Byron Bay

Airport transfer to Byron Bay(30-45 minutes)

Byron Easy Bus or Byron Bay Bus from Ballina (AUD 25) or Gold Coast (AUD 40). Pre-book online

Check-in and orientation walk along Jonson Street(1 hour)

The main street with shops, restaurants, and the turn-off to Main Beach. Get your bearings

Sunset at Main Beach(1.5 hours)

Walk straight down Jonson Street to the beach. Grab fish and chips from the Byron Bay Fish & Chip Shop (AUD 16) and eat on the sand

Drinks at the Beach Hotel(1.5 hours)

Byron's iconic pub right on Main Beach. Beer garden with ocean views. Schooner of local craft beer (AUD 10). Live music most nights

Cape Byron Track (full loop)(2 hours)

3.7km loop starting from Captain Cook lookout or the lighthouse car park (AUD 9/hr parking — arrive before 9AM). Whale watching Jun-Nov from the trail. Dolphins year-round

Cape Byron Lighthouse(30 minutes)

Built 1901, open 10AM-4PM. Australia's most powerful lighthouse. Stand at the easternmost point marker for the obligatory photo

Wategos Beach swim(1.5 hours)

Sheltered crescent beach below the lighthouse. Popular with families and dolphin-spotters. Calmer than Main Beach. 15-min walk from the lighthouse

Lunch at The Pass Cafe(1 hour)

Right at The Pass surf break. Acai bowls (AUD 18), fish tacos (AUD 20). Watch longboarders ride the point break

Evening at Treehouse on Belongil(1.5 hours)

Restaurant and cocktail bar elevated among the trees. Modern Australian cuisine. Barramundi (AUD 36). Great sunset vibe

Surf lesson at Main Beach(2 hours)

Mojosurf or Let's Go Surfing, from AUD 70 including board and wetsuit. Morning has cleanest conditions. Gentle waves perfect for beginners

Lunch at Combi(1 hour)

Health-conscious cafe in a converted VW Combi van. Smoothie bowls and Buddha bowls from AUD 16. On Jonson Street

Kayaking with dolphins(2.5 hours)

Cape Byron Kayaks or Go Sea Kayak, from AUD 75. Sunrise sessions are classic but afternoon works too. Bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles — 90%+ sighting rate in season

Dinner at Harvest Newrybar(2 hours)

20-min drive to the hinterland village of Newrybar. Farm-to-table in a restored barn. Tasting menu AUD 85. One of the Northern Rivers' best restaurants. Book ahead

Drive the Hinterland Loop(3 hours)

Rent a car (~AUD 70/day). Loop through Bangalow, Federal, and Mullumbimby. Each village has unique character, galleries, and cafes

Bangalow village browsing(1 hour)

Heritage main street with boutiques, antique shops, and the famous Bangalow Hotel pub. If it's the fourth Saturday, catch the Bangalow Market

Minyon Falls(1.5 hours)

100m waterfall plunging into the Nightcap National Park gorge. Free. 45 min from Byron. Multiple lookout points. The walk to the base takes 45 min (steep return)

Lunch at Doma Cafe in Federal(1 hour)

Japanese-fusion cafe in a tiny village. Handrolls and matcha lattes. Locals queue for this place on weekends. Mains from AUD 18

Macadamia nut farm visit(45 minutes)

Macadamia Castle (free entry) has tastings, native animal encounters, and macadamia everything. On the Pacific Highway near Knockrow

Morning yoga at Byron Yoga Centre(1.5 hours)

Drop-in from AUD 20. Multiple styles. The original Byron yoga studio in a rainforest setting. Arrive 15 min early

Brunch at Folk Byron Bay(1 hour)

Plant-based cafe on the main strip. Turmeric latte (AUD 7) and green goddess bowl (AUD 22). Beautiful design

Balinese massage at Relax Haven(1.5 hours)

Day spas line the main streets. 60-min massage from AUD 80. Or try the more upscale Osprey Spa at Elements of Byron

Browse Jonson Street shops(1 hour)

Vintage clothing, surf shops, crystal shops, and ethical fashion. Byron has a unique retail scene

Sunset drinks at the Railway Friendly Bar (The Rails)(1.5 hours)

Legendary live music venue in the old railway station. Free live music every night. Schooner AUD 9. Classic Byron

Morning swim at Clarkes Beach(1.5 hours)

Between Main Beach and The Pass. Patrolled daily. Gentler waves than Main Beach. Less crowded

Walk through Arakwal National Park(1.5 hours)

Behind Tallow Beach. Coastal rainforest walk on Arakwal Bunderjalung land. Free. Learn about indigenous heritage through interpretive signs

Lunch at Orgasmic Food(45 minutes)

Not as dodgy as it sounds. Falafel wraps (AUD 14) and fresh juices at this Byron institution on Bay Lane

Tallow Beach walk(1 hour)

Long, wild beach south of the headland. Less sheltered, stronger waves. Good for beachcombing and solitude

Farewell dinner at Rae's on Wategos(2 hours)

Fine dining at the boutique hotel on Wategos Beach. Seafood degustation (AUD 120). Jacket-optional sunset dining with crashing waves. The most special dinner in Byron

Sunrise at The Pass(1 hour)

Watch the early morning surfers ride the point break as the sun comes up. One of the most peaceful moments in Byron

Breakfast at Bay Leaf Cafe(1 hour)

Byron institution near the beach. Big breakfast (AUD 22) and excellent coffee

Last-minute shopping on Jonson Street(45 minutes)

Locally made candles, surf wax, and Byron Bay Cookie Company treats for gifts

Airport transfer(30-45 minutes)

Byron Easy Bus to Ballina (AUD 25) or Gold Coast (AUD 40). Allow 2 hours before your flight

Airport transfer to Byron Bay(30-45 minutes)

Byron Easy Bus from Ballina (AUD 25) or Gold Coast (AUD 40)

Sunset at Main Beach(1.5 hours)

Fish and chips from Byron Bay Fish & Chip Shop (AUD 16) on the sand

Drinks at the Beach Hotel(1.5 hours)

Iconic pub on Main Beach. Craft beer (AUD 10). Live music most nights

Cape Byron Track(2 hours)

3.7km loop. Whale watching Jun-Nov, dolphins year-round. Parking AUD 9/hr — arrive before 9AM

Cape Byron Lighthouse(30 minutes)

Open 10AM-4PM. Easternmost point photo

Wategos Beach swim(1.5 hours)

Sheltered crescent below the lighthouse. Calm and family-friendly

Lunch at The Pass Cafe(1 hour)

Acai bowls (AUD 18), fish tacos (AUD 20). Watch longboarders

Dinner at Treehouse on Belongil(1.5 hours)

Barramundi (AUD 36). Elevated among the trees

Surf lesson at Main Beach(2 hours)

Mojosurf from AUD 70 including board and wetsuit

Lunch at Combi(1 hour)

Smoothie bowls from AUD 16 on Jonson Street

Kayaking with dolphins(2.5 hours)

Cape Byron Kayaks, AUD 75. Bottlenose dolphins — 90%+ sighting rate

Dinner at the Italian on the main strip(1.5 hours)

Italian at Byron on Jonson. Wood-fired pizza from AUD 22

Bangalow village browsing(1 hour)

Heritage main street. Antiques, galleries, Bangalow Hotel pub

Minyon Falls(1.5 hours)

100m waterfall. Free. 45 min from Byron. Multiple lookouts

Lunch at Doma Cafe in Federal(1 hour)

Japanese-fusion. Handrolls and matcha lattes. Mains from AUD 18

Macadamia Castle visit(45 minutes)

Free entry. Tastings, native animals, macadamia everything

Dinner at Harvest Newrybar(2 hours)

Farm-to-table in a restored barn. Tasting menu AUD 85. Book ahead

Morning yoga at Byron Yoga Centre(1.5 hours)

Drop-in AUD 20. Rainforest setting

Brunch at Folk(1 hour)

Plant-based. Turmeric latte (AUD 7), green goddess bowl (AUD 22)

Massage at Relax Haven(1.5 hours)

60-min massage from AUD 80

Sunset at the Rails(1.5 hours)

Free live music every night in the old railway station. AUD 9 schooner

Morning swim at Clarkes Beach(1.5 hours)

Patrolled, gentler waves, less crowded

Arakwal National Park walk(1.5 hours)

Behind Tallow Beach. Coastal rainforest on Bunderjalung land. Free

Lunch at Orgasmic Food(45 minutes)

Falafel wraps (AUD 14). Byron institution on Bay Lane

Tallow Beach walk(1 hour)

Wild, less sheltered. Good for solitude

Dinner at Rae's on Wategos(2 hours)

Seafood degustation (AUD 120). The most special dinner in Byron

Drive to Nimbin(1.5 hours)

70km west through beautiful countryside. Rent a car or join the Nimbin Shuttle (AUD 40 return from Byron)

Walk Cullen Street(1 hour)

Nimbin's colourful main street with murals, hemp shops, crystal stores, and organic cafes. The Rainbow Cafe does good veggie burgers (AUD 15). Nimbin Museum (AUD 5) is delightfully eccentric

Nimbin Candle Factory(30 minutes)

Make your own candle (AUD 15) or browse the shop. Fun, low-key activity. On the outskirts of town

Nightcap National Park — Protesters Falls(1.5 hours)

Named after the anti-logging activists who saved this rainforest. 15-min walk to a 15m waterfall in lush subtropical jungle. Free. 15 min north of Nimbin

Morning swim at Brunswick Heads beach(1.5 hours)

River meets ocean at the Brunswick River mouth. Calmer water for swimming. Less crowded than Byron. Free parking

Walk the Brunswick River boardwalk(45 minutes)

Peaceful walk along the river past fishing boats and pelicans. 2km return

Lunch at Fleet(1.5 hours)

Tiny restaurant (20 seats) that has become one of Australia's most celebrated. Seasonal multi-course lunch from AUD 85. Book well ahead. If you can't get a table, their takeaway window does excellent focaccia sandwiches

Afternoon at Torakina Beach(2 hours)

A hidden gem — small beach on the river side of the breakwall. Protected from waves. Popular with families

Dinner at Hotel Brunswick pub(1.5 hours)

Classic country pub with modern food. Beer-battered fish (AUD 22). Live music on weekends. Roof terrace with river views

Sleep in and beach time(3 hours)

Revisit Wategos, The Pass, or Main Beach at your own pace

Byron Bay cooking class(3 hours)

Several operators offer farm-to-table cooking experiences. Bespoke Byron Bay does a 3-hour class from AUD 150 including dinner you cook and eat. Focus on local seafood and produce

Diving or snorkeling at Julian Rocks(3 hours)

Sundive Byron Bay operates boat trips from AUD 89 (snorkel) or AUD 160 (2 dives, certified). Grey nurse sharks, leopard sharks, manta rays, and turtles. The biodiversity here rivals the Great Barrier Reef

Lunch at Bayleaf Cafe(1 hour)

Big breakfast at any hour (AUD 22). Near the beach

Dinner at St Elmo Dining Room(1.5 hours)

Spanish-inspired tapas. Manchego croquettes (AUD 16), grilled prawns (AUD 28). Buzzy atmosphere. Book for 7PM

Browse the Byron Bay Book Shop or local galleries(1 hour)

Independent bookshop with great Australian literature section. Or visit the numerous galleries on Jonson and Lawson streets

Lunch at Top Shop(1 hour)

Burgers and milkshakes in Bangalow Road. The Top Shop Burger (AUD 18) is a local legend

Afternoon at The Farm Byron Bay(2 hours)

A working farm with Three Blue Ducks restaurant (book ahead), farm animals, and artisan bakery. Free to wander. 10 min from town

Sunset at Belongil Beach(1 hour)

Quieter than Main Beach. Walk north for solitude. Dogs allowed off-leash

Mountain biking in the hinterland(3 hours)

Byron Bay Adventure Tours offers guided mountain bike rides through rainforest trails from AUD 80. Or rent a bike and ride to Bangalow on the rail trail (12km, flat)

Lunch at the Bangalow Hotel(1 hour)

Country pub with surprisingly good food. Steak sandwich (AUD 22). Cold beer on the veranda

Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby(2 hours)

A garden of massive crystals including the world's tallest geode. AUD 35 entry. 25 min from Byron. Peaceful walks through bamboo forest and crystal-encrusted paths. Love it or laugh at it, but it's uniquely Byron

Dinner at Loft Byron Bay(1.5 hours)

Modern Australian in the centre of town. Pan-roasted duck (AUD 38). Upstairs views over Jonson Street

Byron Community Market (first Sunday)(2 hours)

Over 300 stalls at Butler Street Reserve. Local crafts, organic produce, live music. Free entry. If not first Sunday, the Bangalow Market (fourth Saturday) is equally good

Lunch at The Farm — Three Blue Ducks(1.5 hours)

Farm-to-fork menu using produce grown metres from your table. Set menu from AUD 55. Book well ahead

Farewell sunset at Cape Byron(1 hour)

Walk up to the lighthouse one more time for the final sunset

Last dinner at Beach Hotel(1.5 hours)

Full circle — end where you began. Beer garden, live music, Main Beach views

Sunrise at The Pass(45 minutes)

Watch the early surfers. One last Byron morning

Breakfast at Bay Leaf Cafe(1 hour)

Big breakfast (AUD 22) and excellent coffee

Airport transfer(30-45 minutes)

Byron Easy Bus to Ballina (AUD 25) or Gold Coast (AUD 40)

Airport transfer(30-45 minutes)

Byron Easy Bus from Ballina (AUD 25) or Gold Coast (AUD 40)

Sunset at Main Beach with fish & chips(1.5 hours)

Byron Bay Fish & Chip Shop (AUD 16)

Drinks at the Beach Hotel(1.5 hours)

Iconic pub on Main Beach. Live music

Cape Byron Track(2 hours)

3.7km loop. Whale watching Jun-Nov. Arrive before 9AM

Wategos Beach swim(1.5 hours)

Sheltered crescent beach below the lighthouse

Lunch at The Pass Cafe(1 hour)

Acai bowls (AUD 18). Watch the surfers

Dinner at Treehouse on Belongil(1.5 hours)

Barramundi (AUD 36)

Surf lesson at Main Beach(2 hours)

Mojosurf, AUD 70 including board and wetsuit

Lunch at Combi(1 hour)

Smoothie bowls (AUD 16)

Kayaking with dolphins(2.5 hours)

Cape Byron Kayaks, AUD 75. 90%+ sighting rate

Dinner at Italian at Byron(1.5 hours)

Wood-fired pizza from AUD 22

Bangalow village(1 hour)

Heritage main street. Antiques and galleries

Minyon Falls(1.5 hours)

100m waterfall in Nightcap NP. Free

Lunch at Doma Cafe in Federal(1 hour)

Japanese-fusion. Handrolls, mains from AUD 18

Macadamia Castle(45 minutes)

Free entry. Tastings and native animals

Dinner at Harvest Newrybar(2 hours)

Farm-to-table. Tasting menu AUD 85

Morning yoga at Byron Yoga Centre(1.5 hours)

Drop-in AUD 20. Rainforest setting

Brunch at Folk(1 hour)

Plant-based. Turmeric latte (AUD 7)

Massage(1.5 hours)

60-min from AUD 80

Sunset at the Rails(1.5 hours)

Free live music every night

Diving or snorkeling at Julian Rocks(3 hours)

Sundive Byron Bay. AUD 89 snorkel, AUD 160 for 2 dives. Grey nurse sharks, turtles, manta rays

Lunch at Bay Leaf Cafe(1 hour)

Big breakfast at any hour (AUD 22)

Dinner at St Elmo Dining Room(1.5 hours)

Spanish tapas. Croquettes (AUD 16), prawns (AUD 28)

Drive to Nimbin(1.5 hours)

Or Nimbin Shuttle (AUD 40 return)

Walk Cullen Street(1 hour)

Murals, hemp shops, Rainbow Cafe veggie burgers (AUD 15). Nimbin Museum (AUD 5)

Nightcap NP — Protesters Falls(1.5 hours)

15-min walk to a 15m waterfall in subtropical jungle. Free

Brunswick Heads beach swim(1.5 hours)

River mouth. Calmer water. Free parking

Brunswick River boardwalk(45 minutes)

2km return past fishing boats and pelicans

Lunch at Fleet(1.5 hours)

20-seat restaurant. Multi-course lunch AUD 85. Book ahead. Or their focaccia takeaway

Torakina Beach afternoon(2 hours)

Hidden gem on the river side of the breakwall

Dinner at Hotel Brunswick(1.5 hours)

Fish (AUD 22). Roof terrace with river views

Arakwal National Park walk(1.5 hours)

Coastal rainforest behind Tallow Beach. Free

Lunch at Orgasmic Food(45 minutes)

Falafel wraps (AUD 14). Bay Lane

Tallow Beach walk(1 hour)

Wild beach, good for beachcombing

Dinner at Loft Byron Bay(1.5 hours)

Pan-roasted duck (AUD 38)

Lunch at Top Shop(1 hour)

The legendary Top Shop Burger (AUD 18)

The Farm Byron Bay(2 hours)

Working farm. Three Blue Ducks restaurant, bakery, farm animals. Free to wander

Sunset at Belongil Beach(1 hour)

Quieter. Dogs off-leash

Swim and surf at Lennox Head beach(2 hours)

Beautiful headland beach with one of Australia's best right-hand point breaks. Tea-tree-stained Seven Mile Beach extends south

Pat Morton Lookout(30 minutes)

Walk the headland track for panoramic ocean views. Free. Whale and dolphin spotting in season

Lunch at Shelter Lennox Head(1 hour)

Cafe on the main strip. Poke bowls (AUD 20) and excellent coffee

Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum(1 hour)

AUD 5. Las Balsas raft — the first Pacific crossing from Ecuador to Australia in 1973. Fascinating

Dinner at Wharf Bar & Restaurant, Ballina(1.5 hours)

On the Richmond River. Seafood platter (AUD 55). Sunset over the river

Byron Bay cooking class(3 hours)

Bespoke Byron Bay. AUD 150 including dinner you cook. Local seafood and produce focus

Byron Farmers Market (Thursday) or other market(1 hour)

Fresh local produce, flowers, and food stalls at Butler Street Reserve

Mountain biking in the hinterland(3 hours)

Byron Bay Adventure Tours guided rides from AUD 80. Or rent a bike and ride the rail trail to Bangalow (12km, flat)

Lunch at Bangalow Hotel(1 hour)

Steak sandwich (AUD 22). Cold beer on the veranda

Crystal Castle in Mullumbimby(2 hours)

Massive crystals, world's tallest geode, bamboo forest walks. AUD 35

Dinner at Rae's on Wategos(2 hours)

Seafood degustation (AUD 120). Farewell fine dining

Walk the Mullum main street(1 hour)

Heritage shopfronts, organic food stores, independent bookshop. More authentically alternative than Nimbin. Saturday market is excellent if timing works

Lunch at Poinciana Cafe(1 hour)

In a converted church. Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern-inspired menu. Curry (AUD 20). Beautiful courtyard garden

Wilsons Creek walk(1.5 hours)

Short drives to swimming holes and walking tracks in the lush creek valleys behind Mullum. Ask locals for directions to Crabbes Creek swimming hole

Morning yoga at Bamboo Yoga(1.5 hours)

Different studio from earlier. Drop-in AUD 25. Open-air bamboo shala

Full spa day at Elements of Byron(4 hours)

Osprey Spa. Half-day packages from AUD 250 including multiple treatments, pool, and sauna access. The resort is stunning even if you're not staying there

Drive to Cabarita Beach(45 minutes)

Beautiful uncrowded beach south of Byron. Norries Head walk for ocean panoramas

Swim at Cabarita Beach(1.5 hours)

Less well-known than Byron beaches. Crystal clear water and headland backdrop

Lunch at Paper Daisy, Halcyon House(1.5 hours)

In a beautifully restored motel. Chef-driven seasonal menu. Set lunch from AUD 70. One of the best restaurants in the Northern Rivers

Kingscliff walk and swim(1.5 hours)

Charming beachside town. Walk the creek boardwalk. Free

Second surf session — intermediate lesson or free surf(2 hours)

Return to Mojosurf for a step-up lesson (AUD 70), or rent a board (AUD 30/day) and surf The Pass or Broken Head

Broken Head Nature Reserve walk(1.5 hours)

3km coastal walk from Suffolk Park to Broken Head beach through littoral rainforest. Free. One of the least-visited walks near Byron

Lunch at Suffolk Park Tavern(1 hour)

Relaxed beach pub in the next village south. Fish tacos (AUD 18). Locals outnumber tourists here

Kings Beach(1.5 hours)

At the end of Broken Head. Clothing-optional beach (if that's your thing) in a beautiful cove backed by forest. Free

Dinner at Barrio(1.5 hours)

Latin American-inspired eatery on Lawson Street. Pulled pork tacos (AUD 22). Margaritas

Lone Goat Gallery(45 minutes)

Free. Contemporary art gallery on Jonson Street featuring local and national artists. Rotating exhibitions

Photography walk — sunrise to mid-morning(2 hours)

The Pass at dawn, then The Wreck (old shipwreck visible at low tide off Main Beach), then the lighthouse. The morning light in Byron is extraordinary

Lunch at No Bones(1 hour)

Plant-based restaurant on Jonson Street. Mushroom ragu (AUD 24). Creative vegan food that wins over non-vegans

Visit an artisan workshop(1.5 hours)

Several local artisans offer studio visits — check the Byron Arts Trail map at the visitor centre. Ceramics, woodwork, textiles

Byron Community Market (first Sunday) or Bangalow Market (fourth Saturday)(2 hours)

300+ stalls. Final chance for gifts and souvenirs

Lunch at Three Blue Ducks at The Farm(1.5 hours)

Farm-to-fork. Set menu from AUD 55. Book ahead

Farewell sunset at Cape Byron lighthouse(1 hour)

Walk up one last time. Three weeks of sunsets, and somehow the last one hits different

Last dinner at the Beach Hotel(1.5 hours)

Full circle

Breakfast at Bay Leaf Cafe(1 hour)

Big breakfast (AUD 22). One last coffee

Airport transfer(30-45 minutes)

Byron Easy Bus to Ballina (AUD 25) or Gold Coast (AUD 40)