Byron Bay is a seaside town in the New South Wales’ Northern Rivers, situated just off the Pacific Highway, around 500 miles north of Sydney and 100 miles south of Brisbane.
The local Arakwal people know this place as Cavanbah, which means ‘meeting place’, a proper name when you see an incredible blend of holidaying families, young backpackers from around the world, aging hippies, property developers, boho-clad seachangers, musicians, and writers exploring this region. Visit Byron Bay to surf epic breaks in the morning and melt at the enchanting sunsets, hang with beach buskers, and perfect your yoga moves, unwind at cafes, hog good food, then party on at the pub. Wake up, repeat.
Things to know before visiting Byron Bay
Byron Bay is cherished worldwide for scuba diving, surfing beaches, rural beauty, whale watching, and a laidback lifestyle. It is one of Australia’s significant tourist destinations, both for domestic and international travelers.
How to reach Byron Bay?
By Flying
The nearest airport is Byron/Ballina Airport, around 20 minutes drive away from Ballina. There are flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Newcastle. There are hourly airport shuttle services, and most of them are door to door, so you don’t have to worry about dropping points.
By Car
It takes about 9 hours to drive from Sydney to Byron Bay. Byron Bay is about one hour’s drive from the Gold Coast and just over a couple of hours’ drive from Brisbane.
Movement on the Pacific Highway can get extremely busy during school vacation periods. There are often traffic holdups on the northern entrance to Byron Bay, particularly on public holidays and Byron Bay Market Sundays, when insane traffic jams of up to 3 km are possible. Traffic into the town center is usually much thinner from the south, and drivers wishing to bypass the Ewingsdale jams should continue along the Pacific Highway to the last Bangalow Road exit.
Top Things to see and do in Byron Bay
For those people preparing to take either a short or long break in the Byron Bay area, here are the kinds of stuff you could do to end the monotony of a boring time spent inside your holiday accommodation, lounging, swimming, and playing on the beach.
Byron presents more than just a relaxing holiday by the beach. You will be able to experience exciting and funds activities while you enjoy the tide, sun, sun, and excellent resorts.
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Don’t you forget to take a legendary walk around the lighthouse’s proximity to encounter the breathtaking scenery. You’ll be able to inhale in the fresh air, take pleasure in the rich green areas ideal for morning runs and walk. And, if you go up in the lighthouse, your eyes would be able to feast on the fantastic view of the neighboring areas. For the more adventurous people who want to capture the view and get a little action out of it, join the ranks of people taking the lighthouse trail to stimulate your mind and body.
Sundive Byron bay
If you want more excitement and fun the next time you step into the water, try scuba diving at the nearby Sundive Byron bay, and you’ll find things that would delight your camera lenses with its overabundant underwater species-just within your reach!
Belongil beach
For those who are very pleased with their bodies, whether it be fully clothed or naked as a newborn, you’ll be able to find a region of Belongil beach that is deemed a legal free beach. There you would be able to enjoy nude swimming and sunbaking. You can also join a strange nudist event (who am I to judge?) held every 3rd Sunday of the month.
Surfing
Byron Bay has good surf with various beaches within the city limits. It has captured Australians’ imagination for many years for its perfect lifestyle, climate, and bearable water. The best place to surf is the Byron Main. It has smaller waves that break close to the shore, and it is considered ideal for surfing.
Other unmissable things to explore:
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Byron Bay has some of the world’s best scuba diving. Most diving can be done Julian Rocks, only five minutes offshore. The depths near Julian Rocks are 5-20 meters, and it’s ideal for snorkeling.
- Byron Bay Whale Watching: Byron Bay is one of the world’s best places for whale watching if you visit during the September and October months.
- Spirituality: Byron Bay is a heaven for various spiritual paths, with something for everyone from the devoted to the curious. With workshops, meditation, and yoga on offer, just to name a few.
What to drink and eat in Byron Bay?
Byron Bay has a throbbing social scene for a city of its size. Brilliant bands play most nights at the Beach Hotel (located near the beach) and the world-famous Railway Friendly Bar. The Great Northern hosts the more senior bands. The Buddha-Bar assists backpackers from the Piggery Backpackers and has a very chilled out bar and attached cinema and restaurant.
If you are looking to eat without alcohol, then pubs are not a fit option. Try restaurants around the beach area. They serve fantastic food with large portions and great value for money. Great Northern Restaurant for Authentic Italian Pizza, Fish Mongers restaurant for authentic fish and chips, Cardamon Restaurant, which caters exclusively to vegetarians, Yellow Flower restaurant with Indian food and Singer, and Bayleaf Cafe for incredible coffees are some of the restaurants worth trying.
