Morning

As soon as you arrive in Byron Bay, you’re going to want to head for those sparkling beaches that have made the town world famous. Main Beach is in the centre of town and popular with swimmers and surfers alike, while Clarkes Beach is north-facing and generally protected from the wind. Wategos Beach is close to the end of the cape, in the shadow of the lighthouse, and you'll often see dolphins frolicking in the waves. From here it's a short walk to Little Wategos, Australia's easternmost beach. If you want to learn how to catch one of Byron’s legendary waves, book in for a lesson with Soul Surf School.

Soul Surf School, Byron Bay

Afternoon

This afternoon, head for the hinterland. Stop off for a quick lunch at The Little General in Newrybar and grab a pastry to put in your backpack. Your destination is Killen Falls, around 30 minutes south of Byron Bay and close to the village of Tintenbar. The waterfall is a hidden paradise set inside the last remaining pocket of big scrub rainforest in the region. Admire it from the lookout above or follow the trail from the car park to the bottom of the falls. The steep track is rated a Grade 3 bushwalk and there are some tricky sections. At the base, you can walk right behind the waterfall or swim in the large pool beneath it. 

Killen Falls, Tintenbar

Evening

Check in for your first night at Basq House, a boutique hotel that blends Moroccan riad with Byron boho chic. It’s right in the centre of town, so you won’t miss any of the action, but retains a tranquil atmosphere tucked down a quiet laneway. There’s a heated magnesium pool surrounded by cabanas and pastel pink umbrellas, a cosy library, colourful communal areas, and the Navia Bathhouse and Sauna on site.

Basq House, Byron Bay - Credit: Basq House

Stroll down to the buzzy Jonson Lane precinct for dinner. It’s home to some of Byron’s best restaurants, from the one-hat Bar Heather to Asian fusion Light Years and Pixie Italian. If you want to make a night of it, hit the dancefloor at Paradiso Music Room.

Light Years, Byron Bay - Credit: Arcade Agency

Morning

Byron naturally attracts designers, artists and creatives from around the world, and it shows in its shopping strip. Browse boutiques like Spell & the Gypsy Collective for high-end boho fashion, ROWIE the Label for romantic silhouettes and natural fabrics, or Zulu & Zephyr for swim and resortwear. Hope & May is the place for beachy homewares and find decadent bed linens at Deiji. If your visit falls on a Thursday, don't miss the Byron Farmers Market for fresh local produce. Other towns around Byron also hold farmers markets during the week – check our market guide for details.

Zulu and Zephyr, Byron Bay

Afternoon

Set out for a gentle paddle through the Cape Byron Marine Park with Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay. You’ll have a great view of Byron’s breathtaking coastline and get a unique perspective on the Cape Byron Lighthouse from the water. The real drawcard though is the wildlife and you’re almost guaranteed to spot whales, sea turtles and even migrating humpback whales during the season. In fact, if you don't spot any wildlife, you can go again for free.

Cape Byron Kayaks, Byron Bay

Evening

Watch the sun go down with a beer in hand at the legendary waterfront Beach Hotel. Just steps from Main Beach and with a huge beer garden, it’s always packed with locals and tourists alike and is the perfect place to be as the day disappears. Then wander along the waterfront for dinner at Beach Byron Bay, a relaxed yet refined restaurant overlooking the golden sands of Clarkes Beach. Fresh seafood, local ingredients and a wow wine list make for an unforgettable evening.

Beach Byron Bay Restaurant, Byron Bay 

Morning

Wake up early and set off on Byron’s most famous walking track before the sun is up. The Walgun Cape Byron Walking Track loops out past the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse to the very edge of the headland, the most easterly point in Australia. It’s also the first place on the mainland to see the sun rise every morning. After watching the sky illuminate, follow the track around past Wategos Beach to The Pass Cafe for breakfast with a view. 

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay

Head inland for a taste or rural life at The Farm, a 32-hectare working property in Ewingsdale. You can feed the friendly animals at 10am, take a wander around the market garden, pick up some local produce at the store and have lunch at the Three Blue Ducks restaurant. Almost everything on the menu is grown in the surrounding fields or sourced from local, ethical suppliers.

Three Blue Ducks, Byron Bay

Afternoon

This afternoon, you’re due for some well-deserved downtime. The Banya in Mullumbimby is a luxe European-style bathhouse set inside a 1920s bank building. Its open-air mineral pools, saunas, steam rooms and cold plunge invite social relaxation, or hide away for a treatment in one of the massage rooms. There’s also a bar serving cocktails, wine and beer, so you can pair your wellness with a little indulgence.

The Banya, Mullumbimby

Evening

Toast a successful weekend with a behind-the-scenes tour, guided tasting or cocktails on the balcony at Cape Byron Distillery. Surrounded by rainforest just 15 minutes from the centre of Byron, this is the home of the famous Brookie’s Gin as well as Cape Byron Whisky. Later, keep things casual with dinner at The Railway Friendly Bar (known to everyone as ‘The Rails’). There’s live music every night of the year, good food and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Railway Friendly Bar, Byron Bay