This blog post is all about the best things to do in Byron Bay for first-time visitors including things to do for families, couples, unique things to do and seasonal events in Byron Bay.
Everyone knows Byron for the beach, and fair enough, it’s stunning. But there is so much more going on here than sun and sand.
Byron Bay has a mind, body and wellbeing culture running through it, a hinterland full of hikes and waterfalls, boutique shopping that’ll quietly empty your wallet, and a nightlife that ranges from duelling pianos to a beach drum circle.
On top of all that, the food scene here is one of the best surprises of the whole trip, and it doesn’t get shouted about as much as it should.
I recently visited Byron Bay for the first time with my boyfriend and we were here for five days in total, trying to fit in as many of the best things to do in Byron Bay as possible.
Some of what’s below is completely free, some of it costs a bit, so there’s something here whatever your budget looks like.
RELATED Best Things to Do in Byron Bay blog posts to read:
- The Perfect Weekend in Byron Bay Itinerary
- The Best Restaurants in Byron Bay You Have to Try
- Tallaringa Views Review: Romantic Cabin in Byron Bay Hinterlands
- Luxury Hostel Review: Drifter Byron Bay, Australia
What I Loved Most About Byron Bay
Most of all, during my visit to Byron Bay, I loved how laid back it was. Coming from a busy city like Sydney, being able to slow down, relax and just take each day as it comes was a welcome change.
During my trip, we of course ticked off the typical best things to do in Byron Bay such as the Cape Byron Lighthouse walk, a visit to Wategos Beach, exploring nearby towns like Nimbin and Mullumbimby and strolling along Main Beach.
And obviously, we made the most of the incredible food scene and restaurants in Byron Bay. That goes without saying, really.
However, there are still so many best things to do in Byron Bay that I didn’t get around to and I’m already planning my next trip back.
The 17 Best Things to Do in Byron Bay & Surrounding Areas
Below is a list of the best things to do in Byron Bay no matter the weather or season that you happen to be visiting.
Towards the end of this blog post, you’ll find seasonal events in Byron Bay like annual events that take place throughout the year. You might want to plan your trip to Byron Bay around these events, or check to see if you happen to be visiting at the same time.
1. Watch Sunrise from Cape Byron Lighthouse
Byron Bay is the most easterly point of mainland Australia, which means it’s the first place on the country to see the sun each day.
Get yourself up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunrise and you’ll understand why people keep going on about the wellbeing side of this town. There’s something about standing up there with a coffee, watching the light come up over the Pacific while the rest of the world is still asleep, that puts you in exactly the right headspace for the day, and for the rest of the trip too.
The walk up takes you through beach, rainforest and cliff top, and it’s one of the more beautiful short walks we’ve done anywhere. You’ll quickly see why this is always at the top of any Byron Bay itinerary.
Keep your eyes out over the water while you’re up there, dolphins are a common sighting from the headland, and if you’re visiting in the cooler months you might spot whales as well, more on that below.
It gets busy even before the sun comes up, so don’t expect total solitude, but it’s worth every early alarm. It’s one of the best free things to do in Byron Bay.
2. Take A Surfing Lesson
Main Beach is the obvious spot to swim, sunbathe or just do absolutely nothing for a few hours, and doing nothing on a Byron beach is genuinely an underrated activity in itself.
Bring a book or your Kindle (you can find all of my book recommendations here), grab a coffee on the way, and don’t feel guilty about writing off an entire afternoon here.
If you want to be a bit more active, this is one of the best places in Australia to learn to surf. There are several local surf schools running beginner lessons on the gentler breaks, usually with all the gear included, so you don’t need to bring or buy anything yourself.
If you’re already confident on a board, head to The Pass, Byron’s famous longboard wave, for something with a bit more of a crowd and a bit more of a challenge.
You can book surf lessons through your accommodation like Drifter Byron Bay, at a kiosk on the street, or online via GetYourGuide if you’d rather sort it before you arrive.
3. Go Whale Watching
If you’re visiting Byron Bay between roughly June and November, keep an eye on the horizon from Cape Byron Lighthouse (we spotted whales from the lighthouse during our visit in late June!) or book onto a proper whale watching tour.
Humpback whales migrate right along this stretch of coast, and Cape Byron is one of the better vantage points in the whole of Australia to spot them, even without getting on a boat.
That said, if you do book a whale watching tour, you get a lot closer, and there’s something completely different about being on the water when a whale breaches nearby rather than watching from the cliff.
Tours run regularly during peak season and can fill up fast, so book ahead through GetYourGuide, your accommodation, or one of the tour operator kiosks in town rather than leaving it to chance on the day.
4. Kayak with Dolphins
One of the more unique things to do in Byron Bay is a sea kayaking tour out from Main Beach or Wategos, where dolphins regularly show up alongside the kayaks, sometimes close enough that you genuinely can’t quite believe it’s happening.
It’s a proper Byron Bay bucket list activity, and one that’s hard to do anywhere else in Australia quite like this.
Most dolphin kayaking tours run in the early morning when the water’s calmer and the dolphins are more active, so it pairs nicely with an early start if you’re already up for sunrise.
Again, this is one to book ahead, either through your Byron Bay accommodation, a street kiosk, or via activity providers like GetYourGuide or Viator, especially in peak season.
5. Relax at A Day Spa
Byron Bay has leaned all the way into its reputation as Australia’s wellness capital, and once you’re here for a few days, you get why.
Yoga classes are everywhere, from sunrise sessions right on the beach to studios in town offering everything from vinyasa to yin, and it’s genuinely easy to build a morning class into your routine even if you’d never normally do one at home.
There’s no pressure or intensity to it here, it’s more about slowing down and matching the pace of the town.
Spas are everywhere in Byron Bay too, ranging from a quick massage to a full day retreat. If you’re up for a short drive, The Banya in Mullumbimby is a beautiful bathhouse experience worth the trip on its own, with wood fired saunas and mineral plunge pools that make for a genuinely restorative afternoon, especially after a few big days of hiking or exploring.
Closer to town there are day spas like Elements of Byron offering everything from facials to full body treatments if you’d rather not leave Byron itself.
Either way, build at least one wellness activity into your trip, even if it’s not usually your thing. It’s part of what makes Byron feel different to any other beach town in Australia.
6. Explore Nearby Hinterland Towns
Byron Bay’s coastline gets all the attention, but the hinterland behind it is just as worth your time, and this is where hiring a car properly pays off.
We spent two nights staying in the hinterlands near the town of Alstonville at Tallaringa Views and it was magical. I’d highly recommend venturing out of Byron Bay to these nearby towns to explore the region even further.
Minyon Falls
Around a 45 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay in Nightcap National Park, Minyon Falls is the big one.
There’s an easy option if you just want the lookout views, roughly 15 to 20 minutes each way from the car park, or a longer 7.5km loop hike down to the base of the falls if you want to earn the view and take a dip in the pool below, weather and water levels permitting.
The drive out to Minyon Falls is beautiful in its own right, winding through rainforest and farmland, so even the journey feels like part of the experience rather than just getting from A to B.
Bangalow
I could genuinely write a whole blog post about Bangalow alone (and I probably will, so keep an eye out), but the short version is: please go.
It’s about a 15 minute drive from Byron Bay, and honestly some of my favourite food in the entire region is here rather than in Byron itself.
WOODS Bangalow does the best brunch I’ve had in a long time, and I mean that, not just in the region, anywhere. It’s the kind of place worth planning your whole morning around.
Then there’s Bangalow Bread Co., a bakery institution with cookies that are probably the closest you’ll find to a New York Levain Bakery cookie anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Grab one, or several, and don’t feel bad about it.
For the full breakdown of both of these and everywhere else worth eating in and around Byron, check out my best restaurants in Byron Bay guide, it’s got the complete list including a few more Bangalow spots worth the drive.
Beyond the food, Bangalow has a lovely run of boutique shops and a small town, heritage charm feel that’s a nice change of pace from the busier main streets of Byron itself. It’s the kind of town that makes you start looking at house prices, purely hypothetically, of course.
Alstonville
As I mentioned above, we actually stayed near the town of Alstonville for our final two nights in Byron Bay at Tallaringa Views.
We had only popped into the town to grab some groceries for the cabin, but once we drove along the main street, we had to come back the following morning to explore further.
From bookshops to Western clothing boutiques to coffee shops and pie shops, this place couldn’t have been more of a slice of heaven for me.
We grabbed pie and a cake from HOME Alstonville (a must-visit) and coffee from Benchtop Espresso. I quickly fell in love with the town and it was a very lucky find for us, staying so close by.
7. Take A Day Trip to Nimbin
The town of Nimbin is about an hour’s drive from Byron and is a completely different world to the beach town you’ve just left.
It’s the counterculture hub of the region, known for its alternative history since the Aquarius Festival back in the 1970s, and it’s worth going in with an open mind and no fixed expectations.
Wander the main street, take it all in, and treat it as a genuinely different side of Northern Rivers life to see while you’re in the area.
It’s not for everyone, but it’s memorable, and it makes a good contrast to the polish of Byron itself.
RELATED Best Things to Do in Byron Bay blog post to read: The Perfect Weekend in Byron Bay Itinerary
8. Try As Many of the Best Restaurants in Byron Bay As You Can
Byron Bay’s food scene is one of the best surprises of visiting, and it’s honestly not talked about enough compared to how much attention the beaches get.
I’ve got a full blog post dedicated to the best restaurants in Byron Bay if you want the complete list, but if you’re short on time, two non negotiables: eat at Bang Bang, and visit The Farm for a meal at Three Blue Ducks.
Both are worth building an entire evening or afternoon around, and both will genuinely change your expectations of what a small beach town’s food scene can be.
9. Visit The Farm and Three Blue Ducks Restaurant
Following on from the point above, I had to give The Farm a section of its own so I can convince you even further to visit.
It’s only a 10 minute drive from Byron Bay, so not out of the way at all. With a working farm of animals and crops, a children’s play area, a flower shop, a grocery area, a gelato stand and the famous Three Blue Ducks restaurant, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
We visited The Farm on a Monday at lunch time and it was relatively busy, but there were plenty of tables at the restaurant for us to eat. Before we dined, we walked around the grounds seeing the animals and fields of crops and orchards they have before returning to the main restaurant area.
Now, when I tell you our lunch at Three Blue Ducks was one of the best meals I’ve had in Australia, I’m not exaggerating. Hence why it has its own section.
The food is farm to table (this is felt very literally when you’re dining looking directly at the farm) with the freshest ingredients and everything just tastes more rich and flavourful.
10/10 dining experience, I can’t recommend this more as one of the best things to do in Byron Bay.
RELATED Best Things to Do in Byron Bay blog post to read: The Best Restaurants in Byron Bay You Have to Try
10. Hike to the Most Easterly Point of Mainland Australia
You can find the Most Easterly Point of Mainland Australia by Cape Byron Lighthouse.
The hike can be done at any time of the day, but to avoid the hot sun it is recommended to do the hike at sunrise or sunset, plus you’ll get the best skies at these times of day.
To visit the famous point, you can also drive and find parking but it’s usually very busy with tourists and parking isn’t free either – just one to note!
The hike up to Cape Byron Lighthouse is almost a rite of passage when visiting Byron Bay, but make sure to tick this point off at the end.
11. Shop at the Local Boutiques
Byron’s main streets are full of cute, independent boutiques rather than the usual chain stores, so it’s an easy town to lose an entire afternoon and a decent chunk of your budget in.
Jonson Street is the main strip and where most of the action is, but don’t stop there, the surrounding lanes hide some of the better finds.
You’ll find a mix of boutiques here: beachwear and swimwear labels that feel made for the lifestyle rather than just branded for it, homewares stores full of the kind of relaxed, coastal decor that makes you want to redo your entire flat, and a handful of well curated local designer boutiques that you won’t find anywhere else in Australia.
There are two good bookshops in Byron Bay too if you’re after a holiday read (The Book Room and WildBilly Bookshop), and it’s worth checking if the markets are on while you’re in town.
Byron Bay and the surrounding towns run regular weekend markets selling everything from local produce to handmade jewellery and clothing, and they’re a great way to pick up something you can’t get back home.
12. Browse the Byron Bay Markets
During the warmer months (October to April) Byron Bay holds its weekly Twilight Market at Railway Park. Each Saturday evening during the season you can browse clothes, crafts, homeware, organic foods and more while enjoying some live music.
Every Thursday morning between 7am and 11am, you’ll find the Byron Bay Farmers Market at Butler Street Reserve.
As well as the Twilight Market and Farmers Markets, Byron Bay Markets happen every first Sunday of the month at Railway Park, with an additional two Sundays during December and January (3rd Sunday of the month).
13. Stay Somewhere Unique Like Tallaringa Views in the Hinterlands
Spending two nights in the Byron Bay Hinterlands was honestly a highlight of our trip, and our time in Australia.
As much as I love luxury hotels, there’s something so unique and romantic about staying in a secluded cabin with no one around to disturb you.
I would highly recommend staying somewhere like Tallaring Views during your trip to Byron Bay, as it adds something truly unique to your experience of Byron Bay and it’s something you’ll never forget.
Add a unique stay to your Byron Bay vacation as it’s something you’ll talk about for years to come and gives you a new appreciation for the Hinterlands of Byron Bay and Australia.
RELATED Best Things to Do in Byron Bay blog post to read: Tallaringa Views Review: Romantic Cabin in Byron Bay Hinterlands
14. Watch the Surfers at Wategos Beach
Wategos Beach was my favourite beach we visited in Byron Bay. The only issue with Wategos Beach is that there is very limited parking here, so you may have to drive around a few times to find available space.
On the plus side, it means that the beach is often quiet and peaceful. You can sit and watch the surfers here, spot koalas in the trees nearby and marvel at the insane houses looking right onto the water.
While you’re at Wategos Beach, make sure to stop by Raes on Wategos, the 5-star hotel with a courtyard and coffee van outside to grab a takeaway iced coffee for your walk along the beach.
15. Experience the Famous Duelling Pianos at Northern Bar
If you venture out to enjoy the nightlife in Byron Bay, you have to add this to your list.
The Northern is a classic Aussie pub by day, but on duelling pianos night it turns into one of the most fun evenings you’ll have in the whole town. Two pianists go head to head, taking requests, trading banter, and building the whole room into a full blown singalong by the end of the night.
Grab a few drinks, get a table early if you can, and just let yourself get pulled into it, because everyone else in the room will be too.
You’ve almost definitely seen this on TikTok without realising where it was filmed, the viral clips of the crowd singing at the top of their lungs are shot right here.
Check the schedule before you go since it’s not on every single night, but if it lines up with your trip, don’t skip it. The Piano Bar is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay at night.
16. Watch Sunset at Belongil Beach
One of the best spots to watch sunset in Byron Bay is Belongil Beach, other than from the Cape Byron Lighthouse of course.
But if you want to grab some food, a few drinks and picnic by the beach for sunset, Belongil Beach is definitely the spot to do so.
Whether it’s you and your partner, or a large group of friends, watching the sunset at Belongil Beach is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay.
17. See The Big Prawn in Ballina
Australia is full of ‘Big Things.’ Huge monuments of random animals, vegetables, pieces of furniture and more can be found at the side of the road, all over the country.
If you’re making your way through the full list, you can tick off ‘The Big Prawn‘ when in Ballina, or on your way to the airport at the end of your Byron Bay trip.
We pulled into the Bunnings Warehouse in Ballina to snap a picture of The Big Prawn so we could tick it off our own list. So far, we’ve seen The Big Merino in Goulburn, NSW, The Big Golden Guitar in Tamworth, NSW, The Big Gallah in Western Australia and The Big Stubby in Larrimah in the Northern Territory.
It’s definitely one of the more random and unique things to do in Byron Bay.
Seasonal Events in Byron Bay
Below are seasonal and annual events in Byron Bay that happen throughout the year. Depending on the time of year you visit, you might be lucky to catch one of these:
1. Byron Bay V-Day Beach Dance: February 14th
Each year at 7am on Valentine’s Day (February 14th), you can join hundreds of others dancing on Main Beach in Byron Bay in red clothing, to show solidarity in ending global violence against women and children.
No dance experience necessary, the group welcomes men, women, people of all ages and backgrounds to support 1BillionRising charity and have been gathering on Valentine’s morning for over 10 years now.
2. Bluesfest Byron Bay: April
Bluesfest in Byron Bay has been running for 36 years, but are pausing in 2026 for the first time.
The festival happens every April, so it’s definitely worth checking back in 2027 to see if the popular music festival is back in action.
3. Mullum Roots Festival (Mullumbimby): July
Another Blues and Roots music festival in Byron Bay, this one takes over the streets of Mullumbimby each winter, this year taking place on the 11th-12th July.
Due to the success of Mullum Roots Festival in 2025, this year is set to be even bigger, expanding into more venues and a longer list of music acts.
4. Splendour in the Grass Festival, Byron Bay: July
One of the most popular music events in Byron Bay, Splendour in the Grass is a highly anticipated event each year in the Byron Bay events calendar.
However, after cancelling their 2024 festival and not returning in 2025 or 2026, it’s not looking positive that they’re going to return any time soon. However, as a huge music fan and concert-goer, I live in hope that Splendour in the Grass does come back again.
With past headline acts like Kylie Minogue, Mumford & Sons, Lizzo and The Strokes, it would be a real shame to never see this music festival come back again.
5. Byron Bay Writers Festival: August
I recently attended my first Sydney Writers’ Festival in May this year and it was incredible. So many amazing authors from around the world came to speak and I had a few of my favourite books signed by the authors themselves (like R.F. Kuang, Patrick Radden Keefe and Lily King!).
I spotted a poster for the 2026 Byron Bay Writers’ Festival when I was browsing The Book Room in Byron Bay and I was pulled in straight away.
With authors like Antoinette Lattouf, Micaela Sahhar and Niki Savva, the 2026 lineup is looking pretty good and like I might have to attend and head back to Byron Bay sooner than I thought.
Catch the Byron Bay Writers Festival on the 14th-16th August this year.
6. Byron Bay Surf Festival: August
The annual Byron Bay Surf Festival returns to Clarks Beach from 27th-30th August this year and is an event not to be missed!
Byron Bay is known for its amazing surfing scene, so if you’re in the area, attending one of the most popular surf events in Byron Bay is a must.
7. Byron Bay International Film Festival: October
Held across Palace Cinemas in Byron Bay, Brunswick Picture House in Brunswick Heads and Lennox Head Cultural Centre in Lennox Head, the Byron Bay International Film Festival returns in 2026 for its 20th year.
From 16th-25th October, take your pick of local and international independent films to watch across the different venues taking part.
8. Nimbin Roots Festival: October
A celebration of original music and artistic expression, Nimbin Roots Festival takes place every October and just celebrated its 10th year in 2025.
Nimbin is a great place to visit at any time of the year, but I can imagine it would be extra special and have a real buzz during the Roots Festival.
9. Byron Wellness Festival: November
A weekend of live music, sound healing, breathwork, yoga and so much more.
Byron Wellness Festival will feature local wellness facilitators, musicians and international artists across 27th-29th November.
Planning Your First Time in Byron Bay
If you’re planning your first trip to Byron Bay, I’m very jealous. I wish I could experience Byron Bay for the first time all over again and feel that instant calmness that settles over you as soon as you arrive.
This list of the best things to do in Byron Bay for first-timers will guide you in the right direction of all there is to see and do during your holiday in Byron Bay.
If you feel there’s anything I missed from this list of the best things to do in Byron Bay, make sure to let me know in the comments so I can tick it off on my next trip to Byron.
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By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
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