Byron Bay Weekend Guide
The Ultimate Weekender…
This slice of paradise lays right at the top of New South Wales and is more than accessible to the Gold Coast for those looking at the perfect weekend getaway. Endless sunshine, pristine beaches, plant based menus, the list goes on. Byron really ticks all the boxes for a happy and healthy lifestyle. If there’s somewhere more aesthetically pleasing that also nails all the flavours your tastebuds are craving, please let me know.
Best Beaches In Byron?
You would be hard pushed to find a better selection of beaches than the Northern New South Wales coast line, so when someone mentions Byron being up amongst their favourites it comes at no surprise. The sand here looks untouched with waves rolling in all day long making for a surfers delight. Consistency is key here with each set looking better than the last with just enough time between to admire the location.
If you're lucky enough while surfing around Wategoes beach, chances are a pod of dolphins will join in on the action and leave you with one of the most memorable moments in the water that you could possibly imagine. With parking spots few and far between, many choose to strap the surfboard on the side of their scooter and eliminate the need for a car park.
There is no shortage of quality walking trails that wrap around the waters edge meaning scoping out where to spend the day in the sun can be done while getting those 10,000 steps in.
Where To Eat In Byron?
Byron is definitely ahead of the game when it comes to the quality of the menus around the town. With so many plant based options along with creative flare and unique takes on crowd favourites, it leaves Sydney & Brisbane for dead when on the hunt for that Sunday brunch. Coffee is locally produced much like most of the ingredients inside that smoothie bowl you’re eying off on the list. The cafes here put a huge emphasis on ensuring every ingredient is organic with as little processing as possible. I wouldn’t even be surprised to see it hand picked from out the back and placed almost directly onto your plate.
My personal favourite being Bayleaf cafe nestled right in the heart of Byron Bay itself. This cafe has something special with it’s ever changing seasonal menu. Scoring an outside table in the morning sun is something to cherish well before the food arrives. If you’re after a more laid back vibe, The General Store on the way into town hits all the right places while attracting a younger travelling crowd.
When the sun starts to drop, it would be rude not to take a seat inside Miss Margarita and order the delicious sharing platter accompanied by one of the many creative margaritas. This Mexican restaurant fills up quickly so I would definitely recommend getting in early.
Things To Do In Byron Bay?
If you’re looking to relax and let the wind take you to your next destination then Hot air ballooning is definitely the activity for you! Starting out around Mullumbimby, Balloon Aloft takes off daily from the perfect location. As you rise with the sun, the golden glow back on the mountains sure is a beautiful sight. With nothing but a flame keeping us afloat, there is no better way to see the surrounds than from up here. Once you’re back down on land it’s time to fill up with a complimentary breakfast at the award winning Three Blue Ducks.
Rather get the heart racing? Skydiving over the coastline sure is the best way to do that. Seeing the epic coastline as you speed through the air with an unforgettable free fall, you will completely forget why you just jumped out of a perfectly good plane.
Looking to slow things down? Whale watching runs from July - November with 99% chance of seeing them. (better yet, head up to the lighthouse and watch them for free!) These beautiful animals migrate North early in the season. reaching Northern Queensland before returning back through with there new calves that makes for a truly spectacular encounter if you’re lucky enough to spot these giants.
Best Accomodation In Byron Bay?
When it comes to resting your head at night there is no shortage of places to call home. With the two most sought after hotels being Raes on Wategoes or Elements of Byron. Both show why they’re so highly rated from the minute you arrive.
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, there are honestly hundreds of jaw dropping Airbnbs that you could spend weeks lounging round by the pool and still not get sick of. The detail and bohemien themes make you feel at peace from the moment you open your eyes.
Visiting The Byron Hinterland
While the beaches are to die for, many people simply forget where the true beauty lies in Byron with it’s phenomenal hinterland. In just over 30 minutes you can be completely immersed in a completely different part of the world. With fresh air aplenty and not a soul in sight, getting off the grid has never looked so good.
Bangalow is just a 20 minute drive from the heart of Byron and shows off it’s old time charm with a couple of great little spots to call in on your way out to the hinterland.
Flying To Ballina & Byron Bay
Jetstar fly direct from many capital cities making it all to easy getting here in under a few hours for a fraction of the price.
If you’re looking at driving in I would suggest staying on the outskirts of Byron in Suffolk Park or Lennox Head as the controversial street parking in the township of Byron itself is extremely expensive in my opinion (and lots of others).
With so many travellers stopping in to Byron with their camper vans, you will quite often find beachside car parks bumper to bumper with vans. A little bit of research can go along way here.
“With a passion for all things travel & adventure, Michael is a luxury experience content creator on the hunt for the most unique locations around the world. He has spent the past 5 years island hopping with a few city stopovers in between to get that urban fix and a quality coffee. Having already visited over 50 countries he is now a freelance photographer & writer based out of Perth on Australia’s picturesque West Coast working with clients globally.”
