Cheer up, slow down, and chill out at Byron Bay, the best town to do just all of that. From the sky to the sea, there are tons of things to do at Byron Bay making it the perfect spot for your next beach trip here!
A charming laid-back beach town, Byron is a haven for surfers and nature enthusiasts with its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters. It’s not only locally known for being the home of Chris Hemsworth, but also for the variety of Byron Bay activities and attractions for surfers and nature enthusiasts alike, including bike tours, dolphin spotting, music festivals, and farmer’s markets.
If you don’t know where to begin, we curated a list of the top things to do in Byron Bay. The best part is you can enjoy some of these activities for free or with a huge discount using Dine & Discover NSW! Read this article to find out more.
Find out how to apply for the Dine & Discover vouchers - we’ve put together a step-by-step guide just for you!
- Brunswick River Kayaking Experience
- Byron Bay Tandem Skydive Experience
- Dolphin Watching and Kayaking Experience from Byron Bay
- Eat at The Farm Byron Bay
- Byron Bay Lighthouse
- Surfing at The Pass
- Visit the local markets
- Check out Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
- Travel to nearby towns - Yamba & Coffs Harbour
1. Brunswick River Kayaking Experience
Unwind and sail with the tides as you travel along the Brunswick
River on a kayak. Explore the tranquil waterways in this 2-hour guided tour and get up close with local sea birds and wildlife. Take your experience to the next level by snorkelling under the crystal clear water, and witness more of the river’s natural beauty and the creatures that inhabit it.
Photos of your experience are included and are free to download, so you don’t have to worry about getting the perfect shot for your Instagram feed. All you have to do is lay back and breathe in the fresh breeze of the river.
2. Byron Bay Tandem Skydive Experience
Cross skydiving off your bucket list, and try tandem skydiving at Byron Bay!
Feel the adrenaline rush as you take the plunge and soar as high as 15,000 feet! Drive up to Byron Bay Skydive Center and meet your skydiving support team, including your tandem partner. Before you take flight, you’ll be briefed on all safety procedures as your tandem jumpmaster makes sure your harness is fitted properly. That way all you have to do is sit back and relax (or try to!) before you leap out into the sky!
Getting excited yet? Experience up to 60 seconds of freefall and float through the sky for 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure you open your eyes and soak up the most spectacular beach and coastal views from above before landing safely back on solid ground.
3. Dolphin Watching and Kayaking Experience from Byron Bay
Your trip to Byron wouldn’t be complete without kayaking along the Main Beach! Here, the most majestic view of Byron's coastline and lighthouse will welcome you and your pals as you paddle across the clear waters. Experience the thrill of getting close to the Bay’s gentle marine creatures: dolphins, whales, and sea turtles among others.
Beginners are encouraged to take part in this tour where an experienced guide will share local history and insightful information about the marine ecosystem that surrounds the Bay. Don’t forget your underwater camera, so you can take the experience home. To make this experience more memorable, you may also opt for a sunset tour.
4. Eat at The Farm Byron Bay
Enjoy morning tea and see tractors in action at The Farm Byron Bay where food goes from farm to table! This 80-acre chemical-free farm is a stone’s throw away from Byron Bay and lives by the motto “Grow. Feed. Educate”, inspiring guests to learn more about sustainable living and gradually transitioning into a healthier lifestyle.
The Farm also holds planting workshops to teach locals and tourists alike about their growing process. Whether for a weekend with the family or for a school holiday activity, plan your visit to The Farm by visiting their website!
5. Cape Byron Lighthouse
Situated atop Cape Byron Headland, Cape Byron Lighthouse is Byron Bay’s most iconic travel destination with its striking white facade. Take advantage of the lighthouse’s 360-degree view which is a renowned spot for whale watching and is one of the best spots to catch the Australian sunrise.
At the base of the lighthouse lies the Cape Byron Lighthouse Maritime Museum which gives visitors a unique experience to know more about its rich local history. Did you know that it was once the head lightkeeper’s office?
Tours around the lighthouse are also available daily from 10 am to 3 pm. If you’re interested to do something a bit more active, you can start your tour at Cape Byron Walking Track, a 3.7-kilometre walkway leading to the lighthouse.
6. Surfing at The Pass
Byron Bay is a surfer’s Mecca. The Pass is a world-famous right-hand point break and is a crowd favourite. Experienced surfers will absolutely enjoy The Pass’ mixture of long waves and aggressive breaks. While beginners are encouraged to try surfing at this prime spot, it’s recommended that they visit when it’s not peak season, which usually happens between March and May. When the water becomes flat, enjoy a chill day by the beachside instead.
7. Shop at local markets
Shop until you drop at Byron’s vast collection of local markets! Nearly everything you can think of can be found at these markets—fresh produce, authentic handicrafts, high-quality jewellery, local sculpture and clothing, garden furniture, and homewares, among others.
8. Check out Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
Only a half-hour from Byron Bay, Crystal Castle is not one to miss - it is the place to go if you want to witness some of the world's largest crystals. The Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens is a tranquil and magical sanctuary - home to ancient crystal caves, lush rainforest walks, towering bamboo walks, a four metre Blessing Buddha and even the World Peace Stupa, a project blessed by the Dalai Lama!
The key highlight is the Crystal Guardians - a pair of the world's tallest geodes that are on display in the gardens. Standing at a breathtaking 5.5 metres, they are an exquisite smoky quartz geode. Expect to capture the perfect shot here!
9. Visit nearby towns
If you’ve gone through this list and found yourself running out of things to do in Byron Bay then it’s time to explore its nearby towns: Yamba and Coffs Harbour.
Frolic under the sun at Yamba and enjoy a nice outdoor picnic. Aside from its scenic beachsides, this fishing town is also perfect for coffee connoisseurs and gourmands. You can also visit local art galleries throughout Clarence Valley to learn more about the town’s colourful heritage.
Meanwhile, Coffs Harbour is a paradise for thrillseekers offering all types of activities that’ll get your heart racing, from skydiving, jetty diving, sailing, scuba diving, and dolphin shows. Treat yourself to waterfront dining and enjoy the freshest seafood. Other attractions include Butterfly House and Solitary Islands Aquarium, and Dorrigo National Park.