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Town in New South Wales, Australia
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Byron Bay is a coastal town famous (or perhaps infamous) for its enthusiastic wellness movement and celebrities in the Northern Rivers ‘Rainbow Region’ of New South Wales, just off the M1 Pacific Motorway, approximately 800 km north of Sydney and 175 km south of Brisbane. Cape Byron is the easternmost point on the Australian mainland.
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European history began in 1770 when Captain James Cook found a safe anchorage and named the cape after John Byron, grandfather of the poet Lord Byron. It is mainland Australia's easternmost point. There is a lighthouse on the cliffs above the ocean (not on the tip of the cape). The walk from town along the walking track up to the lighthouse is amazing. It is about 20 min from the parking at the start of the walk along the beach. Parking at the top is $10, and worth it on a hot day. There's a cafe near the lighthouse. The entire walking track makes a 3.7 km loop around the cape, including the tip.
Small conservation reserve home to the easternmost point of the Australian mainland.
The best-known beach in Byron usually has smaller waves that break close to shore. At the southern end of the beach lies the Pass, which can get very crowded, along with Byron Main, on summer days but is perfect for long boarding with wide rollers that go forever.
Just around the corner from the Pass and Byron Main. It is somewhat hidden from view, lying on the north side of the Byron point. Wategos has a cult longboarder crowd because its waves generally don't have as much push as other breaks. It generally has smaller surf than the Pass. The surf runs west towards Byron Main and takes a bit more skill to paddle out to than the Pass or the main beach. The Pass is always crowded when the winds or swell are right, and because of the easy paddle it has a lot of beginners which can make it very dangerous with wayward boards.
The least known and least used Byron beach by those who don't surf. Tallow Beach is on the south side of the Byron headland, is very long and has a variety of breaks along its length. The surf is generally larger as most swells go straight into it. It is uncommon to see tourists along this beach because the only place from which it can be seen in Byron is the top of the Byron headland.
Byron Main Beach is patrolled all summer, with other beaches patrolled during the Christmas School Holidays, including Wategoes. Clarkes beach is to the east of the main beach but before the Pass and its sheltered location means it is almost always good for kids. In winter, it can be a bit chilly to consider swimming at Byron with daytime temperatures on average only reaching around 20C.
Topless sunbathing is common and accepted in Byron.
September and October are the best whale watching months.
Runs diving and snorkeling trips to Julian Rocks. Certification is available.
There is a cycleway along the beach at Byron. Bicycle hire is available.
Always want to learn to do the flying trapeeze? Wish your kids would make good on their promise? Beautiful facilities.
Held each Easter.
Alternative to mainstream festival over 2 days each July.
In late November/early December celebrating school leavers from across Australia. (This may be a time to avoid, if it is not your scene.)
A cafe with good coffee to jump start your day.
Out of main Byron, near Belongil Beach. Very relaxed with outdoor tables.
Right on the beach, east of the main beach. Offering everything from an egg sandwich and coffee for brekkie to a complete brunch. Or modern Australian cuisine for dinner.
One of several restaurants catering to vegetarians and vegans.
Seafood. Has the usual kids menu with fried things.
Every beach town in Australia has a fish and chips shop, but this is nothing like those. High end fish and chips await you here. Some even say best in Australia.
Upscale cafe food. $20 burgers and more. Makes a good cup of coffee.
Traditional gourmet pizzas to eat in or take away in a relaxed vibe.Vegetarian and vegan (including vegan cheese) options are available.
Mexican cantina. The main draw is the margaritas, but the tacos and enchiladas are surprisingly competent as well.
Indian food. Takeaway and dine in. Occasionally you can chill out to the sounds of a musician.
Lunch and dinner every day and also brunch at the weekend. Great drinks and good view.
For a nice, and expensive, meal.
Bands play most nights. The Beach Kitchen restaurant, open from 8AM, serves pub food and doesn't get the greatest reviews; plates $20–26, steak $34. The Green Room dinery is open 3PM til late serving aperitifs and pizzas.
Buddha Bar
Good micro brewery. Has a very chilled-out bar plus music venue, restaurant ($10–18) and cinema. Serves backpackers from the Piggery Backpackers.
The Back Room hosts the more important touring bands to come to town. The Front Bar hosts local blues, rock and folk performers. Often referred to by backpackers as "Piano Bar", as there is a large grand piano in the center of the front room, which takes requests throughout the night. Plates in the restaurant are $18–32.
The Rails
Live band venue every night. Bands start early but don't go all night. A great indoor/outdoor space (limited indoor seating) to catch up with friends - popular with backpackers and locals. Fantastic food with large portions - great value for money. It shouldn't even be compared with pub food because it's so tasty. Has the typical burger with fries and battered fish and chips but also much more, including grilled Mediterranean salad, fish burgers, pastas + daily specials like peppered kangaroo fillet (truly brilliant!) Kitchen open for lunch and later reopens for supper - the pub stays open.
Late night sports bar with bar food.
Live DJs.
Backpackers.
Provides accommodation from teepees, camping, to dorm rooms and private rooms.
Accommodation ranging from king rooms with plasma TVs and fridges to shared backpacker dorm accommodation.
A hostel with a barbecue, swimming pool and television room.
A hostel with a barbecue, swimming pool and television room.
Surrounded by National Park rainforest, and situated next to Broken Head beach. Suits those who prefer to stay a little further out from the township of Byron Bay. Body board and surf board hire available. Reception 7:30AM-7:30PM.
formerly Belongil Beach House
The "100% Real Byron" experience that doesn't break the bank with a range of accommodation options from Dorms, twins/double, studios to self contained family cottages. Set on 5600 sq2 of landscaped greenery only a frisbee throw from the beach. This great beachside location has all round inclusive facilities including free (bike) hire, large communal kitchen & common room. The higher end rooms enjoy pay TV and wi fi internet. The Tree House cafe located at the front of the property is a local institution.
Balinese inspired accommodation all set in lush tropical surrounds. Buddha Gardens Day Spa located on site.
A bed and breakfast 3km from Byron Bay's town. It focusses on scuba diving; both the hosts are divers.
A quality bed & breakfast. Three king bed bedrooms each with an ensuite (suitable for adults over 21 only).
Beachfront Apartments
Located on Denning Park, on Main Beach. This is the perfect family holiday in Byron Bay, self contained 2 & 3 bedroom apartments.
Old Butter Factory
Sleek & spacey, gorgeous light-filled & innovative warehouse apartments. Located on the fringe of Byron Bay Village, an easy stroll to the shops & restaurants. Walk to Main Beach and many of the attractions around Byron Bay, or enjoy the comforts of the Butter Factory pool, garden courtyard & BBQ area.
Self contained 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, some offering views over Byron Bay, out to Julian Rocks and up to the lighthouse. Complex has a salt water swimming pool with waterfall (pool is heated in winter) & a communal BBQ area. Suitable accommodation for families, couples, and single travellers.
Caravan Park.
Famous Australian manufacturer of "risque" swimwear and lingerie for women.
By bus
Regular coach services, such as Greyhound and Flixbus, travel between Sydney and Brisbane via Byron Bay.
By car
Byron is around 7 hours drive from Sydney, a good day's drive, with many possibilities to stop and rest. Traffic on the Pacific Motorway gets busy during school holiday periods (both Qld and NSW).
By tour
Many surfing or backpacker tours along the east coast.
By train
Trains no longer stop next to the Railway Hotel as the rail line is closed except for a 2 km shuttle service to Sunrise Beach. You can transfer to a coach from the train at Casino.
There is limited regular public transport within Byron Bay, operated by Blanch's Bus Company- however most destinations within the bay are walkable, including The Lighthouse Walk.
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