Top things to do in Byron Bay and event guide for 2020

Surf lesson

A trip to Byron Bay is not complete without a splash in the ocean. If surfing has always been on your bucket list, a group lesson with people of similar capabilities is a great place to start. Alternatively, you may find it more useful to work one-on-one with an instructor so you can build your skills and become a pro on the waves.

• Pocket-friendly option: Beginner Group Surfing Lesson
• The ultimate experience: Private Surf Lesson

Bask at the beach

Byron's main beach is located directly in front of the township and continues south-east toward Clarkes Beach and the lighthouse. Enjoy a beverage in the sun, join a dolphin sea kayaking tour or snorkel near the Tassie II, a shipwreck from World War II. Looking to escape the crowd? Visit local favourites Wategos and Tallow beaches. For shallow, blue waters and forested cliffs, head to White Beach and soak up panoramic views from Cape Byron to Lennox Head at Broken Head Beach.

• Pocket-friendly option: Main Beach Byron Bay
• The ultimate experience: Byron Bay Dolphin Sea Kayaking Tour

Dive or snorkel at the coral reefs

Home to over 400 species of fish and a variety of tropical marine life such as mantra rays and turtles, Julian Rocks Marine Reserve is the most popular diving site. Take a journey to the underwater world with a certified diving or snorkel tour for beginners and experts, with scuba instructors and equipment to ensure a safe and immersive experience.

• Pocket-friendly option: Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour
• The ultimate experience: Byron Bay Introductory Diving Tour

Horse trail ride

Head out for a day of adventure with a horse riding experience. Get away from the hustle of the city and submerge yourself in the tranquility of the sub-tropical forest among the flora and fauna. You will be guided by a professional who will take you through the forest and point out interesting facts along the way. After emerging from the lush jungle, why not venture onto the beach and trot along the shoreline with breathtaking views in both directions with the beach on one side and the greenery of the forest on the other?

• Pocket-friendly option: Forest Horse Trail Ride
• The ultimate experience: Horse Trail Ride from Forest to Beach

See Byron Bay from the sky

Arguably the most exhilarating experience you can tick off your bucket list, get suited up and jump from up to 15,000 feet with a skydiving instructor who will be with you throughout the whole experience. A hot air balloon experience over Mt Warning during sunrise offers another unique experience from the sky, but with that extra level of comfort.

• Pocket-friendly option: Tandem Skydive
• The ultimate experience: Hot Air Ballooning over Byron Bay

Explore Byron Bay's hinterland and farmland

Spend a day frolicking in the sun amongst Byron Bay's hinterland or farmland. Visit Byron Bay's hinterland and bushwalk through the sub-tropical Nightcap National Park. You'll have the chance to swim in the region's highest waterfall, Minyon Falls, before heading to the small town of Bangalow to explore local shops, galleries and cafes. For those who love fresh produce, visit the foodie-approved spots on a Byron Bay food testing tour and see the local farmlands before enjoying tasting plates made from local produce.

• Pocket-friendly option: Byron Bay Hinterland Tour
• The ultimate experience: Backroads of Byron Farmland Foodie Tour

Embrace Byron Bay's nightlife

Enjoy a night out in Byron Bay with the buzzing atmosphere of locals and tourists joining together to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the sea breeze. The Byron Bay Twilight Markets operate from October to April where you can browse stalls with handmade clothes, art and jewellery. Enjoy live music and try out the food options available from the stalls along the way. The Byron Bay Brewery is a short walk from town and offers locally sourced food and live entertainment, so you'll never be without plans in Byron Bay after dusk.

• Pocket-friendly option: Byron Bay Twilight Markets
• The ultimate experience: Byron Bay Brewery

Explore Byron Bay with a night tour

Get to know the Byron Bay area by exploring your surroundings with a sunset stroll following the Cape Byron walking track, or with a night vision tour where you'll be provided with night vision googles to spot nocturnal animals including bandicoots, possums and pademelons in their natural habitat.

• Pocket-friendly option: Cape Byron Walking Track
• The ultimate experience: Byron Bay Night Vision Walk

Sunset cruise

Set off on a relaxing afternoon sunset cruise with complimentary treats and stunning sunset views overlooking the water as you bypass mangrove forests and spot pelicans, eagles and dolphins along the journey.

• Pocket-friendly option: Scenic River Cruise Ballina
• The ultimate experience: Afternoon Eco Sunset Cruise

Visit popular Byron Bay sites

There's more to Byron Bay than the beach and outdoors. Spending time indoors can be just as fun and you may even find yourself acquiring new interests. A short drive from Byron Bay to the hinterlands will land you in Mullumbimby. Head to Crystal Castle and take part in a guided meditation session, sit in an amethyst cave and touch the World Peace Stupa, a project blessed by the Dalai Lama. Three times a week, Arts Factory Lodge offers African drum lessons for anyone to come and participate in with resident teacher, Albert Salvador.

• Pocket-friendly option: African Drumming Lesson
• The ultimate experience: Crystal Castle

Things to do in Byron Bay in summer

• Falls Festival
• Australia Day
• Byron Bay Surf Festival

Things to do in Byron Bay in winter

• Splendour in the Grass
• Top Dog Film Festival
• Byron Writers Festival

Things to do in Byron Bay in autumn

• Bluesfest
• Harvest Festival
• Byron Spirit Festival

Things to do in Byron Bay in spring

• Byron Latino Fiesta
• Mullum Music Festival
• Byron Bay Guitar Festival
• Byron Bay International Film Festival