Top 10 Things To Do In Byron Bay 2026

1. Experience World-Class Byron Bay Surfing

Byron Bay has earned its reputation as one of Australia's premier surfing destinations, offering consistent waves suitable for everyone from first-timers to experienced wave riders. The region's unique geography creates multiple surf breaks within walking distance of the town center, each with distinct characteristics.

Best Surf Spots for Different Skill Levels

• Main Beach: Ideal for beginners with gentle rolling waves and a sandy bottom. This patrolled beach offers surf schools and board rentals right on the sand.
• The Pass: Byron's most famous surf break offers long, peeling right-hand waves perfect for longboarders and intermediate surfers. The consistent conditions make it incredibly popular.
• Wategos Beach: A more protected spot with smaller waves, excellent for learning or when other beaches have challenging conditions.
• The Wreck: For experienced surfers only, this powerful reef break near the lighthouse delivers hollow barrels but requires solid wave-riding skills.
• Tallows Beach: Stretching for seven kilometers, this beach offers less crowded waves and more space to find your own peak.

Whether you're catching your first wave or riding The Pass's legendary point break, Byron Bay delivers exceptional surfing experiences year-round. The water temperature remains comfortable throughout the year, ranging from 19°C in winter to 25°C in summer, making it one of New South Wales' premier coastal destinations.

2. Discover Breathtaking Byron Bay Waterfalls

The Byron Bay hinterland conceals some of New South Wales' most spectacular waterfalls, offering refreshing swimming holes and scenic bushwalking opportunities away from the coastal crowds.

Killen Falls (30 minutes from Byron Bay)

This accessible waterfall near Tintenbar features a 10-meter cascade tumbling into a deep swimming hole surrounded by lush rainforest. The short 500-meter walk from the car park makes it family-friendly, though the descent involves some stairs. Swimming beneath the falls provides a magical experience, with the water remaining cool even on hot summer days.

Minyon Falls (45 minutes from Byron Bay)

Located in Nightcap National Park, Minyon Falls plunges 100 meters into a pristine gorge, creating one of the region's most photographed scenes. The lookout provides spectacular views without requiring strenuous hiking, though the 4.5km Minyon Falls Loop Track offers a more immersive experience through ancient Gondwanan rainforest.

Other Notable Waterfalls

• Protesters Falls: A series of cascades in Nightcap National Park with picnic facilities and short walking tracks
• Whian Whian Falls: Remote 40-meter waterfall requiring a moderate 2km bushwalk through subtropical rainforest
• Doon Doon Falls: Less crowded alternative with stunning rainforest scenery and swimming opportunities

3. Visit the Iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse

Standing sentinel at Australia's most easterly point, the Cape Byron Lighthouse has guided ships safely since 1901. This heritage-listed landmark offers more than historical significance—it provides some of the continent's most spectacular coastal vistas.

What Makes Cape Byron Special

The lighthouse sits atop dramatic cliffs rising 100 meters above the Pacific Ocean, offering 360-degree views encompassing Byron Bay's beaches to the south, endless ocean to the east, and the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve below. During winter months (June to November), the headland becomes one of Australia's best whale-watching spots, with humpback whales frequently breaching just offshore.

Getting There

Two options exist for reaching the lighthouse. Drive to the car park and walk the final 400 meters on a paved path (wheelchair accessible), or complete the scenic 3.7km Cape Byron Walking Track from Clarkes Beach. The walking track offers superior wildlife viewing opportunities and quieter experiences, particularly at sunrise.

4. Explore Arakwal National Park

Jointly managed by NSW National Parks and the Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation, this 108-hectare park protects culturally significant coastal heathland and provides important habitat for endangered species.

Indigenous Cultural Significance

The Arakwal people have maintained connections to this land for thousands of years. The park's co-management arrangement represents an important step in recognizing Indigenous land rights and preserving traditional ecological knowledge. Visitors can learn about the area's cultural heritage through interpretive signs along walking trails and by joining Aboriginal cultural walks with Discovery Rangers.

Wildlife and Nature

The park supports diverse ecosystems including coastal heath, melaleuca wetlands, and littoral rainforest. Birdwatchers can spot over 100 species, from sea eagles soaring overhead to beach stone-curlews probing the sand. The endangered wallum froglet inhabits seasonal wetlands, while migratory shorebirds rest here during their epic journeys between hemispheres.

Activities in Arakwal National Park

• Walking tracks through varied coastal and rainforest habitats
• Surfing at uncrowded Tallows Beach
• Birdwatching opportunities year-round, especially during spring migration
• Aboriginal cultural walks with Discovery Rangers (bookings required)
• Photography of unique coastal landscapes and wildlife

5. Savor Byron Bay's Thriving Food Scene

Byron Bay's culinary landscape reflects its diverse community, offering everything from health-conscious cafés serving açai bowls to upscale restaurants showcasing regional produce. The town's food philosophy emphasizes organic, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative plant-based options.

Must-Try Cafés

• Folk Byron Bay: Renowned for exceptional coffee and creative breakfast dishes using local ingredients
• Top Shop Café: A Byron institution serving wholesome meals and the best flat whites in town
• Sparrow Coffee: Tiny espresso bar producing consistently excellent coffee with beans from local roasters
• Combi Byron Bay: Trendy spot in a converted VW Kombi serving organic coffee and healthy bowls
• Bayleaf Café: Vegetarian and vegan paradise with creative dishes and fresh juices

Standout Restaurants

• Rae's Dining Room: Fine dining with ocean views at Wategos Beach, showcasing seasonal local produce
• The Farm: Farm-to-table dining experience in a beautiful rural setting (see dedicated section below)
• St Elmo: Spanish-inspired tapas with innovative twists on traditional dishes
• Three Blue Ducks: Farm-to-fork philosophy with paddock-to-plate dining

Nightlife and Bars

Byron's after-dark scene caters to diverse tastes. The Beach Hotel hosts live music most evenings with stunning ocean views, The Northern attracts crowds with its rooftop bar and regular DJ sets, while Railway Friendly Bar offers craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere. For cocktails, visit Miss Margarita for creative concoctions in a vibrant setting, or check out The Byron Bay Brewery for locally crafted beers.

6. Adventure Water Sports: Kayaking and Snorkeling

Beyond surfing, Byron Bay's protected bays and the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve offer exceptional opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling among abundant marine life.

Kayaking Around Cape Byron

Guided kayak tours paddle around the Cape Byron headland, exploring sea caves, secluded beaches, and rocky coastlines from a unique perspective. Tours typically launch from Main Beach and paddle past the iconic lighthouse. Dolphins frequently join kayakers, swimming alongside boats and performing aerial displays. Winter months bring migrating humpback whales, sometimes approaching within meters of kayaks.

Julian Rocks Snorkeling and Diving

Located 2.5 kilometers offshore, Julian Rocks Marine Reserve ranks among Australia's top dive sites. The underwater landscape features massive granite boulders creating swim-throughs, caves, and overhangs. The unique geography where warm tropical currents meet cooler temperate waters creates exceptional biodiversity.

Snorkelers and divers regularly encounter green sea turtles, leopard sharks, wobbegong sharks, giant manta rays, and during winter, grey nurse sharks. The reserve protects over 500 fish species and 90 coral species. Multiple tour operators offer snorkeling trips, with equipment and wetsuits provided.

7. Unique Byron Bay Shopping Experience

Byron Bay's shopping scene reflects its bohemian character, featuring independent boutiques, artisan markets, sustainable fashion labels, and vintage stores alongside surf shops and crystal sellers.

Notable Shopping Areas and Stores

• Jonson Street: Main shopping strip with mix of boutiques, surf brands, and galleries
• The Byron Bay Markets: Held first Sunday of each month, featuring local crafts, organic produce, and live music
• The Industrial Estate: Collection of vintage stores, second-hand shops, and alternative fashion
• Spell & The Gypsy Collective: Byron-born fashion label with flagship store showcasing bohemian designs
• Bisque Traders: Handcrafted homewares and local artisan products

Markets Schedule

• Byron Bay Markets: First Sunday of every month at Butler Street Reserve
• Byron Community Market: Fourth Sunday at Cavanbah Centre
• Byron Farmers Market: Thursday mornings for fresh local produce

Whether you're searching for sustainable fashion, handmade jewelry, local art, or organic produce, Byron Bay's shopping scene offers unique finds you won't discover anywhere else.

8. Experience The Farm Byron Bay

Visiting The Farm offers a unique Byron Bay experience that connects visitors with sustainable agriculture and farm-to-table dining. Located about 7 kilometers from downtown Byron Bay, this working farm has become one of the region's most popular attractions.

What to Experience at The Farm

• Farm Tours: Guided tours explaining regenerative farming practices and sustainable agriculture
• Restaurant and Café: Farm-to-table dining featuring produce harvested from surrounding gardens
• Produce Store: Fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and artisan products
• Farm Animals: Meet friendly chickens, pigs, and other farm residents
• The Gelato Bar: Handcrafted gelato using local ingredients
• Plant Nursery: Browse native plants and organic gardening supplies

The Farm also hosts regular events including farm dinners, workshops on sustainable living, and seasonal festivals. It's an excellent destination for families, food lovers, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture practices.

9. Hike the Cape Byron Walking Track

The best way to experience all the scenic highlights of Byron Bay is on the Cape Byron Walking Track. This 3.7-kilometer loop trail is considered Grade 3 (moderate difficulty) and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.

Walk Highlights

• Panoramic ocean views from multiple lookout points
• The Pass surf break observation area
• Wategos Beach and Little Wategos Beach
• Cape Byron Lighthouse at Australia's most easterly point
• Whale and dolphin watching opportunities (winter months)
• Native bushland with diverse birdlife
• Aboriginal cultural sites with interpretive signage

Walking Track Tips

Start early to avoid crowds and heat, especially during summer. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat as much of the track is exposed. The track is well-maintained but includes some stairs and steep sections. Wheelchair users can access the lighthouse via the paved path from the car park.

10. Relax at Byron Bay's Pristine Beaches

Byron Bay boasts some of Australia's most beautiful beaches, each offering unique characteristics and experiences. From bustling Main Beach to secluded coves, there's a perfect stretch of sand for every preference.

Main Beach

Byron's most accessible beach sits right in front of town, offering calm waters perfect for swimming, consistent waves for learning to surf, and stunning sunset views. Patrolled year-round, it's ideal for families. The beachfront promenade features cafés, restaurants, and the iconic Beach Hotel.

The Pass

Famous among surfers for its long right-hand point break, The Pass also offers excellent snorkeling around the rocky point. The grassy headland provides perfect picnic spots with sweeping coastal views. It's located just a short walk from town along the coastal path.

Wategos Beach

Nestled beneath Cape Byron, Wategos is Byron's most exclusive beach, backed by luxurious homes and the boutique hotel Rae's on Wategos. The sheltered cove creates calm conditions ideal for families with young children. Limited parking keeps crowds manageable.

Tallows Beach

Stretching seven kilometers south from Cape Byron, Tallows offers wide-open spaces and fewer crowds. This beach is part of Arakwal National Park and provides excellent surf breaks, long beach walks, and opportunities to spot wildlife. Several access points exist along the coast.

Belongil Beach

Located north of Main Beach, Belongil provides a quieter alternative with consistent surf and a laid-back atmosphere. Dog-friendly areas make it popular with locals walking their pets. The beach cafe serves excellent coffee and fresh food.