What is it about the place we affectionately call ‘The Bay’, aka Byron Bay, that makes it one of the most sought after holiday destinations on the east coast of Australia? Is it the fact that it is unspoiled and non-commercialized, with no hi-rises, no traffic lights and strict environmental protection laws? Is it the idyllic location at the most easterly point of Australia with pristine beaches that meet verdant rainforests? Is it the eclectic mix of people ranging from free-spirited Hippies; to European back-packers; to trendy ‘Indies’; and the rich and famous, that can be spotted on the streets?

Wategos Beach, Byron Bay

Byron Bay

I think it is a combination of the above that entices me back to this little town located in Far North New South Wales, only an hour from the Gold Coast, time and time again. It has certainly been a Summer holiday destination favourite of mine for numerous years and it does attract a large amount of tourists all year round.

From its humble beginnings as a whaling station, that closed in the 1960’s, sand mining town and the Byron Bay abattoirs, it has certainly been transformed into a ‘surfer’s paradise’ and a popular snorkelling and scuba diving spot.

View of Clarke’s Beach in Byron Bay

Things To Do In Byron Bay

There are so many things to do and see in and around ‘The Bay’. Here are just a few of them:

• Go on a guided ‘Dolphin Surfari’ by kayak.
• Surf at the many surfing beaches that Byron has to offer, including Main Beach, The Pass, Broken Head and Tallow, where you get to surf with Dolphins.

Tallow Beach

• Ride a horse along one of the secluded pristine beaches near Byron Bay.
• Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point in Eastern Australia, that is a perfect vantage point to watch the whales play in the warm waters during the Winter months.

The stairs up to Cape Byron Lighthouse

• Get up before sunrise and take a breathtaking balloon flight above Byron.
• Go shopping in some of the trendy little boutiques, arts and crafts galleries and somewhat ‘alternate’ shops in Byron Bay.

Shopping in Byron Bay

• Go snorkelling or scuba diving with the sea turtles at nearby Julian Rocks.
• Have a cold beer at one of two pubs in Byron, The Great Northern and the Byron Beach Hotel, idyllically located across the road from Main Beach.

• Explore remote beaches, nature reserves and secluded trails on a mountain bike guided tour.
• Dine out at one of the many fine restaurants in Byron Bay.

• Go to the Byron Bay Markets, one of the biggest and best markets on the East Coast.
• Trek along the walkways and up the hundreds of stairs through the rainforests to the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

• Experience one of Byron’s music festivals such as Byron Bay Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass or FALLS Byron Bay.
• Enjoy some fresh, tasty, organic and healthy food at many of the cafes in Byron.

• Be adventurous and get a bird’s eye view of Byron by partaking in a tandem skydive.
• Walk along one of Byron’s magical beaches where the sand is soft underfoot.

Beach Walking at Byron Bay’s Main Beach

• Go on a day trip to the nearby hippie village of Nimbin.
• Sit in the park on the beach near the Surf Club and just people watch.

• Go to one of Byron’s nightclubs, such as Cheeky Monkeys, where anything goes.
• Talk a walk down main street and enjoy the variety of buskers performing.

• Rejuvenate and reinvigorate at one of the world famous Health Retreats in the area such as Gaia Health Retreat, Byron Bay Detox Retreats, Byron Wellbeing Retreats, Crystalbrook Byron at Byron or Elements of Byron.
• Experience the peace and tranquility in the Byron Hinterland at a Farm Stay such as Tooraloo Farm Stay, Cape Byron Stay, or Heartwood Farm.

Verdant green countryside in Byron Hinterland

• Get a relaxing massage, take a yoga class, a cooking class or learn to meditate.  There are many places in Byron offering these services.
• Visit the Byron Bay Arts and Industry Park where there are a variety of artists, artisans, craftspeople and manufacturers working. It’s worth a trip to find a special bargain or a unique handcrafted item.

Where to stay in Byron Bay

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Byron Bay from hotels, resorts, holiday apartments, backpackers, hostels, caravan parks, farm stays to holiday homes or Airbnbs.

Raes on Wategos Hotel

For campers and caravanners there are 4 caravan parks including: Reflections Byron Bay Holiday Park (formerly Clarkes Beach Caravan Park); First Sun Holiday Park (located in the heart of Byron); Discovery Byron Bay Holiday Park on Belongil Beach 2 kilometres out of town ; and Ingenia Byron Bay Holiday Park at Suffolk Park on Tallow Beach.

Byron Bay also boasts luxury hotel and resort accommodation including: Elements of Byron, Crystalbrook Byron, Byron at Byron, The Lord Byron, Raes at Watego and Garden Burees of Byron Bay.

Eagles Nest Airbnb in Byron Hinterland

For the budget travellers there is plenty of cheaper options including backpackers and hostels such as: The Surf House Byron Bay, Aquarius Backpackers Resort, Byron Bay YHA and Arts Factory Lodge.

There really is something for everyone in ‘The Bay’. It has attractive white-sanded beaches, a laid-back vibe, great eateries, plenty of scenic walks, and a lush green hinterland. I would say it is one to add to your bucket list.