The World Unlocked

For surfing:

     For beginners, Clarke's Beach is a favourite. You'll appreciate Clarkes Beach's gentle surf which also makes it ideal for paddle boarders. During winter, you'll want to head elsewhere as strong winds can make Clarke's dangerous.

     Experienced surfers love the challenges and variety found in the surf at Broken Head Beach. If you visit on weekdays, you'll pretty much have Broken Head's sought-after surf breaks and swells to yourself.

     For those looking for something in the middle, The Wreck at Belongil Beach ticks every box. The sandbank clustered over a 1922 shipwreck makes The Wreck a unique and memorable place to surf, with awesome waves breaking left and right.

Wategos Beach

     For serenity that's easier to access, head to Wategos Beach or if the tide's right, its tiny next-door cove, Little Wategos. Located by Cape Byron Lighthouse, you'll uncover a sublime small beach with space to picnic or barbecue. The curved shoreline creates sheltered sands with calm waters. You may even spot a bottlenose dolphin or two surfing the waves.

     Little Wategos is found at the bottom of cliffside steps and Cape Byron Lighthouse is situated at the end of the beach. Wategos' premier location means you'll need to pay a few dollars per hour to park in what is a small car park. You may have to endure a short wait for the space but it's worth it.

Torakina Beach's

     For the most picturesque location, Torakina Beach's position in the mouth of Brunswick River delivers cracking, lush green vistas in every direction. Next door, Torakina Park has all the facilities you need for picnics and toilet breaks whilst pretty calm waters mean Torakina is also a hit with families.

Main Beach

     Positioned opposite the centre of town, Main Beach is a popular place to chill, with lots to do around the shore and great surf. Its sands are bordered by a park with good facilities for picnics as well as restaurants and attractions. With so much to do in and around the area, Main Beach is always busy with people playing and catching up.

Cape Byron: Attractions on the water in Byron Bay

     The tall white tower of Cape Byron Lighthouse is Byron Bay's iconic landmark. Positioned on Australia's most easterly point, Cape Byron Lighthouse is a magical place to watch the sun rise or spot humpback whales and dolphins at play.

     It's no surprise this headland was a sacred place for the Bundjalung people. Built in the 19th century, you'll can see far out to sea and across the hinterland from here. There are also a collection of things to see inside the lighthouse.

kayaking tour

     If you want to get closer to the dolphins, join a kayaking tour which will take you around the Cape to see dolphins, turtles and possibly even whales from lower down. You'll also learn more about the history of the area and get to look at the lighthouse from another angle.

The Hinterland: Natural attractions in Byron Bay

     Uncover a different side of Byron Bay by traveling into the hinterland. The fertile area known as the hinterland is marked by sacred Wollumbin, the historic volcano whose eruption 20 million years ago created this beautiful region.

     The volcano (also known as Mt. Warning) is sacred and the highest point in Byron Bay. You can't climb it but you can get closer to view it from Border Ranges National Park. Border Ranges National Park is a World Heritage sub-tropical rainforest which sits below Wollumbin. As you journey through one of the park' trails on foot, bike or by car, you'll discover the fascinating plants, flowers and animals which inhabit this unspoilt ancient rainforest.

Nightcap National Park

     Nightcap National Park is another part of the same enormous ancient rainforest called the Gondwana Rainforest. Here you'll find striking waterfalls, pools and crystal-clear creeks hidden amongst the plants and animals.

     Minyon Falls is Nightcap National Park's most famous waterfall. It has a spectacular 100m drop, finishing in a refreshingly cool pool, where you'll enjoy taking a dip. The lookout point at the top of Minyon Falls has the best all-encompassing view in Byron Bay.

      In the inhabited areas of the hinterland, take a craft brewery tour, a wine tour or a food tour to sample some of the delicious fresh food grown in the local area. Enroute, stop at one of the many charming villages, pubs or galleries and meet some of the friendly locals. You'll also find glorious yoga retreats and spas in the hills.

Family Fun:

     Byron is famous for its impressive quality and range of fresh local produce. Its producers are passionate about what they do and many local farms have restaurants and farm shops where you can sample tasty, fresh goods - some also do tours.

     The Farm in Ewingsdale ensures it has plenty to offer families and you can easily spend many hours here. The community farm has a large children's playground alongside its shop, brewery, bakery and restaurant. You can explore the entire site as a family and see a working eco farm in action. During the holidays there all sorts of interactive workshops about eco farms and sustainability.

Crystal Castle's

     Children love the shimmering glints in any crystals so you can bet, they'll be amazed at the giant crystals which are part of the collection at Crystal Castle.

     Crystal Castle's huge collection of natural crystals come from all over the globe. The 5.5m high Enchanted Cave is the world's largest amethyst cave that's guaranteed to impress kids with its zillions of crystals. Other highlights include the subtropical Shambhala Gardens bursting with beautiful botanicals, stone sculptures, a children's playground and two of the tallest crystals on earth.

Best places to stay in Byron Bay, Australia

     It's no surprise the luxury villas to rent in Byron Bay are legendary. From beautiful villas with private pools to vacation rentals with picture-perfect views out to sea and hideaway holiday rentals in the hinterland, you'll find a superb choice of stunning luxury to suit families and groups of every size as well as couples.