There’s a city that everyone mentions when recommending spots on the East Coast of Australia, with a smile on their face and a hint of nostalgia in their eyes. It’s not Sydney, Brisbane, or Cairns—it’s Byron Bay. The name sounded vaguely familiar – it rhymed with coastal town, professional & amateurs surfers, hundreds of vans lined up near the beach, and a somewhat bohemian, peace-and-love vibe. But I wanted to see it by myself.
So I went. Spent 3 days there, and here’s your guide to make the most of your stay 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. MY TOP SEVEN THINGS 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 (an 1.5 hour surf lesson will cost you around 40AUD), or board rentals if you’re already a wave rider. There are several beaches for practicing :
- Main Beach is the go-to spot for all levels and easily accessible
- The Wreck is a local favorite.
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 place. 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 a 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 amazing 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 several hiking 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 !
In short, Byron Bay was a nice discovery, though I felt like I didn’t quite align with its vibe. Perhaps it was because I didn’t surf or wanted to buy expensive swimwear and second-hand pieces in the dozens of shop of the center. Or maybe because the placed I stayed didn’t match with me … Still, I’m happy I got to experience it, and I hope this article sparks your interest to visit as well !
What is the place you would love to visit in Australia ?