5 essential Byron Bay activities

You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy waking up to the sound of waves in Byron Bay. Reflections Holiday Park offers seaside stays that suit every style. Just a 10-minute walk from town, it’s easy to balance tranquillity with convenience. Pitch a tent, park your caravan, or relax in one of their cabins or premium villas – fully equipped with a galley kitchen, two bedrooms and local artwork. The villas blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, echoing the park’s commitment to sustainability. If you’re craving a touch of retro charm, check out the park’s vintage Jayco Airstream.

Prefer something more luxurious? Elements of Byron is a beachfront haven tucked between Belongil Beach and native rainforest. This award-winning resort offers spa treatments, guided wellness activities and all the creature comforts you’d expect from a world-class retreat.

In Byron Bay, catching the sunrise is a rite of passage. As the easternmost point of mainland Australia, it’s one of the first places in the country to see the sun each day. The iconic spot to greet the dawn is Cape Byron (Walgun) Lighthouse, where sweeping 360-degree views provide the perfect backdrop for those early-morning moments. If you’d rather dodge the crowds, head to Wategos Beach. Grab a thermos of tea or coffee and enjoy the serenity as the sun slowly lights up the sky.

Before it became a wellness hotspot, Byron Bay was a surf town through and through – and that surf culture is still alive and thriving. Surfers from across the globe flock here for its world-class waves. New to surfing? Start at beginner-friendly spots like Little Wategos or The Pass, where local surf schools will have you up on a board in no time. Once you catch your first wave, you’ll understand why surfers say the sport is addictive. For more experienced riders, Main Beach, Clarkes Beach and Belongil Beach offer some of the best breaks around.

Prefer diving beneath the waves to riding them? Byron Bay’s snorkelling scene is equally spectacular. Local operators like Out of the Blue Adventures can take you to Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli), a marine wonderland teeming with life. Swim alongside dolphins, manta rays, leopard sharks, grey nurse sharks and even turtles. If you’re lucky, between May and November, you might even spot a migrating whale – an unforgettable underwater experience.

Byron’s community spirit is alive and well at its local markets, where artisans, farmers, and musicians gather to share their talents and goods. Start your day at the Byron Farmers Market (Thursday mornings) to stock up on goodies and head back to your accommodation to enjoy a homemade feast by the water.

During summer, the Byron Twilight Market on Saturday evenings is the place to be, with live music, food stalls and unique local crafts. For a larger-scale market experience, head to the town centre on the first Sunday of every month where the Byron Community Market features over 300 stalls offering everything from food to handmade crafts, jewellery, clothes and artwork.

Byron’s food scene is as vibrant as its natural surroundings with plenty of places offering delicious and nourishing eats. You’ll find plenty of plant-based options at spots like No Bones Vegan Kitchen and Bar, Vagabond Byron Bay and Yulli’s. For a culinary experience that celebrates native Australian ingredients, head to Karkalla, where Mindy Woods will connect you with Country with a range of unique offerings . Or join Explore Byron Bay for a guided walk that blends bush tucker tastings with rich storytelling, offering a deeper insight into Bundjalung Country, its people, and their enduring cultural practices.

If you’re looking for beachfront dining, book a table at Rae’s on Wategos or Beach Byron Bay and soak in the ocean views as you devour delicious locally-focused meals. Vibing something more casual? Main Street Burger Bar serves up some of the best burgers in town, catering to vegans, pescatarians and gluten-free diners alike.