BYRON BAY – a special place
Welcome to Byron Bay, the exquisite easternmost edge of Australia. If you’ve visited before, you’ll know why it’s one of Australia’s most beloved holiday destinations. If you haven’t been yet, there is a treat in store.
The seaside village of Byron Bay, nestled alongside sweeping surf beaches and pristine blue waters, is famous for its trademark lighthouse and lush rainforests. But there is much more to Byron, which attracts a colourful mix of people from around the world.
A global village
Byron Bay’s friendly village atmosphere comes from a breathtaking natural landscape, an eclectic mixture of people from around the world who visit and live here, a unique culture with elements of beach life, alternative healing, the creative arts and outdoor adventure. It has a year-round sub-tropical climate and accommodation to suit every style, taste and budget. – plus a calendar of fascinating events and festivals exploring music, film, literature, sport and personal growth.
An ancient landscape
Byron Bay is on the edge of an ancient volcano, with the striking silhouette of nearby Mount Warning standing out as the original volcano core. Remnants of the massive ‘Big Scrub’ rainforest still cover the hinterland with lush greenery. Byron’s majestic headland, the easternmost tip of Australia, is a perfect place to watch the annual migration of the humpback whales and it gives a spectacular view of sunset over the Nightcap Ranges. The beaches and bays of Byron range from tiny, secluded places to take a plunge, through to world class surf breaks where you can line up for an unforgettable wave. Wherever you are in Byron, natural beauty abounds.
A vibrant culture
Byron Bay is a melting pot for innovation and alternative lifestyles. People from around the world come to visit and live here, attracted to its unique way of life. Byron is home to world famous artists, writers, musicians and filmmakers. Some of Australia’s best chefs ply their trade in our restaurants and some of our best professional surfers ride the breaks here. Our local culture is expressed every day in our food, our festivals, our craft markets and produce markets and in the incredible variety of activities that we offer to our visitors.
A place to stay
Byron Bay prides itself on accommodating all types of visitors. You can go for the ultimate in luxury and pampering at a beachside hotel, through to ultimate in character and adventure in a tipi – and everything in between. We have holiday houses, villas, apartments, hotels, motels, hostels, campgrounds, caravans and farm-stays – to suit every need and budget.
Pick up – or wind down – while you’re here
Get active
Feeling active? Byron has an activity to suit everybody. You can tandem hanglide by the lighthouse, soaring like a bird over the beauty of Wategos Beach. You can take an ultralight or glider flight and see the sweep of Byron Bay from the air. You can kayak on Byron’s clear waters with the dolphins and watch out for whales. You can take a surfing lesson (you might surprise yourself), parachute out of a plane, horse ride on the sand, cycle, snorkel, scuba dive at our Julian Rocks Marine park reserve, play a round of golf; do yoga, pilates, singing, dancing, acting and much more.
If you love a real challenge, try the Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic (a 2.5km swim from Wategoes to Main Beach) and the Byron Triathlon (both in May) or the Byron Easter Surf Classic.
Relax
There’s nowhere like Byron Bay to relax. You can simply lie on one of our beautiful beaches in the sun, or take the opportunity for a have a pampering treatment. You can choose from one of many healing experiences available… therapeutic massage, Ayurvedic treatment, Japanese acupuncture, Shiatsu, Intuitive bodywork, or soak in one the shire’s day spas. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try looking into the future with an astrology, tarot or psychic reading; or even sit in with a visiting guru… its all part of the Byron experience.
Eat and drink
Byron’s friendly village atmosphere is home to more than 100 different eateries to suit every taste and budget. Drop into one of the many cafes for a sumptuous breakfast; a fresh juice or your favourite coffee, grown in the hills behind Byron Bay. Lunch on local seafood while watching the ocean and soaking up the laid back Byron lifestyle. By night, enjoy food from around the world at one of Byron’s award winning restaurants. If you’re visiting in August, don’t miss A Taste of Byron - a wonderful week for foodies.
Listen to music
Byron Bay is home to the world class Blues & Roots Music Festival at Easter and the Splendour in the Grass music festival in August, plus a host of smaller music festivals through the year. There is a choice of some great pubs with live music every night of the week, catering to all tastes. There are also some great nightclub venues featuring international DJs and some of the latest music to keep you dancing the night away.
Come to a festival
Byron Bay hosts the Byron Writers Festival (August) which is Australia’s largest regional writing festival and the envy of capital city festivals for its robust debate and entertainment. For film buffs, the Basc Film Festival (February), features some of the latest and greatest in cinematography. We have comedy festivals, healing festivals and even the Fatherhood festival (September) to tempt you.
A time to dream
Throughout the year, Byron Bay is an extraordinary place to visit. In winter, you’ll find the crispness of a still blue morning and the magic of a crystal clear night with a sky blanketed with as many stars as one could imagine. In summer, hang out on the beach all day and stay in a singlet throughout our balmy sub-tropical nights.
A visit to Byron is something special. It’s a time to dream, to really relax and to remember how good it is to be alive.