Welcome to Byron Bay
Cheer Up, Slow Down, Chillout
Byron Bay has long captured the hearts of travellers from around the globe and for many the love affair lasts a lifetime. From world-renowned beaches to lush hinterland surrounds, Byron offers something for just about everyone with an eclectic and laid-back mix of alternative, surfie and trendy culture.
Originally known as Cavenbah or ‘meeting place’ by the original Bundjalung people of the area, Byron continues to live up to its traditional heritage with people flocking from everywhere to shop, surf, scuba dive and, of course, walk the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse track. Located at Australia’s easterly most point, this walk offers a stunning vista of migrating whales as well as resident dolphins and leopard sharks.
Known to many as the Rainbow region, Byron Bay is home to a thriving local community of musicians and artists and hosts a variety of colourful markets and festivals. The beaches are also popular for romance, with the Byron Bay Surf club being a favourite wedding venue.
While many come for rest and relaxation, there is also a lively nightlife to be enjoyed as the streets come to life with local and international musicians and street performances. Combined with the many great restaurants, cafes, clubs and pubs, there’s always something to do on those long summer nights.
More than a holiday destination, Byron Bay offers a unique lifestyle that has many coming back for more. Visitors can find accommodation to suit every taste and budget any time of year and no matter how many visits, there’s always more to explore.
Beaches in Byron Bay
This beach starts at the western side of the Main Beach car park and heads west away from the Lighthouse. Another great wave in Byron Bay that was formed when ‘The Wollongbar’ was washed from the old Byron Bay jetty during the 1920s.
‘The Wollongbar’ was then used as the major transport for all the tourists coming from Sydney to visit The Bay. You can still see the ‘rudder’ and ‘the boilers’ sticking out of the sand. Here both Lefts and Rights break on sandbanks that are always there because of The Wreck.
From here, all the way along Belongil Beach gets its good share of waves. It is great for both the experienced surfer and the beginner. The waves vary from fast hollow dumping waves, to soft spilling waves, dependant on what the swell and sandbanks are doing. It will pick up most swells from the north to the south and likes a west to south west wind but also a south east is surfable. The sweep is here if the swell is here.
This beach runs from the end of The Pass back down to the carpark at the Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club. This is Byron Bay’s main patrolled beach. The waves here are often fast and hollow but can often get small spilling waves depending on how big the swell is. There are both Lefts and Rights here, as long as the sandbanks are in good shape.
There are often rocks along here that come and go with the sand flow. It likes the wind to be from the south east to south west, and will pick up most swells. The sweep often comes with the swell, so you have to look for an exit point before you get to the rocky car park, otherwise you will get back to the beach in front of The Wreck, past the rocks.
The most famous wave in the Bay, where you have all extremes in one wave, from the point, which is hollow and fast breaking all the way past the rocks, and you must be experienced. Once past the rocks, it will break towards Clarks Beach, where the waves are more spilling and more suited for beginners.
Watego’s Beach is the most easterly beach in the Bay. It is very popular with Long boarders and is a great family beach. The waves are mostly spilling and will break all the way to The Pass.
All swells will get there, except a strong south swell. There is often a sweep (side-shore current) along this beach that will carry you towards the rocks and ‘The Pass’. You must always watch for an exit point to avoid being carried past the end of the sand, otherwise you must keep surfing to ‘The Pass’.
Tallow Beach is the long open beach on the southern side of the lighthouse. It is an open beach that will pick up all swells. It should only be surfed by experienced surfers, unless it is very, very small. The waves are fast and hollow, but can sometimes be spilling waves. It likes all winds from the North East, North West to South West.
The waves will break, no matter how small the surf is … Lefts and Rights. The south swell should be avoided, as this will push you onto and around the rocks. There are always rips and currents along this beach.
Cape Byron Lighthouse

The Lighthouse… Meander through rainforest world class beaches to the lighthouse.
The light that shines by night over Cape Byron Marine Park emanates from a tower as famous as the town of Byron Bay itself. Built at the turn of the 19th century to protect ships passing along the coast, Cape Byron Lighthouse stands resolute on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Operated by resident keepers until 1989, its now automated light is clearly visible from the Byron Bay Township.
Take a guided tour of the lighthouse, learn more about this iconic white tower and find out about shipwrecks and stories from the sea in the Maritime Museum which is below the lighthouse and the artwork inside is ‘a must see’.
You’ll enjoy some of the best views of the ocean and hinterland including regular sightings of turtles, dolphins. It is the most easterly point of Australia, and one of the best places to see humpback whales as they pass on their annual migration between May and October.
Please note
The Maritime Museum is open 10am to 4pm daily. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to whale watch. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited. Parking fees apply.
State Conservation Area
- It’s a good idea to put sunscreen on before you set out and remember to take a hat and plenty of drinking water
- Keep on track, keep away from cliff
- Take your swimwear as you may like to have a swim on the way. You’ll need a good two hours to properly experience the walking track – but it’s so rich in delights, don’t be surprised if you reach the end and feel like doing it again.
Walking Track
Enjoy spectacular coastal views along the Cape Byron walking track that takes you on a hike through rainforest, beach, grassland and clifftops to the lighthouse.
Unwind and enjoy the view as you walk. The 3.7km loop leads you on a hike through rainforest and across clifftops with stunning views of the ocean and hinterland. En route you’ll wander through the shade of bangalow palms and ancient burrawangs, across kangaroo grasslands, along picturesque beaches and up to Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Accommodation
The four Clarke’s Beach Cottages have direct access to Byron Bay’s main beach and are surrounded by National Park. Staying here is just magnificient, you can wake to ocean views and the sound of crashing surf. Alternatively the two lighthouse cottages where the former keepers used to live have been fully refurbished, heritage listed cottages (circa 1901) makes this a truly unique holiday experience. Be the first to see the sunrise on Australia’s mainland and enjoy watching dolphins, turtles and whales. To enquire about NPWS holiday accommodation in the lighthouse keeper’s cottages or the beach cottages go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/bookings
Byron Bay Markets
One of the unique joys of the Northern Rivers is the consistent access to a diverse range of local markets. Each with its own distinctive charm, weekly farmer’s markets are the highlight of the week for fresh locally grown produce and an atmosphere like nowhere else.
Buy freshly picked produce that is full of nutrients gleaned from our rich volcanic soils and get back in step with what nature intended. Procure products ranging in variety from tasty fruit and veg to home cured meats, free range organic eggs, baked goods and nutrient packed raw foods.
Byron Farmers Market held every Thursday between 8 and 11am is the original farmers market of the region and a finalist in the delicious Produce Awards for Most Outstanding Farmer’s Market 2016. Visit the new Chef’s Tent featuring some of the best local chefs creating individual menus based on the delicious range of fresh produce.
Indigenous arts and crafts and other beautiful things made by local people using unusual natural materials are joined by unique jewellery stalls, funky one of a kind clothes and colourful imports from Africa and Asia. Pamper yourself with a massage to soothe away your aches and pains and choose from a wonderful range of natural skin and hair care products. When you need a break try some freshly squeezed sugar cane juice or perhaps a steaming cup of chai. Even the kids are catered for they can have their faces painted, get involved with some art and craft and delight in the original toys, games and fun fairy outfits.
A perfect day out and a perfect place to find that original gift you’ve been looking for.
Community Market – 1st Sunday of the month, 8am – 3pm
Animal rides, arts, crafts, bric a brac, food, music, produce
Phoner: 02 6685 6807
Flea Market – 2nd Saturday, 8am – 1pm
(Byron Youth Service Fundraiser) Gilmore Crescent, Byron Bay
Vintage clothing, vinyl, new and used, bric a brac, collectables, food and music.
Phone: 0490 026 840
Summer Artisan Market (October – March) – Saturday 5pm – 9pm
Arts, crafts, food, music
Phone: 02 6685 6807
Beachside Markets – Jan, Easter, and Sep-Oct Long Weekends- 3rd Sunday (Xmas and January only) 8am – 3pm
Animal rides, arts, crafts, bric a brac, food, music, produce
Phone: 02 6685 6807
Byron Bay Listings
Welcome Welcome to the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, the heart of the Northern Rivers region.
Farmers Markets are a global phenomena & are currently flourishing in cities as well as country
Byron Bay Side Motel Affordable motel hotel accommodation. Location in the centre of Byron Bay CBD.
Atlas Currency Exchange is an Australian Financial Services Licence holder (AFSL 342627) providing a
Loft Byron Bay Our Story The vision for Loft Byron Bay is to create a cocktail bar with amazing
Welcome to Planet Corroboree...a beautiful little ethical trader in the heart of Byron Bay,
If you’re looking for a Byron Bay holiday that’s light on commotion, but big on convenience and
In a prime position directly across from Byron Bay’s main Beach. Bay Royal Apartments offer a range
At Seahorses Riding Centre we offer a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of Byron Bay on
SkyBus Byron Bay - Gold Coast Airport Amazing value for all – and kids travel FREE on Family
An Australian Success Story Byron Bay Cookie Company started in 1990 in a small country farmhouse
“My entire life I have loved being creative and in every day I am filled with an abundance of ideas.
Beautiful Byron Bay has an indescribable energy that attracts visitors from Australia and around the
Beautiful clothing and interiors. Byron Bay and Bangalow Australia. Bell & Ford has two
Echonetdaily is your independent source of local news on the NSW north coast. Echonetdaily covers
Love Byron Bay, Love chocolate, Love Crepes Love Byron Bay crêperie and chocolate boutique offers
Byron Holiday Park is the ideal accommodation Byron Bay choice for a sun-filled holiday! Set on 28
Byron Massage Clinic is an Integrative Health Centre offering massage, acupuncture, osteopathy,
Join Out of The Blue Adventures and discover Cape Byron Marine Park & Our Iconic Coastline Out
At Black Dog Surf School Byron Bay your smile is our satisfaction..............that feeling of
Welcome to Outrigger Bay Resort. The perfect place to come for the ultimate relaxing holiday.
Arrive in style. Vintage Kombis, lovingly restored, ready to take you somewhere special. Forever
Welcome to foodie heaven. Byron Bay is famed for its local produce, caught fresh from the Pacific
Welcome to Byron Bay Beachfront Apartments The Beachfront Apartments face north onto Denning
Spotted an injured animal? Call WIRES they can help. Emergency Hotline 02 66 281 898 Please call
OmniBlend combines the best blender design features resulting in one of the world’s fastest and most
Byron Bay Sea Kayak tours with Cape Byron Kayaks - The original kayak with the dolphins tour in
Welcome to the Oasis Apartments and Treetop Houses. Byron Bay holiday accommodation for family and
The Golden Doughnut is located at Shop 3A / 1 Byron Street (a few doors down from Aldi) Hand
Contemporary Italian Cuisines Join us and experience one of our diverse spaces. Street side,
Lighthouse Cottages – Unique Heritage Accommodation Home to some of the best beaches in Australia,
Byron Bay Nail Bar Cafe is Byron’s first and only Pedi and Mani Express Bar. Offering a truly
Direct. Film. Edit. Colour. Creative content, cleverly conceived, carefully crafted. Woven Motion
Lone Goat Gallery is Byron Shire's premiere contemporary community art space, exhibiting the work of
Established in 1994, Hammer and Hand is a jewellery and metal collective based in the Salamanca Arts
Welcome To Club Byron Established in 1923 (Byron Bay Bowling & Recreational Club
TARGA Byron Bay "Targa", origin Italian: literally 'shield' given as a name to a model of Porsche
Discover the places and stories that make Byron Bay one of the most iconic beach towns in the
Spa Guidelines Osprey Spa is open from 10am to 6pm daily. Please reserve treatments in advance by
Getting to Byron Bay Getting to Byron Bay from either Gold Coast Coolangatta Airport or Ballina
The Byron Bay train service is open to all, warmly welcoming the local community and visitors to ride. The solar train was officially launched on 16 December 2017. Thank you to all of the people from near and far who have helped us to bring this project to life.
Celebrate Byron Bay's finest produce with no distractions The tranquility of Byron Bay’s eternal
The Byron Visitor Centre Inc. is an incorporated association, run by a voluntary management
Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments: right in the heart of Byron Bay, surrounded by cafes, restaurants
Hertz - Rental Cars - Byron Bay Byron Bay – Australia’s good vibes capital Perched on the most
Welcome to The Crest Byron Bay The Crest Byron Bay offers apartments and villas set in a tranquil
Craig Parry is a multi award winning oceanic and nature photographer of international acclaim, based
Byron Car Hire is the original car hire operation in Byron Bay. Est in 1975 back in the days of the
Wollongbar Motel Byron Bay Welcome to Byron Bay Wollongbar Motel Byron Bay Whether it's relaxing
Congratulations you have found your Byron Bay holiday apartments in Australia’s most easterly point
Like stepping into the lanes of old Shanghai. The sights, the sounds, the aromas, the tastes. A
Known for its laidback atmosphere and spectacular beaches, Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most
Byron Music - Australia's legendary musical instrument retailer, servicing local and traveling
Peppe Pizza Byron Bay We have the best Catering service in Byron Bay Enjoy a great selection of
Byron Bay Ballooning is a local family owned and operated business, formed with the intention of
History The Pack Saddle Leather Co was established in 1988 when repairs to saddlery harness and
Byron Bay Accommodation True luxury defies definition. It doesn’t shout it whispers. As discerning
The Byron Bay English Language School (BBELS) opened in 1998 with the aim of providing high quality
Dolphin Research Australia About Us Dolphin Research Australia Inc. is a charitable organisation
Elements of Byron Resort & Spa features 103 private beach villas dotted amidst 22 hectares of
Weddings A time to celebrate. A time for romance. Love is forever. Celebrate in style with our
At Elements of Byron stay in one of our freestanding luxury villas. Choose what type of
Save the Date for the annual Byron Writers Festival 2 — 4
Zephyr Horses Byron Bay Zephyr Horses is a unique coastal horse ranch in the picturesque town of
The Byron Baby Shop The Byron Baby Shop started trading back in 1993. We set up a basic warehouse
Julians Apartments Byron Bay offer luxury 4 star apartments opposite beautiful Clarks Beach, an
Jingi Walla! Welcome to Byron 4 Kids website – your guide to kids activities and things to do for
Retro Campers Byron Bay Welcome to Retro Campervans Looking for adventure in the beachside town of