Byron Bay is located in the Southeast area of Australia known as New South Wales (NSW). While humpback whales can be viewed during the winter months as they migrate back north, marine and mammal life are abundant in the waters, rainforest, and lands around Byron Bay. When you’re ready to eat, expect to have some difficult choices, since Byron Bay is home to many high-end cafes and restaurants. Hit one of the many beaches for some sun, sand, and picnicking.
Byron Bay Beaches
Fourteen beaches dot the Byron Bay Coastline, so every family member can find a favorite beach to visit. Some of the beaches, like Tyagarah Beach and Broken Head Beach, have clothing-optional areas, so be sure to research which beach you want to take young children to. Main Beach is directly across from the town of Byron Bay. This beach is very popular for those who want to snorkel since a shipwreck is located just off the coast teeming with marine life. Main Beach is also patrolled by lifeguards regularly, so this is a safer beach for those with small ones.
Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort
Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort is nestled between the water and the rainforest, providing an atmosphere found nowhere else on the planet.
77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-39-20-00, Map
Cape Byron Lighthouse
At the Easternmost tip of the continent, Cape Byron Lighthouse sits proudly to remind Aussies of seafaring days past. Settled in Cape Byron State Conservation Area, this lighthouse and maritime museum is free for all who want to come. The lighthouse is still used with an automated light today, which replaced the need for a keeper in 1989. Tours are offered regularly that provide information about the history of the lighthouse and local shipwrecks. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars to watch for whales and marine life from the top of the lighthouse.
199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay SNW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-02-66-39-83-00, Map
The Farm
Open seven days a week, The Farm is a commune-type setting where you can learn about farming, eat, socialize, and take part in community service. The restaurant on-site, Three Blue Ducks, uses all farm-grown ingredients and sources out other needed ingredients as close to The Farm as possible. The Bread Social is the bakery where guests can purchase fresh bread, pastries, and other goodies. And though food is the focus of The Farm, guests can also take part in workshops, spending time in one of the nurseries, keep the kids busy learning about farming, or just take a horseback ride through The Farm.
11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-84-78-88, Map
Elements of Byron
If you’re deciding on a place to stay while in Byron Bay, Elements of Byron is the Byron Bay luxury resort to check out. This intimate resort has eight freestanding villa styles to choose from for your vacationing needs. You’ll feel as if your villa is an oasis away from the bustle of Byron Bay. Once on the resort property, you’ll barely find a reason to leave. Restaurants and bars deliver to your room, poolside, or directly to a table at one of the fine dining restaurants. An on-site spa blends nature and relaxation with all-natural massages, facials, and spa treatments.
Elements of Byron, 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-39-15-65
Gaia Retreat and Spa
Byron Bay is home to some of the most relaxing retreats in Australia. At Gaia Retreat and Spa, you’ll have more than a day experience, you can also book a retreat package, which includes your hotel room, all meals, and several spa and wellness treatments designed to rejuvenate, relax, and pamper you. You can also include specialty addons, such as detox and cleanse, weight loss, or mindfulness to give you a targeted spa experience. Many packages are built for couples or two people, but all packages can be upgraded for two people. If you plan to do ala carte, you’ll find yoga and fitness activities, as well as a naturopathic clinic.
933 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet NSW 2479, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-87-12-16, Map
Combi
Australia knows how to do coffee right. Combi was once a café on wheels, has transformed into a regular shop, and once again opened a moving café van. You can find the traveling Combi van at festivals and events. More important than location is that Combi is dedicated to bringing you healthy, nutritious tea, coffee, and treat options. Combi uses only reusable mugs and asks patrons to bring their own travel mug if they prefer. They compost all coffee grounds in a local park and offer guests both dairy and non-dairy options. A popular option is coffee delivered in a fresh green coconut that has been just opened and drained.
5B 21-25 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Map
Folk Byron Bay
At Folk Byron Bay, you’ll find local, organic food and coffee. Following all ethical standards, Folk provides some of the best vegan food in the area. Try out one of the vegan burrito or nourish bowls that Folk is famous for with locals. You’ll never even notice that your food is lacking meat products when you dive into house-made naan bread, chili oil, and other chutneys to enjoy with your daily house special. Don’t be deterred by the long lines for a table, that’s just the locals letting you know it’s a favorite hot spot.
1/399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Map
Island Luxe
Island Luxe is designed with traveling men and women in mind. Though most of the clothing and furniture is geared toward the nomadic lifestyle, these styles can be work in nearly any setting. Many of the furniture and accessory pieces are created by local artisans, providing unique and one-of-a-kind items for purchase. Patrons can look for clothing, accessories, shoes, boots, and hats while browsing through cultural and tribal items brought back from trips to foreign locales. Rather than bending to the expectations of society, guests are inspired to shop for themselves and their style.
62 Byron Street, Bangalow NSW 2479, Phone: 61-2-66-87-16-05, Map
Spell Boutique
Spell Boutique houses clothing from Spell & The Gypsy Collective. As the name implies, patrons will discover bohemian style apparel that is perfect for the Outback weather. Flowing and light, these women’s designs can make anyone look boho-chic while working with the Earth to provide gorgeous styles and comfortable clothes. Many styles revolve around lightweight dresses that are sure to dress you up or down, no matter the setting. Look like an Aussie native with this laidback and trendy collection. If you regret not grabbing that tunic while on holiday, most styles and prints are available online.
15 Browning Street Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 62-2-91-59-62-55, Map
The Channon Craft Market
Established in 1976, The Channon Craft Market has expanded and moved since its inception. Today, the market is held on the second Sunday of every month. This market is full of craft stalls, freshly made and grown food items, food vendors, and entertainers. Those visiting the market will be pleased with the offerings around the stalls, knowing that each stall must provide at least 75% handmade or personally grown items. People come from all over to the market, bussing in tons of market-goers. Be sure to make The Channon Craft Market part of your vacation plans.
The Channon Road, The Channon NSW 2480, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-88-64-33, Map
Byron Writer’s Festival
Each year, Byron puts together a Writer’s Festival to encourage creativity and art in the NSW area. Though the festival is held once a year, Byron Writers Festival is a group that provides workshops and professional development throughout the year. They provide a children’s writing program and weekly writing hours for members to gather with other writers. Mentorships – including some paid ones – are sponsored through the organization. Be sure to check out the workshops that are held throughout the year, as these are planned far enough in advance to work them into your vacation schedule.
Byron Writer’s Festival, Level 1, 28 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, NSW 2481, Phone: 62-2-66-85-51-15
Stone & Wood
New to Stone & Wood Brewery is the opportunity to be a brewer for a day. The fully-immersive packages get you a tour of the brewery, as well as tastings right from the tanks. The package also includes a pub crawl through town, breakfast, lunch, and special merchandise. Along with regular and seasonal beers, Stone & Wood offers Pilot batches, which are creative beers put together by whoever happens to have an idea. These batches are only available until they are gone and may never be seen again. Two of the most popular beers are the Jasper Ale and the Cloud Catcher Pale Ale.
100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-85-51-73, Map
Three Blue Ducks
Three Blue Ducks has four locations, one of which is in Byron. Starting with The Farm, Three Blue Ducks worked to create a delicious ad thoughtful meal, taking into consideration all ingredients and what they would mean for a dish. While it’s true that a certain spice may travel from afar, most ingredients are locally sourced and grown. Most importantly, ingredients are carefully selected to provide the best flavor with the least environmental impact. Most menus are ala carte, though there are specific fixed prix meals to consider, such as the Sunday Roast, which comes with two courses of locally farmed meats and Stone & Wood Ales.
11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale NSW 2481 Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-84-77-95, Map
Miss Margarita
For Mexican food, check out Miss Margarita Byron Bay. Owned by Byron locals, Emma and Greg Thomson, Miss Margarita Mexican Cantina brings the flavors of Mexico across the oceans to Australia. While the food is remarkable, drinks are also quite popular at this hot spot. Guests are encouraged to grab a drink and sit on the deck watching people on the busy street pass by. When your table is called, dig into enchiladas, burritos, tacos, changas, and nachos. There is a take out menu available, so be sure to check it out if you don’t have time to wait for a table. Be advised, this hotspot gets busy around dinner time, so be prepared to wait for a table.
2 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-85-68-28, Map
Byron Markets
Byron Markets is a fun and unique experience to showcase everything the Byron Bay community has to offer. Throughout three different markets, you’ll have a unique experience at each and be able to buy locally made goods and food. The first Sunday of the month sees the Byron Community Market on Butler Street, while the Byron Beachside Market is held only four times a year on Main Beach. The most unique offering is the Byron Twilight Markets every Saturday night from October through April. Holistic services, homemade crafts, and live entertainment are just a few offerings at these markets.
Byron Markets, Main Beach Foreshore Denning Park, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-85-68-07
Cape Byron Distillery
While Australia is known for good lager and ales, Cape Byron Distillery focuses its work on spirits. This distillery is built in the heart of the rainforest, using local botanicals for their Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin (17 of the 25 are sourced from this rainforest). The newest addition to the Cape Byron Distillery family is whiskey using all Scottish techniques to bring a fine blend to the other end of the world. Every weekend, tours of the distillery and local rainforest are available, followed up with a tasting back at the distillery.
Cape Byron Distillery, 80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot NSW 2479, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-84-79-61
Cape Byron Walking Track
To get the most of Byron Bay and the nature that is offered, a tour is the best option. When you prefer to see the area on your own, seek out Cape Byron Walking Track, a 3.7 km loop that circles Cape Byron Lighthouse and takes you through the rainforest and up along the coastal cliffs. There is even a self-guided tour app that can be downloaded to your phone to provide information and tips as you walk the loop. Be sure to keep an eye out for wild animals and marine life, like whales, as you walk. Finish your walk by climbing the lighthouse for even more incredible views.
Cape Byron Walking Track, 199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-39-83-00
Beach Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a beach town, and many locals want to take advantage of that atmosphere by creating beautiful beachy retreats and restaurants. Beach Byron Bay is a restaurant right on the water at Clarkes Beach that offers fresh food inspired by the area’s local culture. Whether you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Beach Byron Bay has you covered. On top of offerings for each meal, a takeout kiosk offers bacon and egg rolls for breakfast and local fish and chips for lunch. Dining in provides a more elegant experience, with menu items such as Moreton Bay bug ravioli with braised leeks and a prawn emulsion.
Beach Byron Bay, Clarkes Beach, 2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 13-00-58-37-66
Il Buco
Il Buco Café & Pizzeria is open every day for dinner. Though the recipes are authentic Italian, Il Buco makes their pizzas and salads with as many local ingredients as possible. They support local businesses and farms while using local distributors for out-of-town ingredients to prevent too many gas emissions. Staying true to Italian roots, the antipasti and light options are ingredient-focused and are not meant to be greasy and heavy. Consider the Caprese, bruschetta, or the burrata (a whole mozzarella ball with a side of bread, olives, and Parma ham). Around 20 pizzas mean that even a fussy eater is likely to find something great to eat, and the desserts are some Italian favorites (tiramisu and pannacotta).
Il Buco, 4/4 Bay Lane, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-80-91-86
Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay, Australia
If you want an out-of-the-box experience staying as far from the corporate takeover of hotel chains, consider Raes on Wategos, a self-proclaimed boutique hotel experience. This luxury hotel includes accommodations just a skip from Wategos Beach. Suites and penthouses are the only types of accommodation, so expect to be spoiled on your trip. Besides your time in your room, be sure to check out the spa treatments offered on-site and make sure to get to the dining room for a truly luxurious lunch or dinner meal. Be sure to enjoy the views from your room, and then head down to the beach for a day of taking in the surf and sand.
6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-85-53-66, Map
Fleet
Food and wine are the focus of Fleet. When you’re ready to experience Australia with a luxurious meal, you’ll head to Fleet. A Fixed Prix menu consists of eight courses. Paired with local and international wines, the menu items compliment each other while focusing on sustainability. An ala carte menu is available for lunch, as well as the degustation style meal. Should you have any dietary preferences, they should be clearly explained when making your reservation, which is required. Expect an intimate dining experience, since Fleet can only seat 14 guests at a time.
Fleet, 2/16 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-85-13-63
