Byron Bay is a haven of beach paradise in northern New South Wales. The laid-back vibe, endless stretches of beach and famous lighthouse attracts yogis, young professionals and travellers alike. While once a mecca for gap year backpackers, in recent years the beachside town has evolved into a destination that caters for everyone; whether you’re after a few days of sun, sea, sand and sundowners, or a more holistic retreat that will leave you feeling revived and refreshed. With the summer season finally upon us, never has there been a better time to visit beautiful Byron Bay. Here is our curated list of amazing things to do in Byron Bay.
Lucy Pearson and Skye Gilkeson
Beautiful barefoot luxury in Byron Bay at Elements of Byron. Image © Elements of Byron
Where to Stay in Byron Bay
Elements of Byron | 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Elements of Byron, which opened in early 2016, has proved itself as a must visit for anyone wanting to experience barefoot luxury. With morning yoga overlooking the beach, an indulging and relaxing spa, and a mouth-watering breakfast menu, it’s a great option for those wanting to see Byron at its very best. Read our full review of Elements here.
The Byron at Byron | 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay
Located on the Ballina side of Byron Bay, The Byron at Byron offers the perfect fusion of indulgent accommodation nestled within Byron’s natural habitat. Set within 45 acres of rainforest, guests are encouraged to walk amongst the tropical greenery, indulge in a treatment at the spa and take full advantage of the day beds that surround the resort’s infinity pool. With spacious and airy rooms looking out across the forest, it’s impossible not to feel at one with nature, and both renewed and invigorated upon leaving.
Poolside antipasti at The Byron at Byron resort nestled in the rainforest just outside of Byron Bay. Image © Lucy Pearson
Things to Do in Byron Bay
Fresh, local, sustainable fare at Three Blue Ducks, The Farm Byron Bay. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Where to Eat in Byron Bay
The Farm Byron Bay | 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale
Sydney favourite Three Blue Ducks recently opened a sister restaurant, The Farm at Byron, located on an 86-acre farm, a short drive outside of Byron. Maintaining its hip and healthy vibe, there’s a produce store with an abundance of health foods on offer, a working farm, a bar and a stylish restaurant whose menu is perfect for real lovers of food.
Folk Byron Bay | Lot 1, 399 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay
If you’re after a local, fresh and organic food offering, look no further than Folk. With whitewashed panels and rustic décor, the setting is as beautiful as the food is tasty. The indoor plants and vintage vibe make it a popular spot in Byron, for locals and visitors alike.
Combi | Shop 5b 21-25 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay
Fresh from the sand on Main Beach or thirsty after a morning of shopping in Byron Bay village? Stop into Combi for a beautiful and healthy smoothie, raw treat or coffee. It’s central location and tasty food means this places gets really busy, so prepare yourself for a bit of a wait during peak times.
Top Shop Byron Bay | 65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay
Top Shop is tucked away from the main Byron village but it is always bursting at the seams with locals and visitors who grab a table inside the gorgeous old weatherboard building or simply take a seat on the grass outside. You will find a great cup of coffee at this hillside hangout, comfort food favourites and many healthy options made from delicious local produce.
Harvest Newrybar | 18-22 Old Pacific Highway, Newrybar Village
Harvest sits in the cute village of Newrybar in the Byron Bay Hinterland. Comprised of a cafe, bakery and restaurant housed in a 1900s historic cottage, dine al fresco and breathe in that country air. It is a special spot to settle in for a long lunch where you’ll savour lovingly crafted plates of slow food. Their vision is to showcase seasonal and sustainable food produced from ingredients supplied by local farmers or picked from their own garden.
Naked Treaties | 2/3 Marvel Street in Byron Bay
Naked Treaties is a vegan and raw foodies’ haven. Picture gorgeous, colourful superfood smoothies and nut milk shakes made to order at their Raw Bar, gut nourishing kombucha and kefir, matcha lattes, raw wraps, pizzas and other savoury and sweet snacks.
A healthy afternoon iced coffee delight at Harvest Newrybar. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Best Bars in Byron Bay
The Mez Club | 85-87 Jonson St, Byron Bay
Newly opened, The Mez Club is Byron’s latest hotspot for sundown drinks and lazy afternoon cocktails. A short walk from the main beach, its Moroccan-inspired interiors and white washed walls fuse the exotic with contemporary chic, and there’s a delicious selection of both drinks and tapas-style dishes to choose from.
Balcony Bar and Oyster Co. | Cnr Lawson Street & Jonson Streets, Byron Bay
Offering some of the best cocktails in Byron is beach-chic bar Balcony. With a lively atmosphere and a central location, a stone’s through from the beach, it’s the perfect place to while away an afternoon away from the glare of the sun.
From the food to the fashion, every artisanal piece in Byron is inspired by the stunning natural surrounds.
Where to Shop in Byron Bay
When it comes to shopping, Byron has grown a lot over the last decade. While you can still shop for one-off second hand finds and locally made pieces at the markets, you’ll find everything from fast fashion stores on the beach end of Jonson Street to high-end labels in the lust-worthy Lawson Street boutiques.
Spell Boutique | 15 Browning St, Byron Bay
There is nothing that screams Byron Bay more than a piece from Spell and the Gypsy Collective. Founder Isabella (nickname Spell) began selling original jewellery at the local markets. Her sister Elizabeth later came on as a partner and they have since established the label on the international scene. Spell now includes everything from their trademark beautiful bohemian inspired pieces to stunning homewares.
AHOY Trader | 1/3 Marvell St, Byron Bay
Every time we are in Byron Bay I envision myself transforming our home with the stunning statement pieces from AHOY Trader. The vision of owner and artist, Jai Vasicek, AHOY is a treasure trove of pieces from local artists and makers, curated and inspired by his personal lifetime of travel. Shop everything from paintings and prints to soft furnishings, gifts and a select few fashion finds.
Enzo and Toto | Shop 2/13 Lawson St, Byron Bay
Enzo and Toto celebrates emerging Australian designers. Every time I peruse the racks of this store I wish I could restock my entire wardrobe with their pieces. There is a big selection of gorgeous classic pieces crafted from beautiful fabrics and natural fibres, including their very own label, Enzo and Toto.
Mr Simple | 4/15-19 Fletcher St, Byron Bay
Fashion forward men will want to stop into Mr Simple. Stylish, good quality basics are the name of the game at Mr Simple. From chinos to linen button downs, organic cotton pieces and fun, vintage print tees, you’ll be able to find versatile and on trend pieces on their shelves.
With undisturbed stretches of sand like this, beach days are a Byron Bay holiday essential. Image © Lucy Pearson
Yoga and Massage in Byron Bay
Byron Yoga Centre | 6 Byron St, Byron Bay
Drop into the Byron Yoga Centre for a class. It is conveniently located in the the centre of town and welcomes beginners to advanced practitioners.
The Haven | Suite 3/107 Jonson street Byron Bay
Treat yourself to an amazing massage at The Haven. We booked in last minute for a massage while in town and it was one of the best remedial massages we have ever had. The space was also lovely and quiet, given the location is so central.
The iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse is a must-see sight during your stay in Byron Bay. Image © Lucy Pearson
What to See around Byron Bay
There of plenty of things to do in and around Byron Bay, in particular plenty of ways to get moving in the outdoors, enjoying the water and the famous stretches of beach. These are just a couple of ways we enjoyed seeing the local area.
Cape Byron Lighthouse | Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay
The famous walk to Cape Byron lighthouse is a must do for visitors to the sea-side town. Whether you’re an early bird wanting to see the sunrise, or a night owl more keen on a sunset, it’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Byron, offering an unspoilt ocean vista.
Go Sea Kayak | 56 Lawson St, Byron Bay
Offering an unbeatable experience to kayak with dolphins, whales and turtles in the waters of Cape Byron Marine Park is Go Sea Kayak. Both a great work out and a beautiful way to see more of Australia’s most easterly point, kayaking through the blue waters of Byron is an unmissable experience.
Shop for your Byron Bay Holiday
Lucy Pearson is a certified bookworm, wanderluster, and qualified yoga teacher with a thirst for adventure and a love for life.
Lucy has her own blog, The Literary Edit, and also contributes to Stylist Magazine and Hip and Healthy.