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.

Discovery Parks - Byron Bay

Discovery Parks - Byron Bay

3.5 out of 5
399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay, NSW
The price is NZ$128 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
NZ$128
12 Aug - 13 Aug
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! (1,004 reviews)
"FANTASTIC place to stay! Will be visiting again and staying longer next time!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Discovery Parks - Byron Bay
Elements of Byron

Elements of Byron

5 out of 5
144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, NSW
The price is NZ$347 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$347
30 July - 31 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
Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments

Byron Bay Hotel & Apartments

4 out of 5
20-22 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay, NSW
The price is NZ$231 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$231
30 July - 31 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! (980 reviews)
"Great location needs some updating."

Reviewed on 17 Jul. 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.
Bayview Beachfront Apartments, in town right on the beach

Bayview Beachfront Apartments, in town right on the beach

4 out of 5
22 Bay Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Byron Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (236 reviews)
"Loved our stay. Had a 2bdrm. Nice and spacious. Good facilities especially the pool. Excellent location across from the beach and so close to shops, cafes etc."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Bayview Beachfront Apartments, in town right on the beach
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! (281 reviews)
"These apartments are just lovely. Spacious, clean, well furnished and nice decor. It’s a great location. Close to everything Byron has to offer and safe for teens to come and go. The pool area is small and next to a cafe and not something we would use - I don’t think we would stay here in summer ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Byron Quarter Holiday Apartments
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! (423 reviews)
"Parking is shocking around Byron Bay, The Shire is greedy and tourists will stop coming when you have a $5 per hour parking policy - so you get a coffee for $3.50 and pay $10 parking!! Ridiculous!! So you have lost me Byron Bay. Problem is, you can’t even park in the street to check in (maybe they ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Byron BaySide Central Studio 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Byron Bay