Byron Bay is the town everyone recommends when you’re traveling along Australia’s East Coast, whether you’re heading to Brisbane or Sydney. I hadn’t even heard of it before landing in Gold Coast. But everyone kept saying, “You have to go there” because apparently, it’s a super well-known town for its cool vibe, world-class waves that attract surfers from all over, its nightly street concerts, cool bars, and even cooler coffee shops.
So, I went. I spent 3 days. And here’s what you can do in Byron Bay !
1. PREPARING YOUR TRIP TO AUSTRALIA – USEFUL INFORMATION
First of all, if you’re planning to visit Australia, here are some useful tips:
- Visa: Unless you’re from New Zealand, you’ll need a visa to enter Australia. You can get it quickly online by paying a small fee, and it usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks for approval.
- Book your flight: The nearest airports are in Brisbane, Ballina, and Gold Coast, all of which are served by several airlines. It’s best to book your flight at least three months in advance and compare prices on sites like Skyscanner to find the best deals.
- SIM Card: Check if your mobile plan covers Australia. If not, you can easily pick up a SIM card in the city or at the airport.
- Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD). Be prepared—Australia can be expensive. Food, accommodations, and general living costs are high, so make sure to budget accordingly. Don’t do what I did and spend like there’s no tomorrow on the East Coast, or you might regret it later …
- Language: English, and while the Aussie accent isn’t as tough as the Kiwi accent (in my opinion), it’s still not the one from your American TV shows either.
2. GETTING TO BYRON BAY
- From Gold Coast: The drive to Byron Bay takes about 1.5 hours (90 km) via the Pacific Motorway (M1). There are also daily shuttle buses available from the city center or the airport for around 40 AUD one way. The most budget-friendly option is with Greyhound Australia or Premier Motor Service buses, which take around 2 hours and start at 15 AUD (though prices can rise as the departure date approaches).
- From Brisbane: It’s roughly a 2.5-hour drive (165 km) to Byron Bay via the Pacific Motorway (M1). Both Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service offer regular bus services between the cities, with tickets starting at 25 AUD one way (3h). Alternatively, you can take the Airtrain from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and then catch a connecting bus to Byron Bay.
3. WHAT TO DO IN BYRON BAY
Go Surfing – Of course! Byron Bay is legendary for surfing. The town thrives on surf culture, with plenty of surf shops and lessons available if you want to give it a try, or board rentals if you’re already a wave rider. There are several beaches for surfing: Main Beach is the go-to spot for all levels and easily accessible, while The Wreck is a local favorite. A 1.5-hour surf lesson will cost you around 40 AUD.
Watch the Sunset with Live Music at the Beach –
Every evening, the promenade near Main Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and to live performances from artists. There are plenty of nearby restaurants and takeway options to enjoy the promenade. About an hour before sunset, local musicians often perform. It’s a good time, whether solo or with friends to enjoy the vibe of Byron.
Have Breakfast at Bayleaf Byron Bay
If there’s one place you must try for your morning coffee & brunch it’s the Bayleaf Coffee Shop. It’s very popular, so expect a bit of a wait before tasting their delicious pastries and exploring their seasonal menu with a wide variety of coffees, hot drinks, and teas. During autumn, they had an amazing orange peel hot chocolate and an generous banana cake.
Visit Byron Farmers Market (Every Thursday, 7am-11am)
This weekly market is great to discover and taste local products. You can grab breakfast from stalls offering fresh smoothies and both sweet and savory treats, while enjoying live music performances. During the summer months, the Byron Artisan Market (October to March) offers food, music and art—everything that makes Byron Bay one of the most artistic and trendy towns in Australia.
Run or Cycle to the Byron Bay Lighthouse
Just a few kilometers from the town center, the Byron Bay Lighthouse sits on top of a beautiful hill marking the easternmost point of Australia. It offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. And it’s perfect for sunrise or sunset. If you’re in Byron Bay between May and November, you might even spot migrating whales nearby.
Hike in Arakwal National Park
The park offers several interesting trails (check AllTrails for route details) and a long stretch of uncrowded white sand beach. During the whale migration season, you might be lucky enough to see humpback whales passing by, either heading to Antartica during spring or returning to the Great Barrier Reef in winter months.
Find the Perfect book at the Book Room at Byron
I found this charming bookstore, perfect for picking up a vacation read. The interior is cozy, and the owners where very helpful 🙂