At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Soak up the boho vibes in Byron Bay, a popular and colourful coastal town in NSW. This laid-back beachside destination is where surfers meet hippies in an eclectic community. Explore sparkling beaches, a World Heritage rainforest, lush hinterland, organic cafes, a tea tree lake, boutique stores, and more.
Where should you visit in Byron Bay?
Welcome to Byron
Discover one of Northern New South Wales's coastal gems, a beach lover's paradise and water wonderland. Byron Bay is bursting with natural treasures in a special setting. Spot dolphins in the Pacific Ocean, learn how to surf, watch the sunrise from Cape Byron or enjoy an Aussie brunch on a funky outdoor terrace. Explore Byron by bicycle, listen to live music at the local pub or take a drive inland and discover the quirky town of Nimbin.
The perfect boho beach getaway
Byron attracts backpackers from all over the globe. However, this upmarket beach town also offers refined dining, luxurious accommodation and world-class day spas. Wake up to some yoga by the beach, enjoy a fresh healthy breakfast and spend your day relaxing and rejuvenating by the ocean.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring offers some of the best weather conditions to visit Byron Bay. Between September and November, you can enjoy the most pleasant temperatures with the lowest average rainfall. To fully experience Byron, we would recommend staying at least three days. And to avoid the high season between December and January.
Beaches
Be enchanted by a colourful and spiritual place which boasts nine outstanding surfing beaches. Byron Bay is renowned for its beautiful wide-stretched beaches and world-class surf breaks. From Main Beach to secluded spots at Broken Head Beach, Tallow Beach and the pretty Wategos Beach.
Wategos Beach is close to the most easterly point in Australia
Be one of the first people to watch the sunrise in Australia at Wategos Beach or Clarkes Beach. If you would like to escape the crowds, head over to Belongil Beach or Suffolk Beach. If you are looking for a natural swimming pool, visit Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park.
Feeling active?
Learn how to surf, try scuba diving, kayak or go horse riding along the beach. Take a long beach stroll and conquer a ten kilometres trail (one way) from Brunswick Heads to the main beach in Byron Bay. Along the way, you will pass Suffolk Park’s Tallows Beach and The Pass. Keep an eye out for humpback whales and dolphins!
Cape Byron
Approximately three kilometres east of the town of Byron Bay, you will find the easternmost point of the mainland of Australia, Cape Byron. The iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and beyond. Take a wander to the lighthouse and try to spot dolphins, humpback whales or stingrays. A hike to the Byron Bay lighthouse during sunrise is a must-do!
The Byron Bay Lighthouse walk
Conquer a spectacular coastal walk, the Cape Byron Walking Track which will you take approximately two hours. Pass by hinterland, lush rainforest, cliff tops and kangaroo grasslands. Along the way, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and stop by Cape Byron.
Dining
Are you ready to take your tastebuds on a tantalising journey? Some of NSW's top restaurants can be found in Byron Bay. Ranging from casual beachside favourites to the finest locally-sourced craft dining, organic cafes and everything else in between. Foodies are often surprised by the quality and energy that Byron has to offer.
Go on a culinary journey and dine like a local
Visit a farm-to-fork restaurant, the Three Blue Ducks is set on an 80-acre working farm and offers a unique dining experience. Or stop by a family-owned bakery that has been operating since 1982 and is open 24 hours a day! Try a vegetarian delight at The Cardamom Pod or have brekkie on one of the many chilled outdoor terraces.
Shopping
If you are needing a break from Byron's sun-soaked beaches, why not indulge in some boutique shopping? Byron Bay offers an abundance of clothing stores that sell world-renowned labels and local designer wear. Styles range from bohemian, Byron Bay streetwear, Australian swimwear and more. Be sure to visit the Byron Bay Arts and Industrial Estate for a great assortment of local goodies including the Byron Bay Cookie Company!
Things to do and see
As well as beaches, dining and shopping, there is so much to see and do in and around Byron Bay. Spend a day at the Crystal Castle, a magical sanctuary where you can stand between the two tallest crystals on earth. Or visit Arakwal National Park and go birdwatching! Approximately 20 minutes outside of Byron Bay is the Macadamia Castle, an ideal place to take the kids!
Byron events
Byron is renowned for hosting fantastic events which attract visitors from all over. The annual music festival, the Blues and Roots Festival is a big one. The Bluesfest showcases music from around the world and is generally held over Easter. Splendour in the Grass is another large music festival held in winter. New years is huge in Byron and is an extremely busy period to visit. There are also many small local events happening weekly such as yoga and meditation, local flea markets and food festivals.
Lennox Heads
If you would like to escape the crowds of Byron Bay, visit the friendly seaside town of Lennox Heads. This beautiful part of NSW features world-class surf breaks, spectacular wide-stretched beaches, a tea-tree lake, local cafes and a classic waterside Aussie pub. Just a 15-minute drive from Byron, Lennox is oozing with laid-back vibes and friendly locals. A refreshing swim in a natural tea tree lake at Lake Ainsworth is a must-do!
Surrounding areas
The area surrounding Byron is stunning and has so much to offer. Visit the nearest inland town, Mullumbimby where the friendly locals love to embrace an alternative lifestyle. If you feel like a road trip through the lush valley to a colourful hippie town, go to Nimbin. If you are a nature lover, Lamington National Park is a must-visit or slightly closer to Byron, you will find Wollumbin/ Mount Warning.
Get off the beaten track
Discover quirky towns surrounding Byron Bay such as Mooball. Here, you will notice all of the electric light poles and much of the town are painted in a cow pattern! Or further south, you will find the large town of Ballina which is renowned for being home to one of Australia's big things, the 'Big Prawn'. Ballina also serves as the gateway to Byron, being home to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.
Where to stay?
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Byron Bay and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
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Why book with us?
- A well-designed holiday, just for you
- Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts
- Carefully recommended activities based on your interests
- A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
- Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday
- 30 years of experience in travel to Australia
Let's design your holiday together
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 9am until 6pm. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.