A day of bliss in Byron Bay

Byron Bay, an eight-hour drive north of Sydney, has long been a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike. But that doesn’t mean it hasn’t changed over the years. Byron Bay has evolved, etched with surfer and bohemian beginnings, to become a tourist town of celebrity proportions.

It has picturesque beauty, incredible dining and is the perfect blend of easygoing and adventurous.

Spend 24 hours here and you’re sure to fall in love with this laid-back escape.

Morning

6 am: Wake with the whales and embark on a sunrise kayaking trek with Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay. Refuel after your aquatic adventure at one of Byron’s local favourites, Folk Café, with its peaceful garden setting and organic menu.

8:30 am: Wander from Folk Café toward Cape Byron via Ewingsdale Road, one of Byron’s main strips. You’ll find charming restaurants and colourful boutiques, including Spell & The Gypsy Collective. This cult clothing brand sells a whimsical collection of dresses and swimwear perfect for Byron’s sunny weather. Along the way, grab a takeaway coffee from Bayleaf Café, which uses beans from Marvell Street Coffee Roasters.

10 am: Past Bayleaf Café you’ll find the start of the Cape Byron walking track, an easy 3.7-kilometre (2.3-mile) loop. Bring along your towel for a dip at Wategos Beach and then stroll through the shade of palm trees before reaching the lighthouse. This is the most easterly point of mainland Australia, and you’ll get a panoramic view of the horizon. While you’re here, grab a snack at Cape Byron Lighthouse Café or explore the Maritime Museum. 

Afternoon

12:30 pm: For lunch, drive about 20 minutes to The Farm on Ewingsdale Road, a café from the team behind ethical eatery Three Blue Ducks. Visitors can tour the grounds and gardens, dine at Three Blue Ducks, buy a plant at The Garden Shed and take a horse ride with Zephyr Horses. As you head back into town, stop at Stone and Wood Brewery for some refreshing craft beer to take with you.

3:30 pm: Enjoy the golden hours of late afternoon on the water with a surfing lesson or paddleboarding tour. Let's Go Surfing offers surf classes at several locations; one of the best is The Pass, a famous surf beach with an epic right-hand point break. Alternatively, join a tour with Lets Go SUP, who host paddleboard safaris along the tree-lined Brunswick River. 

Evening

5:30 pm: Dining in Byron Bay is fun and delicious, as the town has mastered a playful approach to food. Expect Mexican cantinas, coastal cafés and farm-to-plate eateries, just to name a few. For dinner, choose from Spanish tapas at St Elmo Dining Room, elegant Moroccan-style eats at The Mez Club or relaxed European fare at Barrio.