Filled with friendly strangers, earth loving hippies, and characterised by it’s dreamy surf breaks and beaches, Byron Bay has got to be one of my all time favourite places to escape to in Australia. Having family up there and a holiday flat makes it that much easier for repeat visits, but I recommend it to all my friends as there are so many cute rentals and places to stay. Here are 10 of my favourite things to do and tick off the list at Byron Bay!
10 FUN THINGS TO DO IN BYRON BAY:
1. Enjoy a surf and swim at The Pass
Perhaps one of the best surf spots in Australia, The Pass is a popular local and tourist break between Fisherman’s lookout and the Lighthouse headland. This surf break is known for it’s length and consistency and as my hubby says, he’s had some of the best and longest rides of his life here. Even if it’s flat, it makes for a stunning location for a swim and rock pools exploration. Even better are the sunsets as the beach faces west and overlooks the beautiful mountains of the Hinterland. Can’t be missed.
2. Have a sunset picnic at Belongil Beach
There’s nothing like enjoying your favourites cheeses, snacks and fruits whilst watching the sunset colours at Belongil Beach. Belongil is about a 10 minute walk down from Byron main beach and means it’s that little bit quieter and perfect to set up a dreamy picnic and watch the night sky crawl in. Did I mention how soft and white the sand is?
3. Get lost in the alleyways and boutique shops of Byron
Byron is well known for its fashion boutiques, surf shops and up and coming designer labels. Being a creative place full of inspiration, this translates to several incredible clothing shops and boutiques that alone the layout and design of them makes you marvel. It’s truly a shopping experience like no other (goodbye carparks and busy shopping centres). Some of my favourite shops I visit every time are Spell Boutique, Yoli and Otis and Hendrix and Harlow. I think this topic deserves a blog post of it’s own!
4. Explore the sunflower fields and delicious pastries at The Farm
You cannot go to Byron and not try the Danish pastries from The Farm. Alongside visiting the beautifully kept sunflower fields and inspirational florist shop. The Farm is about a 5-10 minute drive out of Byron town and produces it’s own vegetables and produce. Three Blue Ducks is the main food supplier and restaurant and I would definitely recommend a dinner or lunch there. I’m already drooling at the thought of it – YUM.
5. Go waterfall jumping in the Hinterland
Escape and venture to the Hinterland and go waterfall jumping at Whian Whian, or swim and sit under Killen Falls as the water spills over the edge and beats on your shoulders, providing an excellent massage (thank you nature)! The hills beyond Byron offer stunning views and wilderness that calm the innermost parts of your soul. Get lost in the wild and you’ll be surprised at what you find.
6. Marvel at the stunning views and homes of Wategos Beach
Wategos Beach is the ritzy and stylish side of Byron located on the other side of Cape Byron. Make sure you check out Rae’s and Watermark on Wategos for the ultimate luxury experience. Wategos Beach also provides a great starting point for the walk up to the Lighthouse if you follow the beach to the end and walk up the ramp. The views are sensational, and you’ll also reach the most eastern point of Australia whilst on your way up.
7. Walk to the top of Cape Byron and enjoy lighthouse views over the east coast
Look to your left and you’ll look over Byron and the hinterland. Look to your right and you’ll see Tallows Beach. Look all the way to the bottom and you’ll most likely see either dolphins, turtles or whales. Every time we come up we stay up here for at least an hour and see how many different animals and nature we can spot. I don’t think there’s a look out that compares to this.
8. Go to The Treehouse at Belongil and eat wood-fired pizzas all night
My favourite dinner spot – The Treehouse at Belongil. Not only do they make the best wood-fired pizzas I’ve ever had in my life, the decor and fit out of this restaurant amongst the trees is so eclectic and vibrant, it’s an experience you won’t forget anytime soon. The espresso martinis here are also rocking, and make sure you try out their best known local brew – Stone and Wood beer, characterised by its fruity taste. As my hubby says it’s half way between cider and a beer.
9. Try the burgers at The Top Shop (and maybe an acai bowl too)
Very soon this will turn into a food list as every time we go to Byron it ends up being a food tour. Honestly this coastal town has some of the best food I’ve ever tasted, and that’s competing with Sydney places. Not to be mistaken with Top Shop the clothing store, The Top Shop is a popular, laid-back hang out much loved by the locals and now visitors. It serves icy cold acai bowls, creative and mouth watering burgers and my new favourite dutch fries. Healthy? Maybe not the best. Worthwhile? We go every time.
10. Explore the homewares and decor at Newrybar Merchants
A collective of local creatives and artisans, Newrybar Merchants is located about a 15 min drive south west of Byron. I love coming here to be inspired for decorations and styling for my home, and maybe pick up a few art and homeware pieces. It is a creative and retail space on the brink of the hinterland, and I promise you won’t leave feeling uninspired or disappointed. Only Byron has creativity and imagination like this.
Golden Hour Girl 