Byron Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cape Byron Lighthouse showing a sunset and rugged coastline
Byron Bay
Byron Bay
Wategos Beach showing surfing, a beach and general coastal views
Byron Bay
Sunbathe on white sand, chase the perfect wave or watch the sunrise from Australia’s easternmost point in this relaxed beachfront community.

Find peace and quiet and friendly conversation in Byron Bay. This laidback town is known for its welcoming locals, made up of surfers, hippies, backpackers and artists. Relax on its long golden beaches, drink at bars overlooking the ocean or climb the Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the sunrise.

Byron Bay has come a long way from its beginnings as a timber and dairy town. Wander the wide streets and find clothing boutiques, gift stores and surf shops. Try a beachside yoga class, taste some chai tea or peruse a wide range of herbal medicines available for purchase. The area is especially famous for its locally grown coffee.

Surfers can choose from numerous breaks around the bay. Try the big waves at the Pass or ride one of Australia’s longest breaks at Wategos Beach. Inexperienced surfers should stick to the calmer Tallow Beach. Though local surfers can be possessive of their waves, the view of the coast from “out the back” is well worth the effort.

For swimming, head to Main Beach, the town’s largest beach. The waist-high water here is crystal clear and perfect for kids.

Admire the local scenery with a walk up Cape Byron to the lighthouse. This path passes Australia’s easternmost point and takes around an hour each way. Visit before dawn and be one of the first people in Australia to see the sunrise. Inland, Arakwal National Park offers great walking trails where you can spot native birds and lizards.

In the evenings, grab a drink and a meal at the Beach Hotel. This lively meeting place overlooks Main Beach and often hosts live music performances. Restaurants and cafés around town serve a range of cuisines from fish and chips to Lebanese.

Byron Bay is a day’s drive north from Sydney, or 2 hours’ drive south from Brisbane. Feel your troubles disappear as you enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty of Byron Bay.

Elements of Byron
Elements of Byron
5 out of 5
144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, NSW
The price is NZ$373 per night from 7 July to 8 July
NZ$373
7 July - 8 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Byron Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Wategos Beach and Belongil Beach are ...
"Was so family friendly. Daughter loved pool. Restaurants book out days in advance. Best to book ahead before your stay. Lovely staff and great location as it’s close to town"

Reviewed on 22 Oct. 2020

Elements of Byron
Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
3.5 out of 5
399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay, NSW
The price is NZ$150 per night from 17 July to 18 July
NZ$150
17 July - 18 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly holiday park in Byron Bay. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and free water park access. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"We had a lovely quiet spot at the edge of the lake. Only down side was if you had a shower after you turned it off you had no water for ten minutes. After the first time it happened we knew how to deal with it"

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments
Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments
4 out of 5
20-22 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay, NSW
The price is NZ$185 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$185
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Byron Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (974 reviews)
"Great stay, would recommend"

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Byron BaySide Central Studio Apartments
Byron BaySide Central Studio Apartments
3.5 out of 5
14 Middleton Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Byron Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (421 reviews)
Handy hotel
"Very handy to everything and nicely renovated kitchen and bathroom. Unfortunately the huge rainfall shower tap was way too big for the size of the shower. When we arrived, we needed to unpack the dishwasher from the previous guests and the servicing was generally pretty hit and miss."

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Byron BaySide Central Studio Apartments
Byron Quarter Holiday Apartments
Byron Quarter Holiday Apartments
4 out of 5
8 Byron Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Byron Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Wategos Beach and Club Byron are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (280 reviews)
"It's always a pleasure coming to stay at Byron Quarter. The apartments are beautifully furnished, comfortable and within easy walking distance to everything. The booking and check in process was easy. We're looking forward to returning next year."

Reviewed on 4 Jun. 2025

Byron Quarter Holiday Apartments
Byron Central Apartments
Byron Central Apartments
3.5 out of 5
5 - 7 Byron Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Byron Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (505 reviews)
"No the best for anyone who has issue with stairs. Given what else is available close by, overpriced."

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Byron Central Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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