Byron Bay is a town that manages to combine the carefree finesse of the 60’s with modern day cool. You can join the crew of board toting wave riders at local legendary surf breaks or disappear into the hinterland on an afternoon road trip in search of old wares and beautiful food. Hike up to the Byron Bay Lighthouse and soak up the last of the rays setting over Mount Warning. Choose from a wide range of beautiful Byron Bay luxury accommodations.
BYRON BAY'S BEACHES
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Main Beach
Main Beach is the perfect spot for swimming and lounging in the sun. Either side of Main Beach you can walk along to Clarkes and Belongil Beaches. You can set up camp underneath the palm fringes or take a beach umbrella and spend the day.
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The Pass
Whether you’re a soul surfer or surf school novice The Pass is Byron’s most famous. A combination of white sand and glassy turquoise water its not surprising that perfect right handers peeling down the beach draw a crowd.
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Wategos
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches, Wategos is surrounded by lush rainforest, it’s Byron Bay’s most exclusive beachfront suburb. It’s popular with the laid back long boarders who flock to this break and is a highlight on the scenic walk to the Byron Bay Lighthouse.
COASTAL WALKS
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Byron Bay Lighthouse
Embark on a hike that winds through rainforest, beach and cliff tops, arriving at the Cape Byron Lighthouse summit, the most easterly point of Australia. Take in the view once you reach the headland, spot dolphins and turtles. Cape Byron is listed as one of the best vantage points to view the Humpback whales in the winter season.
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Fisherman's Lookout
A leisurely stroll along Main beach will take you to the end of the bay known as The Pass. Best at low tide, you can climb the stairway to Fisherman’s Lookout for a panoramic ocean view, watch the surfers below and capture some amazing photos.
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Sunset Walk
Leave yourself an hour before sunset to take a walk along Belongil beach, to the left of Main Beach. On the way back, stop off at The Wreck and take in the drumming circle (Friday – Sunday, sometimes weekdays) where local troupadours and rhythm makers come to drum, dance and shake off the day.
EATING OUT
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Trending Eateries
Byron Bay is buzzing with restaurants and cafés, for a small town we are blessed with the expanse of seasonally grown produce. For the most nourishing feasts, Folk and Bay Leaf Cafe are a must for breakfast or lunch. The Balcony for happy hour oysters and cocktails or Foxy Lou’s for boa buns, dumplings and BYO beer.
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Local Favourites
Skip the tourist traps and discover the hidden spots where the locals hang. Morning coffee and bakery treats to go, The sustainable bakery. For a casual fresh yummy eat, try the Japanase Kitchen. For a classy night St Elmos (pictured) fun atmosphere, tapas and good wine. Meeting friends? Bang Bang’s modern Asian infused is perfect to share.
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Out and about
Head off on one of The Atlantic bikes on a culinary adventure and see a little more of Byron. The Farm on the outskirts displays the best farm to plate. Return via the Industrial area with much of the world on offer. 100 Mile Table for the taste of Roma, Argentinian BBQ feast at Barrio and the new Kouzina for the Mediterranean style of Greece!
MARKETS & STORES
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Farmers Markets
Don’t miss the vibrant scene every Thursday morning from 7 – 11am where you can stock up on organic fruit, veggies and local products including honey, macadamia nuts and sourdough loaves. It’s worth going for a brown paper bag breakfast, fresh muffins, local coffee, listen to some music and get caught up in the local vibe.
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Byron Bay Community Markets
From local produce to crystal jewellery, the Byron Bay Community Markets are a colourful tapestry of all that’s good about the Bay. Over 100 stallholders sell arts and crafts, there are musicians to entertain and delicious food stalls to tempt you. The markets are held on the 1st Sunday of every month from about 8am – 3pm.
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Stores
Island Luxe Tribe, Rowie, 11.11, Hope & May, Spell & the Gypsy Collective and Nikau to name a few, are all unique to Byron and worth a shopping fix. If you’re here over the weekend try your luck at the pop up second hand yard stores on your ride café to café from Byron out to Suffolk park! And not to be missed Book Room to pick up a holiday read.
NEARBY TOWNS
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Newrybar
Harvest is forever our go-to suggestion for a scenic drive followed by a long lunch, then pop next door and peruse local gourmet goods at their Bakery and Deli. Next door you’ll find Driftlab and across the road Newrybar Merchants, a creative collective of local artisans in a charming 1890s dwelling turned concept store.
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Bangalow
The main street of Bangalow is lined with cafes and eclectic stores, our favourites – Our Corner Store and Island Luxe. Bangalow Pub captures the beautiful country green palmy out look while enjoying a cold beverage. Behind the pub you’ll find a few more hidden gems. Bisque home wares, Braer florist and Woods Cafe for a healthy local produce lunch along the way.
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Brunswick Heads
This little coastal town north of Byron Bay is a 15-minute drive from The Atlantic and is the home of the infamous “must book ahead” Fleet Restaurant and Brunswick Pub’s beer garden. If it’s a burger you’re craving Brun’s homes them all at old Maids café and Hoopers fish and chip shop. Brunswick is set between the ocean and a crystal clear river, so it’s also an ideal day trip for some paddle boarding or kayaking.
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Federal
The pilgrimage to the country town of Federal (around 40 minutes drive from Byron Bay) for lunch at Doma is well worth it for rustic, home-style Japanese dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting. Be sure to order the tempura and cone-shaped hand rolls made with organic brown rice. Next door is our in house coffee supplier Moonshine rosters, perfect souvenir to remember us by!
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Mullumbimby
Australia’s “Biggest Little Town”, Mullumbimby is a 20-minute drive north of Byron Bay. Meander around the vintage, craft and health food stores before Japanese at Izakaya Yu or wood fire pizza at Milk & Honey – restaurants Byron locals make the drive for in what is becoming known as a hub for food-lovers.