Byron Bay
Town
Population 4978
Byron Bay's excellent beaches, laid-back feel and great weather have made it a long-time destination for surfers, backpackers and alternative-lifestylers. A forward-thinking council moved early to ban all drive-in takeaway food outlets and all buildings more than three storeys high. Now people from all walks of life, including celebrities, flock to Byron Bay for whale-watching, surfing, swimming and relaxing. The town centre has an array of restaurants and cafes, shops selling discount surfboards, New Age products and interesting clothing, and galleries with everything from handmade jewellery to timber furniture. Day spas, yoga centres and natural therapy parlours offer expert pampering.
Visitor Information
80 Jonson St; (02) 6680 8558
Nearby national parks
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Mount Warning National Park
The looming presence of iconic Mount Warning is at the heart of this national park, a lush rainforest environment on the state’s far...more -
Broadwater National Park
Located on the state’s north-east coast, Broadwater National Park’s outstanding feature is its lovely sweep of beach, with...more -
Border Ranges National Park
World Heritage-listed rainforest clinging to the edges of an ancient volcano, waterfalls spilling into crystal-clear waterways, and...more
Nearby towns
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Mullumbimby
When Mullumbimby's economy, based on local agriculture, started to flag in the late 1960s, the town was saved by becoming an...more -
Ballina Intro
Ballina sits on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River in northern New South Wales surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and nearby fields...more -
Alstonville Intro
Alstonville is between Lismore and Ballina, surrounded by macadamia and avocado plantations. It's known for its immaculate gardens and...more
In Town
Tours and activities: everything from diving and sea-kayaking to surf lessons, skydiving and gliding; contact visitor centre for details. Beach Hotel: well-established venue for live music and dining, with a beer garden that has ocean views; cnr Jonson and Bay sts; (02) 6685 6402. Beaches: safe swimming at Main Beach (patrolled in summer school holidays and at Easter), and surfing at Clarkes Beach and the Pass; look out for 'sandologist' Steve Machell and his fabulous sand sculptures on Main or Clarkes beaches; there's more surfing at Wategos, child-friendly swimming at secluded Little Wategos, dogs are welcome at Belongil and Brunswick Heads, or go horseriding or beach-fishing at Seven Mile Beach stretching towards Lennox Head. Health and wellbeing: relax and unwind with a massage at Byron's numerous spas, including the tropical day spa at Buddha Gardens Balinese Spa, 15 Gordon St; (02) 6680 7844; and Relax Haven at Belongil Beachhouse, 25 Childe St; (02) 6685 7868, with massage therapy and float tanks. Byron Bay Arts & Industry Park: arts precinct 3 km from town with artists', jewellers' and sculptors' studios, galleries, cafes and restaurants; Artist Trail guide from visitor centre.
Nearby
Cape Byron This headland forms part of the world’s oldest caldera – the rim of an enormous extinct volcano (the centre is Mt Warning). It is the easternmost point on the mainland and provides breathtaking views up and down the coast. Dolphins can be seen year-round and humpback whales migrate up the coast June–July and back down Sept–Oct. Cape Byron Lighthouse, the 22 m structure completed in 1901, houses a visitor centre with displays of the area’s cultural and natural history. 3 km SE. Julian Rocks Aquatic Reserve: protects 450 underwater species and is great for diving; 3 km S. Broken Head Nature Reserve: rainforest, secluded beaches and dolphin-watching; (02) 6627 0200; 9 km S. Bangalow: rustic village with magnificent scenery, antique shops, arts and crafts, walking tracks and a popular market on the 4th Sun each month; 10 km SW.
Fishing spots near town
Clarrie Hall Dam - Fishing Sub-region 37 km
Angling is a buzz when you are into a hot bite. It is also a buzz when discovering new territory or out hooking with other anglers, observing their methods and techniques on their home waters. So it was when I fished... Find out moreLake Wivenhoe 178 km
Impoundment fishing for native species in southern Queensland has enjoyed phenomenal growth and it all began at Lake Wivenhoe. Situated about 80 km west of Brisbane on the Brisbane Valley Highway, Wivenhoe has a surface... Find out moreCoffs Harbour - Fishing Sub-region 190 km
My introduction to fishing north of Sydney was at Coffs Harbour, an area with a diverse range of options. The first time I fished here I was into land-based game and spent most of my time on the ledges of Mutton Bird... Find out moreMooloolaba 222 km
It’s 6am on the Mooloolaba waterfront behind Kawana Waters Hotel. The temperature is mild enough to be wearing shorts and a shirt. All is quiet amid the moored boats except for the eager anglers sitting around the... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Tamborine Mountain Distillery 90 km
There is a multitude of chemical-free schnapps, gins and vodkas to try here, many of which come from the fruits grown on the farm. Try lemon myrtle vodka, the multifaceted choc’n’chili liqueur, forest... Find out moreRock climbing around Brisbane 141 km
Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point is perhaps the friendliest city rock-climbing spot in the country, with views over the Brisbane River, a range of climbs for absolute beginners and upwards, and established anchor points... Find out moreCycling and mountain-biking around Brisbane 141 km
Brisbane has a growing network of great cycling trails and some excellent rides for tourists – a five-to-20-kilometre ride along the shores of the Brisbane River comes highly recommended. There is also a great ride... Find out moreWestlander 142 km
Take the overnight train ride from Brisbane to Charleville or Quilpie, travelling over the Great Dividing Range and through some of Queensland’s rich farming areas.... Find out moreMount Coot-tha Forest 145 km
The largest natural area in Brisbane, this 1500 hectares of open eucalypt forest holds more than 18 kilometres of walking tracks, 12 kilometres of mountain-biking tracks and a further 31 kilometres of multi-use tracks.... Find out moreCycling around Armidale and Coffs Harbour 190 km
A 5-kilometre bicycle track leads from Harris Park in Armidale to the University of New England. Bikes can be hired from Armidale Bicycle Centre or the University’s Sports Union. The 26-kilometre-return ride from... Find out moreCycling the Sunshine Coast and hinterland 222 km
Join a half-day or longer guided bike tour with Bicycle Tours of Queensland, particularly the popular Sunshine Coast ride or Maleny to Glass House Mountains. A back-up bus is included if it all gets too much.... Find out moreBush-tucker tasting - Macksville 239 km
Sample some Australian bushfoods at Valley of the Mist near Macksville, a farm dedicated to sustainable methods. You will taste bush fruits, nuts, herbs and condiments and have a tour of the farm. You can also take a... Find out moreGolf courses around town
The Glades Golf & Spa 67 km
Ask Greg Norman’s former chief designer Bob Harrison to name one course that makes him feel proud when he sees the final result, and chances are he’ll say The Glades. Upon joining the Gold Coast golfing... Find out moreLakelands Golf Club 70 km
As a player, Jack Nicklaus was a regular visitor to Australia for more than two decades. He won six Australian Opens and inspired a generation of young Australians to take up golf. When his playing career began... Find out moreThe Grand Golf Club 76 km
Think of the Gold Coast and flashing images spring to mind: beaches, theme parks, high-rise apartments, hordes of tourists. The Gold Coast hinterland has none of these, and could be thousands of miles away. The... Find out moreThe Links, Hope Island 89 km
When Hope Island opened for play in 1993 it was a unique addition to Australia’s golfing landscape. Here was a links-style layout seemingly uprooted from Scotland and transplanted on to the sunny northern... Find out moreSanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club (Pines course) 89 km
Sanctuary Cove’s Pines layout, designed by Arnold Palmer, has reigned for more than two decades as one of the Gold Coast’s best courses. At various stages during that time it has also ranked among the... Find out moreBrookwater Golf & Country Club 129 km
Brookwater opened to considerable fanfare in 2002, with many observers quick to draw comparisons with Augusta National, venerable home of the US Masters. The varied terrain, inventive bunkering and undulating putting... Find out moreRoyal Queensland Golf Club 143 km
Of all the golf courses in this book, Royal Queensland has undergone the most dramatic changes in recent years. Originally opened in 1920, on reclaimed mangrove swampland on the north bank of the Brisbane River, ... Find out moreNorth Lakes Resort Golf Club 168 km
Good course designers have tricks up their sleeves when it comes to spurring golfers to rise to the challenge. They can visually intimidate you with large schemes of bunkers or water hazards encroaching on the best... Find out morePacific Harbour Golf & Country Club 184 km
Challenging the best players without alienating casual and beginner golfers is the fine line every course designer treads in coming up with a new creation. One designer who does it better than most is Ross Watson. His... Find out moreBonville Golf Resort 199 km
Bonville is Australia’s most beautiful inland course. Carved from 250 hectares of flooded gums and blackbutt forest, with small pockets of subtropical rainforest, Bonville is often described as Australia’s... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Make like a surfer and get yourself down to this iconic 1950s-themed surf club cafe, nestled right on the beach. An extensive menu is available, starting off the day with the ‘breaky wrap’: parmesan and... Find out more
Once you’ve found Fishmongers in the laneway behind the Beach Hotel, allow this eatery to re-educate you in the fine art of fish and chips. Hand-cut chips, calamari rings crumbed in-house and dipping sauces made on... Find out more
Contemporary Italian with great views.... Find out more
This lovely Chinese grocery and homewares store is worth visiting just for a browse. You can expect to find ingredients to cook your own Asian delicacies, as well as Chinese lanterns, antique furniture and slippers. But... Find out more
For a fun, quick and fairly inexpensive light meal, head to Twisted Sista Cafe. The quirkily named place does a roaring daily trade right in the heart of Byron Bay, close to the beach, serving fresh, cafe-style goodies,... Find out more
Nearby eco-friendly places to eat
Mondo Organics, West End 141 km
Australia’s first organic restaurant when it opened in 2000, Mondo Organics serves a range of organic meats, including beef, chicken, duck and lamb, and the fish is chosen for the sustainability of the catch. The... Find out moreNearby breweries
Burleigh Brewing Company 63 km
Queensland has generally suffered from a dearth of craft breweries so the Burleigh Brewing Company is a welcome and relatively recent addition. Co-owner/brewer Brennan Fielding boasts considerable experience as a... Find out moreMt Tamborine Brewery 89 km
As we went to press, one of Queensland’s more ambitious craft-brewing operations was about to come to fruition at Mount Tamborine, in the Gold Coast hinterland. The 24-hectolitre microbrewery is the original plant... Find out moreFoster's Group (Yatala Brewery) 105 km
This brewery site, located at Yatala, midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, was established by the Power Brewing Company, which launched Powers Bitter in 1988. Four years later a joint venture between Powers and... Find out moreCastlemaine Perkins (Fourex) Brewery 143 km
The pages of Australian brewing history are littered with take-overs and acquisitions, and while Castlemaine Perkins sounds like a merger, it was, in reality, yet another buy-out. As the name suggests, the Castlemaine... Find out moreSunshine Coast Brewery 226 km
Queensland’s longest-running microbrewery has been operating from an industrial estate on the outskirts of Maroochydore since 1998. It was established by Jim Robinson and Queensland craft-beer pioneer Graham Howard... Find out moreCampsites around town
Massey Greene Holiday Park 13 km
This is in a top location, right on the Brunswick River and minutes away from Brunswick Heads town centre. The river offers swimming, fishing, snorkelling and boating, and there’s a surf beach only 10... Find out moreRummery Park camping area 23 km
From this roomy, friendly camping area you can take a short walk following Boggy Creek to the beautiful Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park. Other activities include birdwatching and car touring. To get here, turn off... Find out moreFlat Rock Holiday Park 23 km
This is a simple camping spot 4 km north-east of Ballina on the Coast Rd (Lennox Head Rd) but it’s quiet and protected despite being within 3 minutes’ walk to Angels Beach. With Ballina and Lennox Head close... Find out moreMount Warning Holiday Park 40 km
Surround yourself with lush and up-tempo rainforest and mountain streams in this verdant mid-north-coast holiday park at the foot of Mt Warning. Accommodation options include deluxe, ensuite and budget cabins, and... Find out moreCutters Camp camping area 46 km
You’ll find Cutters Camp where Mebbin Forest and Caddell roads meet. Unsealed Mebbin Forest Rd is a 35 km scenic route with wonderful views of the region’s volcanic, forest-clad landscape; you’ll need a... Find out moreLamington National Park camping area (bush camping) 59 km
For experienced, self-sufficient campers with good navigational skills, there are a small number of camping sites in the bush along the walking trails in the national park. These are walk-in only, limited to around 6... Find out moreThe Settlement camping area 60 km
Well-defined sites here are suitable for caravans and campervans, but the area is not well shaded. Hikers should note that walking tracks near this site lead to the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. Each campsite has a... Find out moreForest Tops camping area 61 km
If you enter the national park along Tweed Range Scenic Dr, 30 km north of Kyogle you’ll see signposted access for this camping area. The medium-difficulty 10.5 km Booyong Walk (5 hours one way) sets out from here... Find out moreBurleigh Beach Tourist Park 63 km
Set on a prime location directly opposite Burleigh Beach, this tourist park has 72 powered sites and 12 unpowered sites. Facilities include a modern amenities block, laundry, free wireless broadband access, and tour... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Glen Villa Resort 1 km
This is a high quality park with good facilities, about 400 metres from the town centre. It has the unusual policy of permitting just two people per site. No bookings are taken, and a minimum-length stay applies at... Find out moreSuffolk Beachfront Holiday Park 5 km
A popular beachside holiday park that is busy year-round, this place has good facilities and is 6 km south of Byron Bay. It is close to some popular surfing and swimming beaches. Bookings are required in peak periods and... Find out moreThis stretch of coast is a busy holiday area. The park is located on the beach and has good facilities, and popular Byron Bay is 8.5 km north. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies in... Find out more
Terrace Reserve Holiday Park 13 km
Close to the centre of Brunswick Heads, this is a good quality park on the water and ideal for a holiday or just a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at Christmas and... Find out moreFerry Reserve Holiday Park 14 km
This park is very easily accessible from the Pacific Highway northbound, but requires doubling back through town for southbound travellers. It is situated on a picturesque estuary, popular with anglers. The grounds and... Find out moreLake Ainsworth Holiday Park 16 km
Located alongside Lake Ainsworth and across the road from the beach, this is a basic park in a great position. The surf club is nearby and the popular beach is great for swimming or walking. This is a council park on an... Find out moreBallina Headlands Leisure Park 20 km
On a popular holiday coast, this park is about 500 metres from the water and 9 km north-east of Ballina off the Beach Road. It is a good base when visiting the area and has a heated pool for winter months. Bookings are... Find out moreBIG4 Ballina Central Holiday Park 26 km
This park is across the road from the water, at the end of the main street and just walking distance from the shops. The park has good amenities. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at... Find out moreSouth Ballina Beach Holiday Park 27 km
This is a very neat park on the south side of the Richmond River. It is in a quiet area and is one of the few parks along this stretch of coast where pets are permitted (except in Christmas and Easter holidays). Bookings... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Byron Retreat is a sanctuary of self-contained plantation-style accommodation surrounded by lush rainforest. Contemporary Spanish design showcases light-drenched rooms featuring garden views. All the home comforts can be... Find out more
This European-inspired, luxury four-bedroom holiday home sleeps up to eight lucky guests amid glorious grounds. Grab a few friends to share the cost and the brilliant experience of staying here. Meals can be served in... Find out more
Endlessly written about, acclaimed and adored, this gem is housed in a sprawling Mediterranean- and Moroccan-inspired building right on the beachfront at Wategos Beach. The seven accommodation options, including three... Find out more
A slice of heaven awaits guests at the Garden Burées of Byron Bay. This is Balinese-inspired luxury, catering for every desire and ensuring a special experience. There are three types of accommodation: the premier... Find out more
Nestled in beautiful rainforest scenery, The Byron at Byron is the epitome of indulgence and relaxation, featuring modern and tastefully decorated rooms. The 92 one-bedroom suites offer a king-sized bed, lounge and... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Emerald Valley Villa 16 km
Nestled in the hinterland some 25 minutes drive from Byron Bay, this is way up the high end of ecotourism in this country. You can rent your own five-star palace (they call it a villa), complete with pool, courtyard,... Find out moreCottages on the Creek 52 km
This 2-hectare establishment is managed as a Land for Wildlife property and the two, onebedroom spa cottages have composting toilets, protecting Currumbin Creek with its turtles, catfish, platypus and yabbies.... Find out moreCrystal Creek Rainforest Retreat 53 km
Located near Murwillumbah and surrounded on three sides by World Heritage–listed national parks, this secluded couples-only resort on the Queensland border has minimal-impact, self-contained bungalows and cabins.... Find out moreThe Mouses House, Springbrook 57 km
Set in a beautiful rainforest at more than 800 metres above sea level, this luxury resort has 11 self-contained chalets, hot tub, sauna, tennis court and bikes, a sensible environmental policy and eco-accreditation. It... Find out moreDestiny Boonah 115 km
Set on 80 hectares of Land for Wildlife property, this self-contained three-bedroom cottage is solar- and wind-powered. You are encouraged to bring a mountain bike or go bushwalking on the property, which is located near... Find out moreBrisbane Marriott Hotel 143 km
By no means the greenest accommodation in this book, the Marriott still deserves inclusion as one of the better options in large hotels. It gained the Green Globe Benchmarked Bronze status and is AAA-rated for its water-... Find out moreGlass House Mountains Eco-Lodge 202 km
The simple, down-market rooms here include the use of old train carriages for a communal kitchen and group area. An old church has also been recycled, and all greywater and blackwater is used on site to irrigate the... Find out moreLily Pily Country House, Bellingen 215 km
The owners of this stylish B&B have spent seven years revegetating and securing wildlife corridors along the riparian zone here, planting some 4000 trees and 2000 reeds, resulting in an increase in bandicoots,... Find out moreRest areas around town
Tyagarah Rest Area 8 km
38 km N of Ballina (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S28 35.902 E153 32.663 ... Find out moreYelgun Rest Area 19 km
50 km N of Ballina (R) or 42 km S of Tweed Heads (L) Large area just off the highway. GPS: S28 29.489 E153 31.356 ... Find out moreSleepy Hollow Rest Area 26 km
61 km N of Ballina (L) northbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S28 25.457 E153 31.220 ... Find out moreCoolgardie Rest Area 35 km
89 km N of Tyndale (L) or 14 km S of Ballina (L) Large areas just off the highway on both sides. Limited shade. GPS: S28 56.104 E153 28.307 ... Find out moreWoodburn Park Area 54 km
Middle of town Parking area on the highway beside the river. Good facilities. GPS: S29 04.297 E153 20.575 ... Find out moreTuckombil Road Rest Area 58 km
40 km S of Ballina (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. GPS: S29 06.209 E153 20.400 ... Find out moreNew Italy Rest Area 64 km
56 km N of Tyndale (L) or 47 km S of Ballina (R) Large shady area adjacent to the highway near the museum and cafe. GPS: S29 09.205 E153 17.930... Find out moreTabbimoble Creek Rest Area 81 km
65 km S of Ballina (L) southbound only Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S29 16.940 E153 12.911... Find out moreMaclean Park Area 100 km
At Ferry Park Small area on the riverbank just off the highway. GPS: S29 28.366 E153 12.318... Find out moreMcPhillips Creek Rest Area 136 km
50 km N of Woolgoolga (R) or 10 km S of Grafton (L) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 44.599 E152 59.460 ... Find out moreGlenugie Creek Rest Area 140 km
45 km N of Woolgoolga (L) or 15 km S of Grafton (R) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 47.091 E153 00.522 ... Find out moreMann River Rest Area 146 km
115 km E of Glen Innes (R) or 45 km W of Grafton (L) Small area with good views over the Mann River. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S29 34.652 E152 33.417... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Farmers Market: Thurs mornings; Butler St Reserve.
East Coast Blues and Roots Festival: Easter.
Byron Bay Writers Festival: July/Aug.
Taste of Byron Food Fest: Sept.
Buzz–Byron Bay Film Fest: Oct.