Byron Bay For Men: A Guidebook for Eating, Drinking & Exploring Well
This no-fuss guide to Byron Bay is one for the men. It lists the kind of pitstops and experiences that’ll take him from the confines of the ‘husband chair’, to a holiday of surf, style, craftsmanship, and Hinterland drives. From where to go for a holiday workout and recovery, to the best breweries and road trips, to the shops that are made for men, take this guidebook as reference for a Byron holiday made for eating, drinking and exploring.
Health, Movement and Recovery
Let’s start in the realm of fitness. This is the land of wellness culture (and Chris Hemsworth), after all.
Use Byron Bay’s natural landscape to your advantage, with an incline jog to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, a 3.7 km loop. Cool off with a swim at Wategos Beach or grab a surfboard (complimentary for all guests at The Lord Byron Hotel), and soak up some serious surf culture at The Pass, one of Australia’s most famous right-hand point breaks. Keep your legs moving while touring the town, by taking advantage of The Lord Byron’s complimentary bike hire or joining the crew at Byron Run Club. Slightly further north, the Brunswick River is a superb backdrop for stand-up paddleboarding.
If you prefer performance-specific studios, gyms and clubs, then you’re in luck. Head to The Yard Gym for one of their core Rig (strength) or Turf (endurance) classes, or Mahi Health Club for a range of specialist classes ranging from high to low intensity. And of course, you can also take to The Lord Byron’s own tennis court for an ace holiday workout.
We know that recovery is just as important as the workout itself. Fortunately, you’ll have no trouble finding a sauna, cold plunge, or steam room in Byron Bay. Some of our favourites include Navia, The Byron Bathhouse, and Comma.
Finally, the Byron Bay Golf Course is well worth it, with stunning scenery and some good challenges thrown in.
Gin, Whisky and Beers
If you’re feeling thirsty, Byron offers plenty of quaffable hot spots to bookmark.
In the Arts & Industrial Estate, grab a tasting paddle at Stone & Wood Brewery and wash it down in the beer garden or large tasting room, set among the 31-tank brewery. Make your way into the Hinterland, for a Brookie’s Rainforest and Gin Tasting Tour at Cape Byron Distillery. The team here are seriously passionate about what they do, and you’ll walk away with a bottle-full of knowledge… and no doubt a bag full of bottles! They also offer a Whisky Tour if your palate so desires. Closer to home (or should we say, Hotel) Bar Heather’s sommelier-driven wine list has over 700 wines from around the world. They’re ready for you to consume alongside a euro-inspired menu and a moody interior.
Hinterland Drives
If you like getting behind the wheel, the Byron Hinterland is well worth a self-drive day out. For a scenic road trip, you have a few options.
From Byron Bay, we suggest making your way to Bangalow. Grab your morning coffee, take a stroll through the main street, and pop into Island Luxe for relaxed-luxe menswear (and more). Make your way to Coolamon Scenic Drive, via a quick pitstop at St Helena’s lookout for views over the Hinterland and right through to Belongil Beach. From here, you’re on to the tiny village of Federal. Doma Cafe is your go-to for a breakfast that combines Japanese flavours with local ingredients. Try the Korokke (a Japanese style hash brown), or nourish up with the Hakkou Fermented Brekkie bowl.
You now have a choice of two options: north or south.
Northern Route
The northern route will take you firstly to Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park. You can check out this 100-metre waterfall from the top, which is just a short stroll from the main car park. To get to the base, you’ll need to take the 13km return hike (expect it to take 3–4 hours) — well worth it if you’re chasing more of a nature adventure. But rest assured, the lookout alone is worth the trip. After Minyon Falls, it’s time for Australia’s Biggest Little Town — Mullumbimby. Here, Wandana Brewing Co serves up handcrafted brews and food trucks. They’re also the only brewery in the world to play non-stop music to every beer they make while it’s in the tank, leaning into research that sound vibrations on yeast cells improve their efficiency. If you’re more of a vinophile, then grab a seat in the courtyard at Bacco. This enoteca-style hideout is your answer to Italy’s aperitivo hour, serving divine drops, slow-aged salami, charcuterie boards, and wonderful atmosphere.
Southern Route
Alternatively, the southern route may be more your jam. In this case, Eltham is the next destination to map out. The centre of this lush, tiny village is the Eltham Hotel. And while we wouldn’t always suggest stopping a scenic drive for a pub, Eltham is the exception. After you’ve washed down your pub grub with a crisp beer in the sun, it’s off to your final stop — Killen Falls. Killen Falls is undoubtedly more accessible than Minyon Falls in the north, yet no less stunning. From the car park, walk just 330 m through lush rainforest to get to the top of the falls, and a short (yet rocky and sometimes slippery) walk to get to the base.
Get yourself back to Byron Bay town centre in time for dinner under the palms at Treehouse. A top-notch, relaxed way to complete a great scenic day out.
Learn Something New
While we’re all for using holidays as an excuse for being poolside and not much else, we also know that idle hands aren’t for everyone. The Farm has a range of regular and one-off adult workshops, like this Stone Building Course which will teach you hands-on skills for traditional masonry. The Guided Farm Tour is another worthwhile option for those interested in regenerative farming.
Shopping
No shortage of boutiques, Byron Bay has many options for menswear. Fashion leans into everything from minimalism (Assembly Label, Mr Simple) to surf/skatewear (Afends) to earthy pieces inspired by the outdoors (Ottway). Akubra is a short stroll from The Lord Byron, if you’re in the market for an iconic hand of superior craftsmanship. Mr Vintage in the Industrial Estate is another gem to hit up for vintage and second-hand finds.
Came to Byron for the surf? Add McTavish and Onboard to your list.
