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Top things to do in Byron Bay and event guide for 2023

Whether you’re pursuing relaxation or adventure, Byron Bay is the ideal place for your next holiday.

Byron Bay is a warm slice of paradise with plenty of surfing beaches and lush, tropical forests. Walk the Cape Byron Trail to the famous lighthouse, kayak with dolphins, shop at the markets and dance the night away at a music festival.

Make your Byron Bay holiday memorable with this list of recommendations.

Top things to do in Byron Bay

Our top picks

Surf Lesson, Byron Bay

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.


4EnjoythebeachesByron

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.


9DiveByronBay

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.


Things to do with kids in Byron Bay

Horse Riding Experience, Byron Bay

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?


Hot air balloon experience, Byron Bay

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.


7ByronBayhinterland

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.


Top things to do in Byron Bay at night

Byron Bay at Night, Byron Bay

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.


Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay

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.


River Cruise. Byron Bay

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.


What to do in Byron Bay when it's raining

Crystal Castle

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.

Seasonal events in Byron Bay

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


Feeling inspired? Book your flights to Byron Bay below:

Byron Bay deals

Deal

Holey Moley mini golf from $18

Enjoy mini golf with friends at Holey Moley. They have 9, 18, and 27 holes, plus karaoke and a food bar. Available in NSW, QLD, VIC, WA and SA. T&Cs apply.
Deal

10% cashback + up to 50% off select Australia activities

Enjoy up to 50% discount on selected experiences and activities in Australia, and get 10% cashback on your bookings at Travello. Available until sold out. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 71% off school holiday activities

Available on selected child-friendly experiences in Australia. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Australia sightseeing tours from $20

Available on select travel dates in 2023. Destinations include Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.
Deal

Up to 34% off things to do in Australia

Available on select travel dates across Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast and more. Activities include day tours, zoo and animal interactions, tandem skydives, hot air balloon flights and jet boat rides.
Deal

Up to 15% off Australia adventures

Save up to 15% on selected Australia travel packages at Contiki. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Australia sightseeing cruises from $109

Available on select travel dates until 2023, including Easter and school holidays. Activities include whale- and dolphin-watching and lunch and sunset cruises in Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Melbourne.
Deal

Up to 45% off Australia Klook attraction passes

Available on select Klook attraction passes in Australia. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Cocktail-making classes from $55

Available on select dates in 2023 in locations across Australia such as Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and more. Sample price is for an introductory virtual cocktail-making class in Brisbane.
Code

10% off your Australia activities

Use the code and get 10% off your Australia activities in Yarra Valley, Phillip Island, and New South Wales. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 15% off Australia activities

Sign up with your email address and unlock Sneaky Saver deals. Activities include day tours, attraction passes and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Destinations include Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Code

5% off quad biking experiences with code

Available on select travel dates across Australia including Kangaroo Island, Melbourne, NSW and more. Minimum spend of $250 required.
Code

Up to 5% off Byron Bay activities with code

Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $250. Activities include sightseeing cruises, surfing lessons, whale watching cruises, tandem skydives and more.
Code

Up to 10% off Byron Bay activities with code

Available on select travel dates when you spend a minimum of $300. Activities include sightseeing cruises, surfing lessons, whale watching cruises, tandem skydives and more.
Code

Up to 10% off activities and experiences with code

Valid for new Klook customers. Available on select dates in 2023 – 2024 for selected activities including day tours, park passes, boat rides and more. Valid for New Zealand and Australia residents only. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Byron Bay activities from $60

Available on select travel dates and activities including dolphin watching and kayak adventures and hot air balloon flights. Sample rate is a 2-hour beginner's surfing lesson in Ballina. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 12% off Australia flight experiences

Available on select dates on hot air balloon flights and scenic flights. Destinations include Melbourne, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, Sydney, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and more.
Deal

Up to 73% off things to do in Australia

Available on purchases such as getaways, dining experiences, attraction passes, sightseeing cruise, cinema tickets and day tours. Destinations include Sydney, Perth, Canberra and Brisbane.
Deal

Up to 2.5% off holiday bookings + extra 10% off day tours

Available on select dates until 2023 across Australia and New Zealand when you purchase 2+ tours. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Get tickets to concerts, sport and theatre online

Buy tickets online to events around Australia.
Deal

Music tickets from $51

Available on tickets for concerts and more across Australia.
Deal

Up to 60% off activities, experiences and things to do

Valid on select dates including holidays such as Christmas, New Year's and more depending on the destination. Destinations include Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Dubai, Australia, London and the US. T&Cs apply.

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