Luxury Escapes Guide to Byron Bay
Byron Bay evokes dreamy visions of golden beaches kissed by surf-ready waves, sustainable cafés and laidback towns nestled in the green valleys of the hinterland.
Things to see and do
Be inspired by nature at Minyon Falls
Follow the winding roads through the hinterland to Minyon Falls, a magnificent 100-metre drop waterfall in Nightcap National Park. Just a 40-minute drive from the centre of town, it’s an easy half-day trip. The moment you park up, listen for the distant roar of the falls as its cascade plummets into the creek. Be sure to head to the lookout where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the deep gorge, eucalyptus cliffside forests and the waterfall itself. Pack a picnic and spend time at the grassy picnic area, or if you’re feeling active follow the Minyon Falls walking track through rainforest and past fern-fringed creeks to the base of the falls. This 13km return walk takes roughly 3-4 hours.
Learn to surf like a pro
Surf’s up! What better place to learn how to surf like a pro than in Byron Bay? Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most iconic surf spots, thanks to its right-hand point breaks and winter swell. Rise and shine for an early start and meet your instructor along a quiet section of Main Beach. Swipe a layer of zinc over your nose, zip up your wetsuit and head out into the water armed with your board. Beginner friendly and perfect for families, groups or individuals, you’ll be catching waves in no time.
See a spectacular sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse
Early rises can be tough, but rest assured this one’s worth it. Make your way to Cape Byron Lighthouse, located on the most easterly point of mainland Australia, for the most epic of sunrises. From the sheer coastal cliffs, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the sun peeking over the horizon. Jump into your car and make the quick journey from the centre of Byron Bay town, or venture through the predawn darkness along the 4km Cape Byron walking track. Time it right to watch the golden sunrise paint the surrounding cliffs in a warm, rosy glow. Along this walk you’re best placed to enjoy breathtaking vistas of Byron’s beaches, rainforests and coastal cliffs.
Spend a morning at Byron Bay Market
On the first Sunday of every month, Dening Park at the Main Beach foreshore is buzzing with its popular Sunday Market. Start your day perusing stalls that sell everything from handcrafted wares to art, jewellery, locally grown produce and coffee. Live music jangles across the open-air market, while candle making, face painting and tie dying demonstrations will keep visitors of all ages entertained. It’s best to get here early and take your time inspecting the stalls for the best pick of the bunch. When you’re done, the golden sands of Main Beach are just a hop and a skip away.
Spot dolphins on a sea kayaking tour
What could be more magical than spotting the arch of a dolphin’s sleek frame breaching the ocean while you watch nearby in your own kayak? Armed with a paddle, life jacket and two-person kayak, head out on the water with an experienced guide and meet inquisitive bottlenose dolphins who frequent this area. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a sea turtle gliding to the surface, or a singing humpback whale spouting water from its blowhole in the distance. Be sure to bring along sunscreen, a water bottle and a waterproof pouch for your phone if you’d like to take photos.
Spend a day at Wategos Beach
Spend a day on one of Byron Bay’s most beloved beaches, renowned for its picturesque shore and ideal surfing conditions. Wategos Beach is 2km east of Byron Bay’s main town, with the iconic Cape Lighthouse visible from the sand. You can access the Cape Walking Track here, which will lead you to the famous lighthouse where panoramic views await. The sheltered cove is perfect for the whole family, with rock pools nearby to explore plus a grassy picnic area with tables and BBQs. If you’re a budding surfer, the waves here are friendly and perfect for learners and those with longboards.
Get walking on the Three Sisters track
Ready to get active? The Three Sisters walking track in Broken Head Nature Reserve is a moderate 1.6km return walk to some of the most spectacular viewpoints in Byron Bay. Begin at the picnic area at Broken Head where the track starts and meander through lush rainforest until you reach your reward: a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Kings Beach. Admire the coastal panoramas of secluded beaches, craggy coves and dense rainforest (during winter and spring you might be lucky enough to spot migrating whales). During your walk, learn of the Aboriginal story behind Three Sisters, which tells of the siblings who were turned into the rocky outcrops near the headland.
Snorkel with sea turtles
Here’s your ticket to the wonders of the sea, where colours are turned up to full vibrancy and incredible marine life is in abundance. At Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, don your snorkel and wetsuit and paddle out into this prized snorkel site, home to species found in the deep Southern Ocean as well as the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Swim alongside graceful sea turtles, hover above wobbegong (carpet) sharks nibbling away at the ocean floor, follow huge manta rays and spot hundreds of colourful schools of fish flickering in the watery sunlight. This is a slice of ocean magic you won’t forget.
Cool off at Killen Falls
Discover a hidden slice of paradise at Killen Falls, a jaw-dropping 10-metre waterfall only a 20-minute drive from town. Surrounded by the Big Scrub rainforest and damp rock walls, you’ll feel worlds away from the coastal hub of Byron. Take your togs and indulge in a dip (look out for submerged rocks) or make your way behind the falls to a spectacular cave. For sweeping panoramas, follow the trail to the Killen Falls viewing platform, a 660-metre return walk with incredible views over the falls, Emigrant Creek and the surrounding rainforest.
Explore towns of the hinterland
Set away from the ramshackle beach huts, oceanfront mansions and trendy bars of Byron Bay’s coastal suburbs are the quaint, picturesque towns in the hinterland. Treasure troves for exquisite dining and incredible shopping, these towns are a must-visit during your stay. Stroll along Bangalow’s main street, passing turn-of-the-century buildings, antique shops, art galleries and the weekly Saturday Farmers’ Market. Explore the thrift stores and organic food outlets of Mullumbimby. Visit Harvest Deli in Newrybar for an unforgettable dining experience, and check out the new age, hippy lifestyle and arty markets at Nimbin.
Top places to eat and drink
Barrio Neighbourhood Eatery & Bar
When you’re craving Middle Eastern fare in a cool yet casual setting, head to Barrio. An open kitchen with a wood-fired oven means you can watch as head chef Jude Hughes (who trained under Jamie Oliver) prepares your meal before your eyes. Tantalise your tastebuds with the Farmer’s Vegetable Plate, a medley of vibrant veggies with green tahini and almond tarator salsa. Sink your teeth into a succulent beef kofta, a powerhouse of flavour fragrant with chilli and garlic. Tear off a slice of freshly made za’atar flatbread and swipe it through a bowl of muhammara. Accompany all this with a glass of wine from the extensive wine menu where you’ll find an array of local and international varieties.
The Byron Bay General Store
When you’re hankering for a sustainable, plant-based brunch spot on your way inland to Byron’s hinterland, make a pit stop at The Byron Bay General Store. This landmark café has been hosting locals and travellers in Byron since 1974, serving up meals made using the freshest produce from local and organic farmers. Get in early and pull up a chair, wooden crate or barrel and discover a menu of predominately vegan dishes plus a small selection of non-vegan meals. Try the truffled mushroom toast with house-made cashew cheese, the acai bowl topped with blueberries and banana, or a halloumi burger packed with spinach slaw and salsa verde. The café’s dedication to sustainability is seen not only through its menu, but through its environmental drives. These include a beach clean-up initiative and a 10% discount when you walk, ride or skate to there. Being sustainable never tasted so good.
Loft Byron Bay
Wander along Jonson Street and listen for bone-jangling disco music, the low murmur of chatting patrons and the enthusiastic rattling of expert bartenders shaking up a smooth espresso martini. Where’s this symphony of sounds promising a good time coming from, you ask? Follow a narrow flight of stairs to Loft, a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant a few sandy steps from Main Beach. Settle yourself on a bar stool overlooking Jonson Street and Bay Lane and enjoy a spot of people watching while you snack on briny oysters with mirin and yuzu, marinated olives or a charcuterie board. The expansive bar has 10 beers on tap, Australian and international wines and an incredible cocktail menu. Plus, every night after 9pm you can enjoy two of Loft’s signature espresso martinis for $20. How can you refuse?
Miss Margarita
Nothing promises a good time quite like tacos and margaritas, and Miss Margarita on Jonson Street understands this. After a day sprawled out on Main Beach, dust off your feet and head to this Mexican cantina for a fun, vibrant feast. The menu is designed for sharing and features dishes such as the Cheeky Changas (fried tortillas filled with cheese, beef or mushrooms), salt and chilli squid tacos, sizzling garlic and lime picanha steak fajitas, and mushroom and zucchini enchilada with a side of fresh guacamole. As the day slides into night, the eatery is illuminated with festive fairy lights, while funky tunes dance on the air. A whole range of ‘margies’ will thrill margarita enthusiasts: opt for a classic or go wild and choose pineapple, watermelon and basil or a chipotle chilli and lime version with mezcal. Please note: Walk-ins only, so it’s best to check in an hour before your desired dining time so you can pop your name down on the waitlist.
Sunday Sustainable Bakery
For the perfect start to your day, roll up to Sunday Sustainable Bakery on Jonson Street for a fresh brew and some tasty bakery treats made in-house by hand. Loaves of fresh sourdough are piled on countertops, while glass cabinets house a mouthwatering assortment of baguettes, beef and mushroom pies, buttery croissants, organic chia-spiced carrot cakes and slabs of double chocolate walnut brownie (just to name a few). Settle on one of the outdoor tables and enjoy your meal while playing a round of chess or watching the local Byron crowd gather in droves.
The Mez Club
Traverse the enchanting Mediterranean from Morocco to Italy without having to leave Byron Bay at The Mez Club. It’s reminiscent of a Moroccan riad with artisan lanterns hanging from the ceiling, arched doorways and a stunning mezzanine area for private functions. This buzzing cantina serves fresh eats and heavenly cocktails in a dreamy setting close to Byron’s Main Beach. Think white anchovies, creamy burrata, sumac olives and panzanella salad accompanied by handcrafted cocktails, ice cold beer and Australian and international wine. If you’re finding it hard to choose, opt for the chef’s tasting menu and feast on eight of The Mez Club’s favourite dishes.
Balcony Bar & Oyster Co.
What could be better after a day of exploring Byron Bay’s famous beaches than retreating to this cool, beach-shack-chic restaurant to slurp on fresh oysters (natural, battered or Kilpatrick-style) with a glass of bubbly in hand? There’s also crispy fish and chips, fresh fish tacos with finger lime mayo, bountiful seafood share plates and a selection of handmade pastas if you’re craving something different. With easy-going vibes, a low food milage menu and an elevated position high above Byron’s bustling main street, this is the perfect spot to spend a balmy summer evening.
Three Blue Ducks
Sustainability, nourishment and clean eating: this is what Three Blue Ducks at The Farm is all about. The restaurant works closely with ethical local growers to create wholesome meals that not only taste delicious, but educate diners on where the food is grown. Come here for breakfast and lunch or treat yourself to dinner on a Friday or Saturday evening. You can even bring a rug and wander the farm trails looking for that perfect picnic spot, armed with a hamper prepared by the restaurant. Bursting with house-made goods, locally-sourced cheeses, charcuterie, parfait, dips, fruit, sweets, nuts, berries, and bread, it showcases the best the restaurant has to offer.
Lux moments
Blend and bottle your own signature gin
Botanical and herbaceous, gin has come a long way from its origins as a medicinal liquor. Now, it’s a celebrated spirit of choice, often in the form of the cult classic G&T. If you’re a gin enthusiast, make your way to Lord Byron Distillery, a family-run establishment that has perfected the craft of producing sustainable, artisanal gin. The most exciting part is the ‘LBD Ginstitute’, where you can take part in a bespoke gin-blending class. Craft your perfect gin with an individual mix of botanicals, before bottling and labelling your concoction in a 500ml bottle to take home and enjoy.
Take a romantic coastal horseback ride
Wander through the tranquil sub-tropical woodlands of Byron’s hinterland on horseback, with no other sounds to disturb your experience but the clip-clop of your noble steed, the twittering of native birdlife and the distant whooshing of the ocean. On a 90-minute horse ride with Zephyr Horses, follow the trail to Belongil Beach and trot along the shoreline of this secluded beach, admiring views out over the crystal-clear water. This soul-enriching adventure is perfect for a romantic date or a memorable group activity.
Gain a new perspective on a helicopter flight
Imagine soaring over the lush valleys of the hinterland and sweeping stretches of coast aboard a helicopter over Byron Bay. Make this dream a reality on a 30-minute Coastal Chill tour with Air T&G Helicopters. Head north over Lennox Head, flying along some of Byron’s best beaches to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse before looping back to Ballina. Along the way, look out for the mansions of the rich and famous nestled amid acres of greenery in the hinterland. This experience is truly unforgettable and guaranteed to be a highlight during your trip.
Tailor your escape to Byron Bay
Check out Luxury Escapes’ handpicked experiences for everything from cultural and food and wine events to adventures for thrill seekers, all carefully curated to help you get the most out of your holiday. Experiences are bookable when you purchase your next escape. Simply select your travel dates and number of travellers for any package and tailor your escape by choosing available experiences.