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Byron Bay packs more into a small coastal town than most Australian cities. From the Cape Byron lighthouse walk at Australia’s easternmost point to world-class surf breaks, dolphin kayaking, and a hinterland of rainforest and waterfalls, you will not run out of things to do. Most attractions are within a 10-minute drive or 30-minute walk of the town centre. For more on planning your trip, see our Byron Bay travel guide.
Things to Do in Byron Bay: Outdoor Activities and Nature
Cape Byron Lighthouse and Walking Track
The 3.7km Cape Byron walking track loops from Main Beach around the headland to the lighthouse and back via Wategos Beach. The lighthouse, built in 1901, sits at Australia’s easternmost point (153°38′ E). Free entry to the grounds; the lighthouse tower tour costs AU$6 per adult and runs Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The track takes 1-2 hours and is paved the whole way. Parking at the lighthouse car park costs AU$5/hour (AU$10 max). From June to November you will almost certainly see whales from the viewing platforms. Go at sunrise for the best light and fewest people. See our Byron Bay weather by month for more details. See our best time to visit Byron Bay for more details.
Surfing Lessons and Board Hire
Byron Bay has breaks for every skill level. Beginners should head to Main Beach or Clarkes Beach where waves average 0.5-1m. Group lessons cost AU$60-75 for 2 hours including board and wetsuit. Let’s Go Surfing and Soul Surf School both operate on Clarkes Beach with daily sessions at 9am and 1pm. Board hire runs AU$25/day or AU$15/half-day from Byron Bay Surf Hire on Lawson Street. The Pass handles intermediate surfers with a long right-hand point break. Tallows Beach is for experienced surfers only with powerful beach breaks and rips. See our events and festivals in Byron Bay for more details. See our Byron Bay neighborhoods guide for more details.
Kayaking with Dolphins
Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay runs 2.5-hour dolphin kayaking tours departing from Clarkes Beach at 8:30am and 1pm daily, AU$79 per adult. Bottlenose dolphins are seen on over 90% of tours. During whale season (June-November) the 8:30am tour sometimes encounters humpbacks. No experience needed; double kayaks used. Cape Byron Kayaks offers a similar tour for AU$75 including photos. See our where to stay in Byron Bay for more details. See our Byron Bay travel tips for more details.
Whale Watching Tours
From June to November, humpback whales migrate within a few hundred metres of Cape Byron. Boat tours run 2-3 hours and cost AU$89-119/adult. Byron Bay Whale Watching and Wild Byron both operate out of Brunswick Heads marina (15 minutes north) with 95%+ sighting rates during peak season (July-September). Book at least 48 hours ahead. For land-based viewing, the Cape Byron lighthouse platform is free and effective: pack binoculars.
Skydiving Byron Bay
Skydive Byron Bay offers tandem jumps from 14,000 feet with beach landings at Tyagarah Beach, 10 minutes north of town. Cost: AU$309 weekday, AU$329 weekend. The freefall lasts 60 seconds followed by 5-7 minutes under canopy with views of Cape Byron, Mount Warning, and the Pacific Ocean. Book online for the best rates; same-day bookings sometimes available. Weight limit is 110kg. Photo and video packages cost AU$159 extra.
Things to Do in Byron Bay: Best Beaches
Main Beach
Directly in front of the town centre, Main Beach is the most accessible stretch of sand. Patrolled by lifeguards year-round, it is the safest swimming beach with gentle waves. Free parking on Bay Street fills by 9am in summer. Facilities include showers, toilets, and the Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club. The Beach Hotel (the “Beachy”) sits at the northern end with a beer garden overlooking the surf.
Wategos Beach
Wategos is Byron’s most photographed beach, a sheltered cove on the north side of Cape Byron with calm, clear water. It faces north so it is protected from prevailing southerly winds. Parking is extremely limited (about 20 spots on Marine Parade). Walk from the lighthouse car park (15 minutes downhill) or from Main Beach via the Cape Byron track. No facilities besides a small amenities block. Bring everything you need. The grassy slope above the beach, Wategos Lawn, is popular for sunset picnics.
The Pass
Between Clarkes Beach and Wategos, The Pass is Byron’s most famous surf break. The long right-hand point break peels for up to 200m on a good swell. The beach itself has a small protected swimming area near the rocks. Parking at the Pass car park costs AU$5/hour. The Pass Cafe serves breakfast and lunch with ocean views. Expect crowds in the water on any surfable day.
Tallows Beach
Tallows Beach stretches 3km south from Cape Byron to Broken Head. It is less crowded than town beaches, partly because it is unpatrolled and has strong rips. Clothing-optional beyond the Suffolk Park access point. Park at the lighthouse and walk down, or access via Suffolk Park. Experienced surfers come here for the powerful beach breaks. Not recommended for swimming unless you are a strong swimmer.
Things to Do in Byron Bay: Day Trips and Hinterland
Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens
Located 15 minutes inland in Mullumbimby, Crystal Castle houses the world’s largest amethyst geodes and a 5.5-tonne rose quartz cluster. Entry costs AU$49/adult. The gardens feature a Damanhur Spiral walk, a stone labyrinth, and daily sound healing sessions. Open 10am-5pm daily. The on-site Lotus Cafe serves vegetarian food. Allow 2-3 hours.
Minyon Falls
A 100m waterfall in Nightcap National Park, 40 minutes from Byron. The lookout is a 5-minute walk from the Minyon Grass car park on Minyon Falls Road. The full loop track descends to the base of the falls (4.5km return, grade 4, allow 2-3 hours). Swimming at the base pool is possible but the water is cold year-round. Free entry. No facilities at the trailhead so bring water. The dirt road in can be rough after rain; a 2WD is fine in dry conditions.
Bangalow Markets
The Bangalow Markets run on the fourth Sunday of each month at the Bangalow Showground, 15 minutes from Byron. Over 200 stalls sell local produce, artisan goods, vintage clothing, and prepared food. Hours are 8am to 2pm; entry by gold coin donation (AU$1-2). Live music throughout the day. The town of Bangalow itself has boutique shops, galleries, and cafes worth exploring before or after the markets.
