Byron Bay is a beautiful beachside town at the Northern edge of New South Wales (NSW). It’s most famous for its idyllic surf and hippy past, and is now frequently visited by many people who are looking to find a little zen for the weekend – which is why we visited. Byron Bay is also the Eastern-most point of Australia.
Where to stay
Byron Bay is completely full of accommodation options, so you’re definitely spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodation, such as Elements (a popular honeymoon and relaxing weekend option), slightly cheaper hotels and motels, AirBnbs and vacation rentals, or hostels, there are so many options.
I personally found the whole experience of finding accommodation quite overwhelming! We decided to save a bit of money on accommodation and found a motel at Nelsons Beach. We stayed at the Bay Beach Motel, which was more comfortable than we were expecting, has a kitchenette, ensuite, TV, balcony, and there was even a pool! The location was perfect. Just steps from the beach, walking distance from the main street with shops and restaurants, and easily accessible to the lighthouse walking trail.
Tip: While you don't need to hire a car in order to get to most of the main spots in Byron, I would recommend it as a car gives you so much more flexibility. Plus, the closest airport to Byron Bay is Ballina, which is a good 30min drive away, either by car or by bus.
Where to eat
The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co
A short walk from our motel, we came across The Balcony. It's a beachy, Hamptons-esque restaurant that oozes relaxing beachside charm. We liked it here so much that we came both nights that we were in Byron. My personal favourite were their fish tacos. Amazing.
The Farm
The Farm is predominantly a working farm, situated a short drive from the main Byron Bay shops. Here you will find delicious, fresh, seasonal produce, farmyard animals and a collection of micro-businesses.
The restaurant is run by Three Blue Ducks, who Sydney locals will know for their fresh, real food. We stopped for a drink and a nibble, and just enjoyed the atmosphere. The Farm is one of the most relaxing, friendly places I have been to, and we loved the chickens roaming freely around. One particularly fluffy chicken even came over and pecked my foot! Hot tip: wear closed-toe shoes so you don't run the risk of a cheeky chicken thinking your toe is a tasty snack.
The General Store
The Byron Bay General Store was founded in 1947, and has remained largely unchanged since. Today, it's a cafe that serves some of the most delicious food we have ever tasted! 100% Recommend going.
We came here for brunch on our last morning in Byron and absolutely demolished the haloumi burger (my personal favourite), a chocoloate milkshake and coffees. Do yourselves a favour and pay this icon a visit.
What to do
Go to the beach
The beach is a given on any trip to Byron Bay, and so it should be! New South Wales (NSW) has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and Byron Bay is no exception. You can walk along the beach, or take the upper walkway all the way to the lighthouse. On the way, make a beeline for The Pass, one of the most famous surfing locations.
Speaking of surfing, while you're driving from Ballina Airport to Byron Bay, stop off at Lennox Head. Lennox Head is known for its internationally famous right hand point break, a must-visit location for any avid surfer. We're not surfers, we just stopped off for the incredible views.
See the Eastern-most point of Australia
Byron Bay sits of the eastern-most point of Australia, and the point is definitely worth the stop while you're here.
Visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse
The lighthouse sits at the eastern-most point and houses a small museum. You can also take a tour and learn about shipwrecks along the coast.
Walk to Fisherman’s Lookout
Just past The Pass, Fisherman's Lookout is another opportunity for beautiful views.
Visit The Farm
While you're at The Farm for some delicious, fresh produce, make sure you say hello to the residents! On the property, you will find highland cows, very large pigs, and some very cheeky chickens!
Explore the little surrounding villages
If you've decided to adopt my earlier tip and hire a car, while you're visiting Byron Bay, make sure you also get out of the town and explore the surrounding villages and the Byron Hinterland if you get some time. We had a little time to kill before heading to the airport and ventured to Bangalow. I definitely recommend setting aside dedicated time to visit some of the surrounding villages.
If you’ve been to Byron Bay, what were your favourite things?