A Weekender's Guide to Byron Bay
Where to stay, eat, drink and play around one of Australia's most-loved coastal towns.
One of the most highly praised coastal towns in Australia, Byron Bay is home to breathtaking beaches, mountains, rivers and rainforests, as well as a diverse, often experimental, grassroots foodie scene. This North Coast town is more than worth the ten-hour road trip up from Sydney, the easy two-hour flight from Melbourne or a two-hour drive from Brisbane and perfect for a summer adventure with your mates. This is, after all, a town that's best enjoyed together.
To help you start planning your trip to Byron, we've mapped out some of the top spots to go to. Take note of the spots you want to hit, so you can detour from your routine and inject a little adventure into your life. Here's how to spend your days in Byron Shire — what to eat, drink and do in Byron Bay.
Stay
One of the best things about staying in Byron Bay is its laid-back energy, which removes the pressure of a jam-packed itinerary that feels more like a school excursion than a getaway. Of course, you want to be close to the beach. While there are budget options like Byron Bay YHA, if you're going for a more self-care-focused weekend, Hotel Marvell is a fantastic choice. Not only is it Byron Bay's first-ever five-star hotel, it also has the town's first rooftop bar and pool, ticking plenty of boxes before you've even stepped foot outside.
It's also only a six-minute stroll from Main Beach, where you can go for a stroll and watch the local surfers (or jump in yourself), coffee in hand and your favourite podcast in your ears. You'll also be conveniently located a stone's throw from boutique shopping — like ROWIE and Oser Collective, and thrift stores like Trash Vintage and Byron Thrifters Collective — as well as NAVIA Bathhouse across the road, and the popular Bayleaf cafe to the corner.
Wrap up your day with a swim at the rooftop pool, before freshening up for sunset drinks at the hotel's Rooftop Horizon Bar — a drinking hotspot complete with a shimmering disco ball. It's the perfect spot to wrap up your day or kickstart your night. For dinner, you can even stay onsite by visiting the Byron Bay Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant for an ambient slurp — we loved the Mornay and Kilpatrick.
Eat and Drink
Byron's serious food scene is plentiful and diverse, offering up everything from casual eateries to fine dining with a sincere focus on sustainable eating.
A favourite in town is Orgasmic Food, a Middle Eastern eatery providing serious bang-for-your-buck eating (and possibly the best falafel we've ever had). If you'd prefer some meaty protein, the menu has plenty of Middle Eastern favourites like beef kofta and lamb skewers, too.
If you're looking for some superfoods to start your day, Folk is the way to go — the adorable hut-like cafe focuses on organic, ethical and plant-based dishes that will get your engine going. And of course, there's The Farm, a must-visit spot sitting just outside of town. From the Three Blue Ducks crew, this agricultural playground is dedicated to ethical, collaborative and authentic practices, functioning as an eatery, bakery, shop and, of course, a farm. Take a seat on the terrace and order from the seasonal menu featuring dishes crafted from ingredients fresh from your surroundings. Dig in while some of the farm animals like chooks and pooches make cameo appearances. After your meal, digest with a walk around the farm and through the on-site macadamia farm.
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A must-visit is The Roadhouse — a Byron Bay favourite — which is just out of town on the way to Suffolk Park. Hailing itself as "Byron's best breakfast", The Roadhouse is open from 7am–2pm daily before opening back up from 5pm until late on Wednesday through Saturday. People love enjoying golden hour in the venue's open-air setting for cocktails and delicious dishes from the wood-fired oven.
If beer is more your thing, a trip to Byron isn't complete without a visit to Stone & Wood brewery, one of our ten New South Wales breweries worthy of a road trip. The born-and-bred Byron Bay owners love the region and are a welcoming bunch, with the demand for Stone & Wood leading to their 2014 opening.
For those more into spirits, get a designated driver and head out to Cape Byron Distillery where you can savour Brookie's gin, infused with the flavours of neighbouring rainforest. Order a cocktail and take a seat outside overlooking the tropical rainforest preserved by owners Pam and Martin Brook — and be sure to book ahead to guarantee a seat.
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Do
If you're staying in Byron, a morning trek around the Cape Byron Walking Track is a must-do. The 3.7-kilometre loop takes you through rainforest gullies and cliffs, complete with beach vistas and views of the Byron Bay Lighthouse. It's an ideal walk for spotting whales and dolphins. And on your way back down from the lighthouse, you'll pass by the launch point for Byron Airwaves Hang Gliding. Book in for a tandem flight that'll take you soaring above the Cape Byron Headland cliffs and down to Tallow Beach below. If staying firmly on solid ground is more your thing, watching the take-offs is (almost) just as exhilarating.
Another outdoorsy experience worth exploring is Tyagarah Nature Reserve. The seven kilometres of protected coastline offer swimming, sunbathing, fishing and birdwatching with not a car in sight. Visitors can relax in the picnic area or hike along the bush trails studded with banksias, midgen berries, wallabies and bush turkeys. For those who prefer to skinny dip, the nearby Tyagarah Beach is clothing-optional.
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Another way to enjoy Byron from the water is on a sea kayaking tour with Cape Byron Kayaks. The three-hour trips will get you up close and personal with bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales and various species of sea turtles. Your guide will also delve into a bit of Byron Bay's history, most notably its Indigenous heritage. The group will pause mid-tour to refuel with snacks and refreshments on the beach.
If you prefer to do your own thing, the golden shores and crystal-clear waters of Clarkes Beach and Main Beach are just a stone's throw away from town centre. Plus, Main Beach is an ideal spot to watch the sunset soundtracked by free local music from the talented buskers who frequent the beach.
Images: Supplied
