Byron Bay Guide
Local Guide
From laid-back beach days to long lunches, local gems and must-do experiences, this is our handpicked guide to the best of Byron Bay – so you can explore it like a local.
Beaches
Belongil Beach
Belongil Beach is a peaceful stretch backed by dunes – perfect for quiet swims and long walks. Surfers can access ‘The Wreck’ a break created by an old shipwreck here. At low tide walk from Main Beach.
Main Beach
Accessible from town, Main Beach is a great for swimming and beginner surfers. Some evenings at sundown local buskers perform on the grassy area in front of the beach, so it’s a great spot for a picnic or takeaway bite to eat.
Clarkes Beach & The Pass
Further along from Main Beach you’ll find Clarkes Beach and ‘The Pass’, a popular spot for surfers and longboarders. Walk up to Fisherman’s lookout, a viewing platform above the rocks for sweeping views back over the bay.
Whites Beach
For a little slice of paradise, hop in the car to Whites Beach in Broken Head Nature Reserve. A secluded cove, and hidden gem, you’ll likely have the place to yourself. At low tide you can explore the sea caves at the Northern end of the beach.
Wategos Beach
Tucked away, Wategos Beach is a picture-perfect cove with calm waters and a laid back feel. Our go-to for a day at the beach or a picnic on the grass. Parking is limited so get there early for a spot.
Tallow Beach
At 6.5km long, Tallow Beach runs alongside Arakwal National Park from Cosy Corner, ideal for a more sheltered beach day, to Broken Head. Surfers can enjoy the big swells, while birdwatchers can take in the natural surroundings.
Eat & Drink
Bar Heather
Tucked in nearby Jonson Lane, an award-winning, sleek and cosy wine bar serving seasonal plates and a great selection Aussie and European wine. It’s a favourite for good reason, so we recommending booking ahead.
Pixie Italian
Another Jonson Lane favourite, Pixie brings a relaxed, coastal take on classic Italian dining. Inspired by 1970s Italy, the space is warm and beautifully styled – perfect for long lunches and dinner. Enjoy daily rotating cocktail specials.
The Farm
Head to The Farm for a wholesome family experience with daily animal feedings, farm tours and a relaxed café serving locally grown produce. Grab a coffee and wander through the sunflower fields and macadamia trees.
Treehouse Byron Bay
A go-to for brekkie, long lunches and cosy evenings, Treehouse Byron Bay is tucked under the palms at nearby Belongil Beach. Head there for wood-fired pizzas, fresh cocktails and live music in a relaxed al fresco setting.
Frida’s Field
Set on a 120-acre regenerative farm in Byron Bay’s Hinterland, Frida’s Field offers a truly special dining experience. The hatted restaurant serves a seasonally curated set menu featuring local produce. Book ahead.
Moonlight
Hidden in one of Byron Bay’s laneways, Moonlight offers a modern take on the traditional Japanese Hibachi Grill with great food, cocktails, sake and Japanese whisky. Grab a seat at the bar for the full experience.
Sunday Sustainable Bakery
If you’re looking for a quick brekkie bite or lunch, you can’t go wrong with Sunday Sustainable Bakery’s freshly baked goods, sandwiches, juices and coffee. Casual with option to sit indoors or takeaway.
Lightyears
Modern Asian Fusion Dining, located in Jonson Lane precinct. Settle in for beautifully designed interiors, fresh cocktails and dishes made for sharing – or opt for their ‘feed me’ menu to taste all the highlights!
Bayleaf Cafe
A favourite with locals and families, Bayleaf Cafe serves up consistently great food with a seasonal menu that celebrates fresh, local ingredients. Great coffee and great service. And don’t miss the house-blended signature spiced cacao.
Topshop
Laid-back with a true Byron feel, Topshop is one of the town’s originals and perfect for a morning coffee or a wholesome, healthy brekkie. Grab a picnic blanket and settle in on the grass, or soak up the charm inside the 1950s-style milk bar.
Beach Byron Bay
For a special dining experience, Beach Byron Bay offers seasonal fine-dining with panoramic views over Clarkes Beach. Great for long lunches, sunset drinks or dinner by the sea – plus every table gets a view of the water.
North Byron Hotel
North Byron Hotel in Byron’s Arts & Industry Estate is a casual and relaxed sunny afternoon lunch spot serving all the pub classics, seafood, wood-fired pizzas and kids plates. Grab a seat in the beer garden.
Stone & Wood Brewery
One of our favourites, The Stone & Wood Brewery is just out of town in the Arts & Industry Estate. Swing by for craft beer tastings, a 90-minute guided brewery tour (book ahead) or a spot of lunch with snacks & shares on the menu.
Wandana Brewing Co.
A little further afield, but well worth the drive, Wandana Brewing Co in Byron Bay’s Hinterland is a chilled family-friendly taproom and beer garden. Expect live music, a food truck, drinks and good vibes.
Cape Byron Distillery
Home to Brookie’s Gin and a selection of whisky, Cape Byron Distillery offers a unique distillery experience with a cellar door, guided rainforest & gin tasting tours and guided tastings. Perfect for gin-lovers and groups.
Shopping
Spell
From its Byron Bay market beginnings to an internationally loved boho brand, Spell’s flagship store just off Jonson Street is a boutique shopping experience in a beautiful white weatherboard space.
St Agni
Byron Bay’s very own St Agni features a range of handwoven leather accessories, footwear, swim collection and minimal ready-to-wear designs in a minimal, yet dreamy store in Byron’s Arts & Industry Estate.
Nagnata
Just a stone’s throw from us in the Jonson Lane precinct, Nagnata is one of our favourite spots for a browse. The lifestyle brand is known for its elevated sports-to-streetwear – perfect if you’re in the market for luxe yoga or Pilates pieces.
Rowie The Label
A Byron Bay original, Rowie started at the local markets nearly 20 years ago and now celebrates modern, effortless designs crafted from sustainable fabrics. One of just two Australian flagship stores is right here in town!
Marr-kett
Right in the heart of town, Marr-kett is a top pick for curated homewares, Moroccan textiles, jewellery and clothing – all in a beautiful, light-filled space. Browse the row of boutique shops and grab a smoothie from Combi next door.
Habitat
If you’re an interiors lover, then Habitat in Byron’s Arts & Industry Estate is sure to delight! A space full of beautiful things, you’ll find goods from local independent brands, designers and artisans from around the hinterland.
Pamper & Spa
Comma
Slow it down in this beautifully boutique bathhouse and day spa, set on Byron’s Arts & Industry Estate. Book in for a signature treatment or use the bathhouse complete with hot rock sauna, magnesium hot tub and cold plunge.
The Banya
A short drive away in Mullumbimby, The Banya offers the full wellness experience with an onsite cafe and sundeck, mineral pools, cold-plunge, wood-fired sauna, massage and a steam room, along with yoga, pilates and grounding practices.
Navia Bathhouse
Located on Marvell Street, Navia bathhouse offers a cosy, inviting and aesthetically beautiful area to relax and reset. Enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna, magnesium hot pool, cold and ice plunge, and steam room.
Nimbus Co
Nestled in Byron’s Industrial Estate, Nimbus Co offers private infrared sessions in serene, cosy rooms and ice baths for cold plunge therapy. On-site wellness practitioners provide everything from massages and acupuncture to naturopathy and myotherapy.
Explore
Bangalow
A short drive into the Hinterland will bring you to Bangalow, a charming country town surrounded by farmland. Bangalow Road is lined with boutique shops, cool cafes and every fourth Sunday, a market selling local produce.
Minyon Falls
For a scenic day out visit Nightcap National Park (45mins from Byron Bay) and don’t miss Minyon Falls, a stunning 100m waterfall set above a swimming hole. Take in the views from the lookout or explore the rainforest walking track.
Lake Ainsworth
For a unique local experience, take a dip in one of the region’s tea tree lakes, known for their rejuvenating properties. Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Head is a favourite for swimming, kayaking and picnicking – good for the skin and the soul.
Brunswick Heads
Just 15 minutes north of Byron, Brunswick Heads is a laid-back coastal village. Spend the day swimming in the river, chilling on the beach, or soaking up the sun at Hotel Brunswick – and keep an eye out for local koalas.
Visit Byron Lighthouse
Perched on Australia’s easternmost point, Cape Byron Lighthouse offers stunning ocean views, scenic coastal walks, and a perfect vantage point for sunrise – or spotting dolphins and migrating whales (May to November).
Explore by Bike
Borrow a bike for a fun way to see Byron Bay and the surrounding area. Ask at reception for complimentary bike hire during your stay and explore at your own pace.
Experiences
Crystal Castle
A spiritual sanctuary in the Byron Bay Hinterland, Crystal Castle offers a fun experience for the whole family. Home to the world’s biggest crystals, rainforest walks and serene botanic Shambala gardens, it’s a great spot to connect with nature.
Dolphin Kayaking
For a fun family activity, join Cape Byron Kayak for a guided group tour on the ocean. Learn to kayak while getting up close to the Bay’s resident pod of dolphins. Tours run daily from Main Beach. They’re popular so be sure to book ahead.
Learn to Surf
If you’re keen to hit the waves, our friends at Soul Surf School are the experts. They offer private and group sessions tailored to your level, whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your surfing skills.