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The Best Things to do in Byron Bay
Looking for a chic coastal escape that oozes charm? Here are all the best things to do in Byron Bay.
Once a place swarming with surfers and backpackers, now a tranquil oasis where locals and holidaymakers sit harmoniously side by side, Byron Bay is a dreamy destination that oozes laid-back charm. Byron Bay’s best days blend wellness, produce and coastline: a bathhouse reset at The Banya in Mullumbimby, hand-roasted pastries at Masa, and a horse ride through the hinterland with Zephyr Horses. Add whale watching out of nearby Ballina and an afternoon at Wategos Beach below Cape Byron, and you’ve got the makings of a proper Byron itinerary.
So, if you’re craving a weekend by the coast where you can switch off and unwind, this is the place to do it. This guide covers our pick of the best things to do in town, from relaxing and eating to exploring and shopping.
In This Guide:
- Best Ways to Relax and Unwind in Byron Bay
- Best Cafes and Brunch Spots in Byron Bay
- Best Restaurants in Byron Bay
- Best Bars in Byron Bay
- Best Places to Stay in Byron Bay
- Best Outdoor Activities and Experiences in Byron Bay
- Best Shopping in Byron Bay
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Things to do in Byron Bay
Best Ways to Relax and Unwind in Byron Bay
The Bower Hotel Spa, Byron Bay
Tucked away in the lush surrounds of one of Byron’s most iconic boutique stays, The Bower Hotel Spa is a true haven of barefoot luxury. Treatments here blend holistic wellness with botanical beauty, using locally made Mukti Organics skincare for a glow-up that’s as clean as it is indulgent.
Book in for their signature facial or a muscle-melting massage, then top it all off with a dip in their magnesium mineral pool — the ultimate Byron reset.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Best For: Self-care, Solo treat, Couples
The Banya
Described as an ‘immersive social, bathing and dining experience’ you’re going to want to dedicate an entire day to The Banya. Built on the sun-drenched bricks of a former bank, The Banya is a modern experiential twist on a traditional European bathhouse — a first of its kind in the heart of Mullumbimby.
Kick things off at The Bathhouse, which features a lap pool, two hot mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna, a steam room and a cold plunge. There are also several massage treatment rooms and a gorgeous rooftop sundeck for post-treatment relaxation. After the Bathhouse, guests are encouraged to stay for a long lunch or enjoy a few drinks. The on-site bar and dining are focused on casual refinement with small share plates and nutritious staples. Wine, cocktails and health elixirs round out the offering. We already feel zen!
Suburb: Mullumbimby
Price Guide: $$
Best For: Groups, Self-care, Special occasion
Best Cafes and Brunch Spots in Byron Bay
Masa Byron Bay
Tucked away in Byron’s Arts & Industrial Estate, you find Masa bakery. Helmed by acclaimed chef José Rojas, this cult-favourite spot blends classic French technique with bold, international flavours. Expect flaky, golden pastries like the gochujang, garlic and onion scroll, citrus cruffins laced with macadamia, or the decadent double chocolate croissant with charcoal.
Sourdough lovers will swoon over their signature loaves — each one a work of art. With a constantly rotating menu, no two visits are the same, but one thing’s certain: Masa is worth the early start and the queue.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Bakery
Best For: Breakfast, Brunch, Quick bite
Need To Know: Menu rotates regularly, no two visits are the same.
Folk
If you’re on the hunt for a cool, yet casual place to eat, head to Folk — a charming cafe set within a converted weatherboard cottage with an easy-breezy vibe.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Brunch, Outdoor dining, Weekend plans
Top Shop
Coffee before cocktails is essential, and it’s unlikely you’ll find a better cup in Byron than at Top Shop. As the name suggests, this locally loved cafe sits on the top of a hill and is best known in town for serving up excellent, Single Origin coffee, along with a tasty range of burgers and sandwiches.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Breakfast, Brunch, Locals
Need To Know: Gets busy, arrive early or be ready to sit outside.
Check out our complete guide to Byron Bay’s Best Cafes.
Best Restaurants in Byron Bay
Light Years
Is it even a trip to Byron without a meal at Light Years?! The menu is full of Asian-inspired classics and a selection of much-loved Light Years style of share plates perfect for group dining.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Asian fusion
Best For: Group dining, Cocktail lovers, Weekend plans
The Smoking Camel
From the team behind Byron favourites Light Years and Moonlight comes The Smoking Camel — a Middle Eastern eatery that’s bold, bright, and seriously flavour-packed. This high-energy spot reimagines Levantine cuisine with a modern, playful twist.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Best For: Group dining, Cocktail lovers, Late night
The Hut
For a taste of the Mediterranean, look no further than The Hut, where the menus are designed to share and the food is all about spotlighting the best local produce on offer.
Suburb: Possum Creek
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Best For: Group dining, Long lunch
Raes Dining Room
An exclusive boutique retreat with an idyllic beachfront setting. Aside from the gorgeous, stylishly designed rooms (of which there are seven), Rae’s renowned restaurant, with an open-window framed view of the nearby Wategos Beach, is one of Byron’s biggest draws. Serving contemporary Australian with a Mediterranean influence, every taste is catered for. Start with some locally caught oysters before delving into their delicious à la carte menu.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Best For: Special occasion, Date night, Waterfront
Check out our complete guide to Byron Bay’s Best Restaurants.
Best Bars in Byron Bay
Moonlight Hibachi Grill & Wine Bar
Tucked away in the heart of Byron Bay, Moonlight is an intimate, moody wine bar where Japanese-style charcoal grilling takes centre stage. This refined dining spot fuses traditional hibachi techniques with contemporary flavours, offering a seasonal menu built around local produce, sustainably sourced seafood, and premium cuts — all grilled over smokey binchotan coals.
With a curated selection of biodynamic and minimal-intervention wines to match, the experience feels both elevated and effortlessly Byron. Choose from bar seating, cosy indoor booths or go alfresco with outdoor tables under the stars — but be warned, bookings are essential.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Wine bar
Best For: Date night, Wine lovers
Need To Know: Bookings essential.
Bar Heather
As far as charming wine bars go, Bar Heather is without a doubt the cutest one in town. Pop in for a sip of one of their many divine independent wines, sourced from around the world and then stay for a bite of some of their equally as delish food. k.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Wine bar
Best For: Wine lovers, Date night, Locals
Pixie Food & Wine
What do you get when you marry the lax beachy vibes of Byron Bay with traditional Italian fare? Pixie Food & Wine! This vibrant venue brings a modern and coastal twist to classic Italian cuisine with head chef Matteo Tine (previously of Grossi Florentino) calling on his Sicilian roots and more recent experience in Melbourne to offer nostalgic flavours within refined dishes.
The menu showcases the best local seafood whilst the drinks list has been curated by drinks specialist Joe Jones (Romeo Lane), who has worked alongside Tine to create drinks that complement the flavours and ingredients in the dishes. The wine list has a mix of modern and new-world wines, as well as Italian classics.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Italian, wine bar
Best For: Wine lovers, Date night, Group dining
The Mez Club
Located along Byron’s main high street, The Mez Club is a must for cocktail hour. This beautifully designed venue has a rustic Mediterranean vibe, with white-washed walls, floor-to-ceiling doors and beautiful Moroccan-style furniture. The cocktails served here are fresh and vibrant and dangerously moreish. The Turkish Princess’ and ‘Classic Margarita’ come highly recommended.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Cocktail bar
Best For: Cocktail lovers, Date night, Weekend plans
Best Places to Stay in Byron Bay
Bask & Stow
Tucked away in a quiet back street, just 10 minutes from Byron’s buzzing dining and shopping strip, this bright and sunny guesthouse is all about style and simplicity. Laid-back and effortlessly chic, the casual beachy vibe wafts through Bask & Stow as cool as Byron’s fresh sea breeze.
Location: Bask & Stow, Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Best For: Couples, Weekend escape
Byron View Farm
Although first and foremost a wedding venue, Byron View Farm also holds a charming, self-contained cottage on its property — where the 360-degree uninterrupted views, from ocean to mountain, act as the main attraction.
This one-bedroom retreat is perfect for couples who are looking to experience all of the beauty that Byron’s hinterland has to offer. The large, wrap-around veranda is perfect for watching the sunset, and by night, you can even sit back and watch Byron’s iconic lighthouse spin round and round.
Location: Byron View Farm, Ewingsdale
Price Guide: $$
Best For: Couples, Special occasion
Elements of Byron
If you’re looking to stay somewhere a little more high-end, you will find this and more at Elements of Byron. As the only beachside resort in town, Elements is the very definition of indulgence. A paradise within a paradise, featuring 202 modern villas with all the trimmings and two resort-like pools.
Location: Elements of Byron, Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Best For: Luxury, Couples, Beach
Check out our complete guide to Byron Bay’s Best Accommodation.
Best Outdoor Activities and Experiences in Byron Bay
Zephyr Horses
For a unique way to experience Byron Bay’s hinterland, Zephyr Horses delivers boutique horse-riding adventures with a cool, country-meets-coastal edge. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and sub-tropical forest, their experiences cater to beginners and seasoned riders alike — with everything from scenic trail rides and sunset tours to mounted archery clinics and equine wellness sessions.
The vibe is equal parts rustic and refined, with a strong focus on horse welfare and small-group experiences. It’s also a hit with families, thanks to their ‘Mini Zephyrs’ pony club and hands-on horsemanship sessions.
Where: Zephyr Horses, Byron Bay
Cost: From $199 pp
Best For: Families, Couples, Unique experiences
Wategos Beach
It’s no secret that Byron is famed for its many spectacular beaches, dotted up and down the coast. There’s Main Beach right on the edge of town, The Pass, with one of the best surf breaks, and Tallow Beach’s long sandy stretches.
But for an option that’s just as beautiful, with easy access, Wategos Beach is where you should lay down your towel. Tucked in below the cliffs of Cape Byron, you can park right in front, and skip down the few steps to the sapphire waters below. When you’re done basking for the day, just pop up and grab a coffee, juice, or a cocktail from the nearby Raes.
Where: Wategos Beach, Byron Bay
Cost: Free
Best For: Couples, Locals, Nature lovers
Cape Byron Distillery
A trip to Cape Byron Distillery is a delight for all the senses. The cellar door is located in the heart of this family’s farm, just 15 minutes from the centre of Byron. Opt for the Brookie’s Rainforest & Gin Tasting Tour which takes you through the property’s rainforest, gin in hand, to learn about the botanicals used in Cape Byron’s beverages. They also offer guided tastings, whisky tours and cocktails on the balcony should you be short on time.
Where: Cape Byron Distillery, McLeods Shoot
Cost: Free entry
Best For: Couples, Unique experiences, Groups
The Farm Byron Bay
A quintessential Byron experience, The Farm is more than just a place to eat – it’s a working property, an educational hub, and a wholesome day out for all ages. Set on 80 lush acres, this community-focused destination brings together a collection of micro-businesses, all operating with the same motto — to grow, feed, and educate its guests. Here you’ll find sustainable farming, artisan producers, and paddock-to-plate dining under one scenic roof.
Wander the grounds, meet the resident animals, feed the pigs, and let the kids run wild. Then settle in at Three Blue Ducks, a much-loved restaurant and produce store where the menu champions produce straight from the farm. From boutique florals at Poppy & Fern to organic seedlings and fresh-baked goods from The Bread Social, The Farm is a true taste of the Byron lifestyle.
Where: The Farm, Byron Bay
Cost: Free entry
Best For: Families, Kids, Cultural
Whale Watching Tour
Byron Bay is one of the best places to enjoy the annual humpback migration from May to October. Out of the Blue offer one of the best tours in town with an onboard marine biologist sharing their knowledge throughout. A specialised underwater hydrophone allows you to listen to live whale song whilst you enjoy the incredible coastal scenery and keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales. Best of all, they offer a 100% whale sighting guarantee otherwise you’re welcomed back for a free second trip.
Where: Out of the Blue, Ballina
Cost: From $129 per adult
Best For: Families, Unique experiences, Nature lovers
Need To Know: 100% whale sighting guarantee, or a free second trip.
Best Shopping in Byron Bay
Spell
Love yourself a bold print or a pop of colour? Female-owned label Spell‘s fabulously feminine designs are a staple along Byron’s shores.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Best For: Fashion, Shopping
Marr-Kett
Byron Bay is bursting at the seams with gorgeous homeware stores, so much so, it’s almost impossible to leave without an item (or five) to take home with you. One of our favourites? Marr-Kett, a treasure-filled space located along one of Byron’s main stretches.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Best For: Shopping, Interiors, Homewares
Need To Know: Rugs can be shipped if they won’t fit in your luggage.
St. Agni
Peruse the chic flagship store of cult Byron Bay brand, St. Agni and get your cool-girl, minimalist wardrobe sorted.
Suburb: Byron Bay
Price Guide: $$
Best For: Fashion, Shopping
Check out our complete guide to Byron Bay’s Best Shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Things to do in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is best known for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, with spectacular beaches like Wategos Beach and Main Beach drawing surfers and swimmers year-round. The town has built a reputation for wellness, from spa treatments at The Bower Hotel Spa to bathhouse rituals at The Banya, alongside a strong farm-to-plate dining scene at spots like The Farm. Boutique shopping around Jonson Street and the surrounding hinterland’s natural beauty round out the appeal. It’s a destination that suits everyone from surfers and backpackers to couples seeking a slower-paced weekend away.
Byron Bay is one of the best spots in Australia to witness the annual humpback whale migration, which runs from May to October each year. Out of the Blue runs whale watching tours from nearby Ballina during this window, with an onboard marine biologist and a specialised hydrophone that lets guests listen to live whale song while scanning for breaching whales offshore. Tours operate with a 100% sighting guarantee, offering a free second trip if no whales are spotted on the day. Booking ahead is recommended during peak migration months.
Yes, Byron Bay is well suited to a wellness-focused weekend away. The Bower Hotel Spa offers holistic treatments using locally made Mukti Organics skincare, finished off with a dip in its magnesium mineral pool. For something more immersive, The Banya in nearby Mullumbimby is a modern European-style bathhouse with hot mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna, steam room and cold plunge, designed to be paired with a long lunch or drinks afterwards. Between the two, visitors can build a full day around rest and recovery without leaving the region.
Wategos Beach is one of Byron Bay’s most scenic and accessible beaches, tucked below the cliffs of Cape Byron with parking available right in front. It’s a popular spot for swimming and simply taking in the coastal scenery, with easy access down a short set of steps to the water. Once you’re done for the day, nearby Raes is on hand for a coffee, juice or cocktail. It’s a good alternative to the busier Main Beach for anyone after a quieter stretch of sand.
For a memorable meal, Rae’s Dining Room is one of Byron’s standout picks, with an open-window view over Wategos Beach and a contemporary Australian menu with Mediterranean influences. Frida’s Field offers a different kind of occasion dining, hosting long lunches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday built around seasonal, share-style menus sourced from the Northern Rivers region, with the full experience running around three hours. For something more casual but still special, Light Years is a Byron institution for share plates and group dining. Bookings are recommended across all three, particularly on weekends.
Loving reading about all the great things to do in Byron Bay? In desperate need of a holiday? Keep planning by checking out our edit of the best things to do in Noosa and the best places to visit in Australia this year.
