of the Byron Bay killer, hold you back from going to this stunning place! Byron Bay is the embodiment of the Australian surfer/backpacker life you imagine before going to Australia. From beautiful white beaches, VW Gullys, surfers, whales, cute cafes, walking around in just Birkenstocks and dolphins while watching the sunset. Everything and so much more can you found in this amazing town called Byron Bay. So here are all the things to do when visiting Byron Bay on your trip around Australia.
1. Surfing
Of course, when visiting Byron Bay it is a must to go surfing at least once. Embracing the typical Australian culture and being part of this hipster surfer lifestyle is a must! Byron Bay offers a lot of different surfing courses also for just a day, but if you are already a skilled surfer then many hostels offer surfboards you can rent for not a lot of money. We stayed at the Backpackers Inn and they offered so many different things like yoga classes and also surfboards you could rent.
2. Cape Byron Walking Track with Lighthouse
My favourite activity in Byron Bay was the Cape Byron Walking Track. You probably saw it somewhere when researching “Byron Bay things to do”! Like many people do, I would also recommend it to walk the track at sunrise. The ambience is just amazing and all you hear are the waves of the ocean and you can enjoy the view so much more.
You can start this track in Byron Bay at the main beach and just walk over to the first stop from this trial called the Captain Cook Lookout, where we also saw rays. This part is not from the official track itself but to make the walk a little longer and also experience a few more things to start from the main beach would be our recommendation. The track won´t take too long so make sure to make stops and enjoy the environment. There is no need to stress!
At first, you will walk alongside the Wategos beach and the Pass to the official start of the Cape Byron walking track. After a few minutes of walking you will find a crossroad where you can decide if you want to walk straight to the lighthouse or want to make another stop at little Wategos Beach. If you have time and maybe want to go for a little dip or make a cute picnic then make another stop and walk a little longer and also take a stop at little Wategos beach. Such a sweet little beach with usually not many people because it is only reachable from this trail. A perfect stop for people who want to relax a bit and enjoy the morning minutes of Australia from one of the most calming beaches in Byron.
Eventually, you decide to leave this amazing beach and continue walking the initial track you will get to the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Important to know that this is a good place to see dolphins and whales! This view looks like straight out of Pinterest! Only a million more steps on the stairs to get to the lighthouse… From there, again, the view is spectacular and during the months of June and November, you will most likely see humpback whales when they are migrating to the warmer places. Not only does the view of the ocean look beautiful, but the lighthouse also looks perfect for taking pictures.
3. Beaches
Beaches in Byron Bay are one of the most, if not the most important parts of town. All of them are just amazing and very stunning beaches for you to spend a great time at, swimming, surfing or just reading at the beach, but here are some of my most loved ones.
Belongil Beach
Easy to Reach from Main Beach and so spacious that you can easily find a place for you and your friends alone. Also, a great walk from the main beach to the end of Belongil Beach. It is further than you would think at first glance. Just be aware that major parts of Belongil Beach will vanish when the flood comes in. Be aware that you still need to be able to get away as well from those parts. Dogs are also allowed on this beach so if you have a furry friend take him along with you. In the beginning, just after the main Beach, you may also be able the see a ship’s wreck in the water not far away from the beach. A great opportunity to go snorkelling and explore it and the fish and maybe also dolphins further.
Wategos Beach
Byron Bay Wategos Beach is between Palm Valley and Cape Byron Walking Track.
I talked about his little sister or brother before when talking about the Cape Byron walking track. The marine parade in general is a beautiful area with spectacular houses and the beach there is also so beautiful. The area up there is very residential and people who live in Byron like to spend their time at Wategos Beach. It is a vibe. A good stop when walking the Cape Byron walking track as well.
The Pass
This is THE Surfers beach. When walking the walk or little trail you will see many surfers in the water that go straight from the walk into the water and climb down the hill to get the best waves. But watch out! This is not really recommended for people who have no clue about how the water is down there. So maybe for you, it is better to go from the “the pass” beach. But from the Trail, you also have an amazing view of the surfers being able to observe them catching waves over and over again!
4. Markets
Byron Bay is the host of many different kinds of markets around town. For example, Byron Beachside Market is held quarterly with arts and crafts from around Byron Bay. It is a seasonal market with a festive and family-friendly atmosphere. Also very famous is the Farmers Market that is every Thursday in the morning, where you can buy local produce like bread, cheese and honey for example. In spring and Summer in the Evenings on Saturday and Sunday, you can also find the twilight markets in town which is such a cute market under the stars. It is focused on local crafts and handmade arts with great live music and fairy lights that set the scene. And not to forget the Byron Community Market that is hosted every first Sunday of every month with food, music and handmade goods.
5. Sea Kayaks and Canoes
Very well loved is the activity of renting a canoe or kayak or doing a whole tour going around the bay by boat to experience the once-in-a-lifetime of being as close as possible to dolphins, whales, turtles and rays. This experience is highly recommended! Kayaking in the bluest water surrounded by dolphins and whales along the coastline with close encounters with marine life is something you should definitely do when going to Byron Bay. This activity is around 89$ when doing a tour with more people and a guide who knows the coastline the best and can show you special places around the area (https://www.capebyronkayaks.com/).
6. Snorkelling at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve
If you have more time and money (129§), you can also do a guided snorkelling or diving adventure at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve. Julian Rocks Marine Reserve are small island on the coast at Byron Bay where you need a boat to get to for sure, so booking a tour is mandatory, but it is totally worth it! This area offers vibrant corals with Colourful fish, turtles and even sharks like the harmless Leopard Sharks. And the good thing is that even if you have never dived before this site is ideal also for beginners snorkelling (https://snorkelingbyronbay.com.au/).
7. Exploring the little surf town
Byron Bay itself is a sight for itself. You can go shopping in the famous surfer shops like Roxy, Billabong or Surf´n Dive etc. But also enjoy a great coffee at Highlife. Also, go book shopping in the cosy Bookroom in Byron after making your own bracelets at Trinkets for the ultimate beach style. Also for the typical Backpacker surf and beach girl in Australia, you need to grab an acai bowl from Oakberry where you can customize it as you like and chill in Apex Park while enjoying listening to the waves of the ocean.
You can also enjoy a night out in Byron by going to the world-famous Piano bar in town. This is the place where you will find many backpackers and young people in town, for sure. The entrance is 20$ though, but still worth it! Another enchanting bar is railway friendly bar with a cool interior as well as a secret garden, where on Wednesdays they play live music and a DJ will join later for a more party vibe in a cute garden.
I think you could clearly tell that I would highly recommend going to Byron Bay on your trip! There are so many things to do in Byron Bay. From snorkelling, kayaking, surfing etc. The nature in Byron Bay is something else and seeing whales, rays and many more is alone worth a visit! There is a reason why Zac Efron, Chris Hemsworth and many others moved to Byron Bay. This place is stunning! We hope you live a life to remember and let us know, if you have other suggestions!
Emma
About the Author:
If Emma were a word, she would be „daydreaming“ - the kind of daydreaming that feels more active than dreamy. No matter where she is, you’ll catch her thinking about the artsy city of Melbourne, wishing to take a walk through Central Park, dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, and so on. The list is long. What’s adorable and also very impressive is that Emma doesn’t stay lost in the haze of her dreams; it won’t be long before the first opportunity appears, and she’ll be on her way to fulfill them.
Emma
About the Author:
If Emma were a word, she would be „daydreaming“ – the kind of daydreaming that feels more active than dreamy. No matter where she is, you’ll catch her thinking about the artsy city of Melbourne, wishing to take a walk through Central Park, dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, and so on. The list is long. What’s adorable and also very impressive is that Emma doesn’t stay lost in the haze of her dreams; it won’t be long before the first opportunity appears, and she’ll be on her way to fulfill them.
