Everything you need to know about Byron Bay can be found on the welcome sign as you drive in: “Welcome to Byron Bay! Cheer up, slow down, chill out.”
It’s hard not to be cheery in this dreamy New South Wales town. Since the first surfers descended on its beaches in the late 70s, it’s been a destination for those in search of peace, perfect surf breaks and laid-back hospitality. It may have changed a little since the heady days of those first hippies, but its sunny charm hasn’t gone anywhere.
It’s hard not to be cheery in this dreamy New South Wales town. Since the first surfers descended on its beaches in the late 70s, it’s been a destination for those in search of peace, perfect surf breaks and laid-back hospitality. It may have changed a little since the heady days of those first hippies, but its sunny charm hasn’t gone anywhere.
Brunswick Heads visitors, left, and surfboards at Byron Bay’s iconic McTavish shop
“The Bay” is an easy place in which to let time slide by, your days marked by good coffee, sunset surfs, lush walks and lazy afternoons at sun-drenched cafés. Slowing down here is non-negotiable, a balm for the soul and a break from the rush of reality.
After a few days, you’ll learn to avoid the slightly hectic centre of town and instead hop in the car to drive through the suburbs and smaller neighbourhoods – ones where the sleepy, bohemian essence of Byron feels more distilled.
“The Bay” is an easy place in which to let time slide by, your days marked by good coffee, sunset surfs, lush walks and lazy afternoons at sun-drenched cafés. Slowing down here is non-negotiable, a balm for the soul and a break from the rush of reality.
After a few days, you’ll learn to avoid the slightly hectic centre of town and instead hop in the car to drive through the suburbs and smaller neighbourhoods – ones where the sleepy, bohemian essence of Byron feels more distilled.
Surfers enroute to the waves along Byron Bay’s sands
If you can rent a car, you’ll be able to escape the main drag and explore charming locales like Brunswick Heads, the Arts District, Bangalow and Mullumbimby. It’s in these places that you’ll find the best coffee roasteries, lush greenery, pastel sunrise surfs, incredible cuisine and locals ready to point you in the direction of the next bar or beach.
It takes a moment to find your feet in Byron Bay, but once you do, you’ll probably want to keep them there longer than you planned.
If you can rent a car, you’ll be able to escape the main drag and explore charming locales like Brunswick Heads, the Arts District, Bangalow and Mullumbimby. It’s in these places that you’ll find the best coffee roasteries, lush greenery, pastel sunrise surfs, incredible cuisine and locals ready to point you in the direction of the next bar or beach.
It takes a moment to find your feet in Byron Bay, but once you do, you’ll probably want to keep them there longer than you planned.
A Pocket Guide To Byron Bay, NSW
Where to stay
The Sunseeker
100 Bangalow Rd, NSW 2481; thesunseeker.com.au
The Sunseeker
Once a worn-down motel, The Sunseeker was recently rejuvenated by Jess and Dave Frid, who recruited a band of local makers, artists and designers to create what is now a vibrant design hub brimming with art and collectables. Working with eco-minded builders Balanced Earth, they kept the original bones of the 80s-built red-brick motel and updated it in a clash of bold shapes and colours. Outside, there’s a terracotta-tiled pool and six restored timber bungalows.100 Bangalow Rd, NSW 2481; thesunseeker.com.au
The Swell
11 Butler St, NSW 2481; swellhotel.com
Swell Hotel
This boutique gem is right in the heart of Byron Bay's surf mecca. It has 16 rooms, which blend natural elements with contemporary finishes, peppered with local art and design features. Settle in for an afternoon by the pool or indulge in one of the on-site healing treatments, before ending the day at the suntrap of a bar.11 Butler St, NSW 2481; swellhotel.com
Sun Ranch
17 Byron Creek Rd, Coopers Shoot, NSW 2479; sunranch.com.au
Sun Ranch
A visit to Sun Ranch feels kind of like stepping onto a 70s-style ranch in California. Nestled amid 22 hectares of Byron Bay hinterland, the estate has been transformed by co-creators Jamie Blakey and Julia Ashwood into a nostalgic getaway complete with off-grid “barns”, private rooms and a hillside pool. Expect freshly baked muffins every morning, the best margaritas at the Cowboy Bar, and riding excursions with Zephyr Horses.17 Byron Creek Rd, Coopers Shoot, NSW 2479; sunranch.com.au
Where to eat
Light Years
139 Jonson St, NSW 2481; lightyearsasiandiner.com.au
G9 Jonson Ln, 139 Jonson St, NSW 248; barheather.com
Light Years
This Jonson Lane precinct restaurant is all about coastal modernity, with a dining room packed with warm textures and clay-coloured hues. Grab a spot at the terrazzo bar for drinks and snacks, or settle into cosy banquettes for modern Asian cuisine. Think Korean fried chicken bao, beef rendang, miso caramel aubergine, watermelon salad, and crab dumplings – best paired with a punchy cocktail or glass or two from the cleverly curated wine list. There’s also al fresco seating (of course).139 Jonson St, NSW 2481; lightyearsasiandiner.com.au
Bar Heather
It’s “wine first” at this dimly lit, Parisian-inspired spot on Byron Bay's south side. From the grilled pork wrapped in betel leaf to the pippies (Aussie for cockles) in buttery chicken broth, each of head chef Ollie Wong-Hee's comforting dishes complements the natural wine list, curated by owners James Audas and Tom Sheer. Most things can be eaten with one hand, so you never have to part ways with your glass.G9 Jonson Ln, 139 Jonson St, NSW 248; barheather.com
Three Blue Ducks
11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale, NSW 2481; threeblueducks.com
Three Blue Ducks
Five friends known as “The Ducks” run this farm-to-fork restaurant at The Farm Byron Bay – and it’s about as pastoral as it gets, with sunflower fields, vegetable patches and livestock milling around. Almost everything is sourced seasonally from the local area, making use of a larder stretching from southern Queensland to Port Macquarie. Dishes include freshly shucked oysters, chermoula roast chicken and fresh-as-it-gets kingfish ceviche.11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale, NSW 2481; threeblueducks.com
Tones at Soko
4 Acacia St, NSW 2481; instagram.com/tones
Tones at Soko
Think of Antipodean café culture, and this is the kind of place that springs to mind. Clean, airy and bright, Tones lies in Byron’s Arts Estate. The relaxed café serves excellent coffee alongside dishes like chicken banh mi, rice bowls with kimchi and eggs, and Thai sticky rice with coconut banana purée. Sip an iced matcha in the shady garden before dipping into neighbouring clothes store St Agni.4 Acacia St, NSW 2481; instagram.com/tones
Folk
399 Ewingsdale Rd, NSW 2481; instagram.com/folkbyronbay
8/8 Fletcher St, NSW 2481; frankiesgelato.com
Folk Byron Bay
“Welcome to the garden”, says Folk Byron Bay. This little cottage-style café draws in locals all week, sipping their beloved nut-milk lattes out front. The menu spans winter porridge with poached pear, shaved almonds and yoghurt, and there are often weekend specials such as a warming Jamaican coconut curry. Expect hearty, homegrown food and unmistakable Byron vibes.399 Ewingsdale Rd, NSW 2481; instagram.com/folkbyronbay
Frankies Gelato Naturale
Sunshine and ice cream is kind of a no-brainer, so we’d recommend stopping by Frankies when you’re looking to cool down in Byron Bay. This is the place to go for handmade, all-natural gelato churned on-site using local ingredients. Choose from seasonal flavours such as coffee and macadamia, peanut butter and jelly, and banoffee shortbread.8/8 Fletcher St, NSW 2481; frankiesgelato.com
Where to shop
Hakea Swim
1/81 Centennial Cct, NSW 2481; hakeaswim.com
Hakea Swim
Good swimwear is a staple in Byron Bay. Head to Hakea Swim for eco-conscious pieces that marry sustainable materials with contemporary design. The showroom is open by appointment only, but it’s well worth a visit for beach essentials including caps, tote bags and towels, along with beautiful swim and surf wear.1/81 Centennial Cct, NSW 2481; hakeaswim.com
Nagnata
G.02/139 Jonson St, NSW 2481; nagnata.com
139 Jonson St, NSW 2481; deijistudios.com
Nagnata
Nagnata is all about sustainable activewear made using organic materials. The Byron Bay shop features bold, innovative designs inspired by surrounding coastal landscapes.G.02/139 Jonson St, NSW 2481; nagnata.com
Deiji Studios
Deiji embodies the easygoing, contagious spirit of Byron – and its sun-drenched store in the Jonson Lane precinct is the best Byron shopping gets. Head to the studio for sustainably produced linen sleepwear, cotton dresses, knitwear and underwear.139 Jonson St, NSW 2481; deijistudios.com
McTavish Surfboards
91 Centennial Cct, NSW 2481; mctavish.com.au
McTavish Surfboards
Surfer or not, this is a must-visit spot for a taste of Byron’s iconic surf culture. McTavish Surfboards is a legendary name in the world of surfing. This brand’s heritage spans over five decades, and it has never stopped pushing the boundaries of design. It’s there for riders of all levels, so grab a coffee and sit outside – even if you aren’t planning on leaving with a board.91 Centennial Cct, NSW 2481; mctavish.com.au
What to do
The Banya
35-37 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby, NSW 2482; thebanya.com.au
The Banya
Feeling pretty relaxed already? Let’s take it up a notch at this banya bathhouse. Inspired by traditional Russian wellness rituals, The Banya offers steamy saunas, invigorating plunge pools and therapeutic treatments – all in soothingly pared-back spa spaces.35-37 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby, NSW 2482; thebanya.com.au
Coffee to go at The Salt Mill, Brunswick Heads
Locals tell us this charming little town is how Byron Bay felt a decade ago – all we know is that it’s a hub of great food and drink. Start at bustling Old Maids for great breakfasts and iced coffees in the sun. La Casita is the place for mezcal cocktails and Mexican cuisine, and hit Saint Maries if you’re in the mood for pizza paired with natural wine. Wander along the riverfront, try paddleboarding, and bathe on pristine beaches surrounded by lush greenery.
Brunswick Heads
Locals tell us this charming little town is how Byron Bay felt a decade ago – all we know is that it’s a hub of great food and drink. Start at bustling Old Maids for great breakfasts and iced coffees in the sun. La Casita is the place for mezcal cocktails and Mexican cuisine, and hit Saint Maries if you’re in the mood for pizza paired with natural wine. Wander along the riverfront, try paddleboarding, and bathe on pristine beaches surrounded by lush greenery.
Beach days
Coastal walk
You could spend all day walking in Byron Bay. Start your stroll on the pass to Cape Byron Lighthouse to skirt rugged cliffs and spy golden beaches while drinking in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the kind of walk that promises the chance to spot migrating whales and dolphins leaping from the water, watch surfers catch waves and even catch sight of a koala or two hanging out along the way. Another day, try a hike on Tallow Beach. This pristine 6km stretch of white sand is usually all yours. Refuel with an acai bowl or breakfast burger at The Top Shop after.
Shopping choices around the Byron Arts & Industrial Estate