27 Things to do in Byron Bay: Part 1

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

There is certainly no shortage of things to do in the bohemian surf town of Byron Bay. To help you plan your time here, I’ve compiled a list that covers everything from meditation retreats to skydiving.

1. Walk the Lighthouse Trail

Spectacular coastal views, a valley of palms, rainforest, kangaroo grasslands, dolphins, whales, and Byron Bay’s iconic lighthouse – you’ll get it all on this stunning 3.7 km loop. This is one of the best ways to spend a couple of hours in Byron Bay. I’ve written a separate article on the Byron Bay Lighthouse Trail with pictures and a map.

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The Byron Bay Lighthouse walk at sunrise. Photo: Snapair

2. So Many Festivals!

Whether your passion is music, literature, fashion, food, spirituality, film, art, surfing or triathalons, at Byron Bay there’s a festival or event that’s perfect for you. I’ve compiled a list of 18 Byron Bay festivals and events in date order with pictures and brief descriptions to give you a flavour of what’s on.

festival-splendour-in-the-grass
Splendour in the Grass music festival. Photo: Jacqui Picone

3. Hit the Beaches

Whether you want to surf, take in the beauty, or ditch the swimmers for an all over tan, Byron Bay has a beach for you. From the natural sweep of Tallow Beach, to the awesome surf breaks at The Pass, or the less crowded clothing-optional Belongil Beach, I suggest you explore all six beaches (and surf breaks) of Byron Bay. More information.

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Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay. Photo: Elements of Byron Bay.

4. Surf or learn to surf

Byron Bay has some great right hand point breaks and a good winter swell for those who have come for the surf. Enthusiastic newbies can grab a half day lesson for around $65 at one of the many surf schools in Byron Bay, then hire a surfboard and go solo.

Surf Shools:  Let’s Go Surfing, Byron Bay Surf School, Style Surfing, Mojo Surf, Go Surfing Byron Bay and Soul Surf School.

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Surf grommet at Byron Bay. Photo: Dylan O’Donnell

5. Kitesurfing

By harnessing the power of the ocean and the air, kitesurfing adds a whole new dimension to surfing. Byron Bay Kitesurfing can give you lessons from $250 for 2.5 hours or $140 per hour for one-on-one instruction.

Susi-Mai-Kitesurfing
Suzie Mai, Kitesurfer.

6. Paddleboard and kayak  (with dolphins!)

There’s no better way to explore the waterways of Byron Bay than to glide along on a paddleboard or kayak. You can kayak with dolphins and (from May to October) whales ($69). If you’d rather go solo, you can hire a paddleboard for around $35 a day.

7. Go Art Gallery Hopping

Browsing the 8 galleries of Byron Bay is a fun way for art lovers to spend half a day and find inspiration for your own creativity. Five galleries are clustered in Belongil Beach and three are in town 3.5 km away so I suggest cycling or driving unless you don’t mind a 40 minute walk each way.

I’ve compiled a complete Byron Bay gallery list and map for art lovers like me.

8. Hot Air Ballooning

Imagine floating silently over the Green Cauldron, lush rainforests, undulating hills and azure coastline as the rising sun casts a magical light across the landscape.  For $350 ($175 for kids) Byron Bay Ballooning will make that dream come true. They also put on a champagne breakfast afterwards, so you can celebrate the experience.

ballooning

9. Explore the Byron Bay region on a Bike

Byron Bay is a diverse and beautiful region with 15 km of bike paths taking you through some of the most stunning scenery. On a bike, you can explore more quickly than you could do on foot, and you get to places cars can’t reach. Cycle to Brunswick Heads along the beach at low tide, bike and hike Mt Warning, or mountain bike through rainforests.

Tour companies can show you the best of Byron Bay, or hire a bike and explore the region on your own.

riverside-haven

Things to do in Byron Bay – the map

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

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