Here are the top 21 things to do in Bryon Bay (with a bonus tip). From free and natural experiences to luxury indulgence, you’re sure to enjoy ticking off this amazing Byron Bay to-do list. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a week, be sure to experience as much of this amazing part of the world as you can.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
1. Visit Wategos Beach
Wategos is not only one of Australia’s most easterly beaches (from here you can walk to THE most eastern tip of the county) it is also one of the most beautiful. Tucked into a small cove and surrounded by a national park (The Cape Byron State Conservation Area) it feels like a secluded paradise.
While Wategos very rarely gets crowded, if you are looking for a little extra space (or adventure), be sure to walk around the headland to “Little Wategos”. There are some great rock pools to swim in and you are sure to get some beach space all to yourself.
You can walk to Wategos Beach form the Byron Bay town center in around 40 minutes. It’s a bit of a hike, but the track runs along some spectacular coastline and through the national park so there’s plenty to look at. There are a couple of dog friendly beaches in the area too, for those who like to BYO furry friends.
>> Click here to find out more information about the 7 Best Byron Bay Beaches!
2. Do the Coastal Walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse
One of the most iconic symbols in Byron Bay is the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Apart from stunning views out to the ocean and south along Tallows Beach, the lighthouse offers some great photo opportunities for those looking to take a snap.
While you can drive directly up to the Lighthouse itself (there is paid parking in a small busy car park), the best way to truly experience the area is by doing the Coastal Walk.
This starts down at Wategos Beach and works its way through the national park and along the rugged cliff faces. There are several lookout points that you can stop and take in the views.
3. Go to The Farm Byron Bay
The Farm is a must-visit for those interested in fresh, local food and produce in a beautiful setting. It’s one of the great things to do in Byron Bay as you arrive (or leave). The Farm is located just off the highway on the turnoff into Byron Bay.
The rustic building is full of cozy details. And, as the name suggests is an actual farm. You can wander around the grounds and see the various vegetable gardens, macadamia nut trees and even a small pig pen.
The on-site restaurant, Three Blue Ducks, whips up a great selection of local food to suit all dietary requirements. They also have a sunflower patch which is right by the main road fence (heading into town). The flowers are seasonal, though when in bloom, make for some great photo opportunities.
4. Visit the Pass & Hike up the Viewpoint Hill
One of the best things to do in Byron Bay is walk up the the Viewpoint Hill at The Pass.
The Pass is one of the most iconic Byron Bay Beaches, if not in the whole of Australia. On the edge of town, it has a beautiful view of both the Lighthouse/headland area as well as the Byron Bay town and even into the Hinterland where you can see the Mt Warning peak.
5. Spot wildlife at Arakwal National Park
Located on the southern side of Bryon Bay headland (Tallow Beach side), Arakwal National Park is a beachfront bushland with walking trails. It’s a great place to walk from Cosy Corner right down south to the Tea Tree Lake (around 3km each way).
The national park area is home to some amazing birds. It’s one of the things to do in Byron Bay if you just want to switch off for a couple of hours and be completely surrounded by nature. Yet, still, be close enough to the beach you can easily pop in for a refreshing swim.
Note: there are no lifeguards at this beach and it is exposed to high wave conditions.
6. Arts Factory Gigs/Shows
The Arts Factory is a great venue if you’re looking for things to do in Bryon Bay at night. They love to support local artists and you can often catch free shows on their outdoor stage.
The Arts Factory is also a backpacker/hostel so if you are looking to socialize it normally has a small crowd to interact with. The restaurant/bar serves pub-style food and is a short walk from the center of town.
7. Go Whale Watching or watch from the shores
One of the most impressive sites to see in Byron Bay are the Humpback Whales during their migration season.
The Whale Season is generally June, July, September-November. The jumping whales can offer hours of entertainment and it’s one of the best free things to do in Byron Bay (if you watch from the shore).
The best places to watch from Shore:
It will depend on where in the water the whales are, but the best place to catch see the most amount of whales is usually at the Lighthouse or at the Pass lookout.
From here you can get a high vantage point and see a larger distance than down on the beaches. The whales do sometimes come closer to shore (around the Main Beach).
When they do you can literally follow them along the shoreline. However, do not swim out to them. Australia has strict environmental laws around the whale season (which are enforced). You are not allowed to swim within 30m of a whale.
Whale watching from a boat
If you really want to get the unclose and personal experience during the whale season. There are a few different Whale Watching Tour operators:
https://www.viator.com/tours/Byron-Bay/Premier-Whale-Watching-Byron-Bay/d5259-66425P3?pid=P00063848&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=byron-bayThese tours normally guarantee a whale sighting. Even stating that they will give your money back (if you don’t see a whale). The cost is around $129 per adult.
8. Swim in the Tea Tree Lake
Have you ever willingly gone into a body of water that’s so dark you can’t see your feet?
This naturally dyed water is a result of Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree leaves have been used for thousands of years by the indigenous people of New South Wales. It’s said they have great healing powers and are used in modern medics for anti-bacterial and antifungal applications.
While the lake may look a kind of dirty brown. It is actually very fresh and potentially good for you. It’s a little bit of a grey area around clothing. Many who frequent the lake do so without any.
Regardless, it is a nice walk along the Tallows Beach and defiantly one of the things to do in Byron Bay that you will remember (if you take the plunge).
9. Go Scuba Diving (or Snorkeling with Turtles) at Julian Rocks
From just about all the beaches in Byron Bay you can see a somewhat menacing rocky outcrop offshore. This is Julian Rocks (traditionally known as “Nguthungulli”).
There are 6 main dive sites surrounding the rocks which range in depth from 6m to 24m. Here you can see a wide range of marine life from dolphins, rays, sharks, sea turtles, a wide range of coral and fish.
There are two main dive operators within the Byron Bay town (Byron Bay Dive Centre, Sundive Byron Bay).
Approx. costs for diving at Julian Rocks:
- $120 if you are certified and don’t have gear
- $80 if you are certified and have your own gear
This includes transport form the shop to the beach and the boat. The dive shops also provide all the approved PADI courses available in most dive shops around the world. You can also do a snorkel tour if you’d prefer to stay on the water surface (cost is around $80 per adult).
10. Shop at some of the local Sustainable Fashion Stores
One of the things to do in Byron Bay (for those looking to do a little retail therapy) is to hit the amazing sustainable clothing stores.
There are some great locally produced labels like:
- Opia
- August The Label
- Rove
- Rowie
With a range of styles, most labels focus on natural colours and ethically sourced materials. At the forefront of the sustainable fashion trends, you’re sure to find something of interest at any one of these amazing stores.
11. Hang Glide from Cape Lighthouse or Lennox Head
Want to get a totally different perspective of this beautiful part of the world? Feeling adventurous?
How about run and jump off a cliff. Literally. One of the most unforgettable things to do in Byron Bay is to hang glide off the Cape Bryon headland (especially during whale season). When the winds are just right, the whales are jumping & the sun is shining there’s nothing quite like the feeling of flying high over the surfers below.
Byron Bay Airwaves operate the hang gliding school between Byron Bay and Lennox Head. They will pick the best location on the day to suit the conditions.
It costs $145 for a 30 minute tandem flight. You can also do a 10-day course to get your own certification for solo flying.
12. Visit the Stone & Wood Brewery
Visit the brewery of one of the region’s favorite beers. Situated in the new industrial area, this brewery has a wide variety of beers that you can sample and see the process of how they are made. It often holds small events and even does music shows.
13. Take a Yoga Class By the Sea
Byron Bay is renowned for its laid back, modern-hippie vibe. If you are into yoga, meditation, and all things spiritual/healthy, Byron Bay has some great resources. You can do yoga classes by the sea with a few different Yoga instructors/companies:
- Beachside Yoga And Massage,
- Sattva Yoga & Massage Byron Bay,
- Byron Yoga Centre
Be sure to do your research first for which one feels right for you. Yoga can be a very personal experience and there’s no ‘one shoe fits all’. With so many different styles and teaching methods, it’s best to check which instructor suites your needs.
Once you’ve found the one you like, enjoy a replenishing yoga session by the beach and ease into the Byron Bay state of mind.
14. Visit the Crystal Castle
A bit of a living legend in the area around Byron Bay, the Crystal Castle is home to a huge number of semi precious stones and the world’s biggest crystals.
Set in the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland on a rainforest retreat, this property is vibrating at some pretty high energy.
Price:
- Adult day pass $39
- Child (under 14) $29
There are some seriously impressive crystal caves and gardens to get you feeling zen. The on-site cafe has some great food and you can purchase crystals of all shapes and sizes from the gift shop. It’s around 25 minute drive from Byron Bay town centre.
15. Go Kayaking and spot some Dolphins
There is an organised kayaking tour that takes off from the main beach in Byron Bay and makes its way around the Pass headland.
If you take the morning tour there is a high probability that you will see dolphins. The tour even states that if you do not see a dolphin or turtle, you will get your money back.
Price: its around $75 per person.
Note that the group can get rather big (20 kayaks at a time), so if you’re looking for an isolated experience, this might not be for you.
16. Visit the Hinterland towns:
Byron Bay is surrounded by some amazing hinterland (natural mountain and rainforest). Scattered through this area are several small, unique, and interesting towns worth visiting. If you have time to stay, there are some unique Airbnb Byron Bay properties in the hinterland. Alternatively, you can visit one of the towns for an afternoon:
Nimbin
Nimbin has a reputation as being a bit of a psychedelic spot filled with pot-smoking hippies. It’s not too far off. At least in the main town area. There are rainbow, tie-dye t-shirts for sale, bookstores with spiritual healing guides, and the occasional offerings of pot brownies for sale.
It’s an interesting stop and makes for a great place to mingle with unique characters, especially at the main hotel pub.
Bangalow
Bangalow is a one-street town (it actually has a second side street) but pretty much it all happens on the one small strip.
It’s slightly more country than Byron Bay and has an old town feel with a new, fresh injection of style. There are a few amazing stores selling locally produced boutique clothing brands and produce. It also has a great cafe, Woods, in a small industrial looking area.
17. Ride a Bike
You can rent a bike for around $20 a day from Byron Bay Surf and Bike Hire and explore all of the Byron Bay Beaches.
While the area is relatively small, it is still a lot to cover on foot in a couple of days. Take the bike from Belongil Beach to Tallows and even down to Broken Head. It’s a great way to get around Byron Bay.
There are dedicated bike lanes you can use. Click here for the Byron Bay Bike Map.
18. Go Paddleboarding
The area around Clarkes Beach can be very calm and even at the Pass (on small surf days). When the ocean is looking calm, a great way to get out into the water, see some dolphins and get a unique view of the Bryon Bay landscape is on a Stand Up Paddle Board.
There are several places around town that hire out SUP’s. The going rate is around $35/half day and $50/full day.
19. Learn to Surf
If you’ve never surfed before, Byron Bay is a memorable place to learn. Whether you want to do a one day crash course or a month long surf school training, there are all levels and rates to go with the options.
Byron Bay’s unique beaches (facing many different directions) means that the area catches swell (surfing waves) most of the time. So, you can be sure to find a rideable wave just about all year round in this beachside town.
Price of surfing lesson in Byron Bay: Costs vary with the lesson type (group, private, single day, multiple day course). However, here are some prices to give you an idea:
- Half Day Group Lesson – $69
- 3 Day Group Surf (4 hours per day) – $165
- 5 Day surf course (group and private sessions) – $350
20. Watch the Sunrise/Sunset from the Lighthouse
The lighthouse has already had a mention. But one of the additions you can do is to visit the spot at sunrise or sunset.
Why?
The colours! With elevated views of the sea, you can get some amazing skies and colours covering the beautiful ocean below. Check the weather (depending on the time of year) as the winds that hit the lighthouse point at these times kind get pretty chilly.
21. Have a Day Spa
If you’re looking to relax, Byron Bay is the place to go. If you’re looking to get even more relaxed, check out some of the amazing day spas on offer.
With focus on using local and natural ingredients, a day (or half day) at some of these amazing venues are sure to get you in a Bryon state of mind.
- Osprey at Elements – a luxury spa with all the natural goods set inside a beachfront resort
- Gaia – a spa retreat in the Byron hinterland by Olivia Newton-John (Grease Lightning)
- Crystalbrook Spa at The Bryon – unique spa packages in town
Thinking of Climbing the Nearby Mount Warning?
Climbing Mount Warning is popular among tourists, as the summit is one of the first places to see the sunrise. However, it is a place of great spiritual significance to the Bundjalung People (the traditional owners of the land). The Elders have requested that people do not do this hike as under the Bundjalung law, only certain people are allowed to climb to the summit.
If you would like to be a more eco-friendly traveller in Byron Bay, avoid the Mount Warning hike and opt for one of the other unique sunrise locations in Byron Bay. A popular spot is the Cape Byron lighthouse lookout, which offers an elevated view of the sunrise over the ocean.
Have some extra time?
If you have some extra time, the Gold Coast is a great place to visit. Here are some of our top picks for this region:
- Visit some of the Gold Coast Waterfalls
- Eat at one of these delicious vegan restaurants Gold Coast
- Purchase some fresh produce at one of these Gold Coast Farms (Farm & Co is our favourite!)
Where to Stay in Byron Bay
If you are looking for somewhere unique to stay for your vacation, there are plenty of aesthetic Airbnb Byron bay properties to choose from. Whether you want a studio with a kitchen to cook your farm-fresh food, a boho style loft, or want to camp at the beach, there is something for all budgets and styles. Alternatively, you can stay in a Gold Coast Airbnb and make a day trip down to Byron Bay.
Like this Article? Pin it!
Have you been to Byron Bay? Let us know some of your favourite things to do in this beautiful destination!
