Byron Bay Holidays

Some of the loveliest beaches in New South Wales are around Byron Bay, and quite a few are just a short walk – or gentle cycle – from the town centre. You should head to Main Beach when you feel like a swim or just a lazy day on soft, creamy sands. Its closest neighbour, palm-trimmed Belongil Beach, is famous for surf breaks, making it a great place for lessons – or you can just watch the experts in action. Or, for sheer coastal drama, pick Little Wategos. This pretty cove is tucked close to Cape Byron Lighthouse and overlooked by glamorous oceanfront homes. 

Apart from their very obvious appeal, Byron Bay’s beaches are also part of Cape Byron Marine Park, one of only four coastal reserves in Australia. So not only are they protected and pristine, they’re great for wildlife watching. You can spot wild wallabies among the coastal greenery, snorkel with sea turtles, and kayak in the company of bottlenose dolphins.

Byron Bay holidays may be famous for their beaches, but the glorious countryside also deserves a mention. The country has everything from green hills and rolling fields to rainforest. Most of it is very doable for days out – just remember to factor in plenty of time for distractions like sweet little villages, quaint farms and even a few World Heritage sites. 

The Tweed on the far New South Wales North Coast offers visitors every kind of attraction – from uncrowded beaches to world-renowned surf breaks and a beautiful river which winds its way right through town and empties out into the Pacific Ocean. It’s also developing a reputation as a delicious destination for foodies. Meanwhile, Bangalow is a favourite with Byron Bay locals for its authentic main street, antique shops and unusual cafés. To see local art in the making, visit the workshops at Newrybar. And, if you feel like a short walk or even an all-day hike, five of Australia’s World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests are all very accessible from Byron Bay.  

As Australia’s most easterly point, Cape Byron is the first place to be touched by the sun each morning. So make sure you get up early, at least once, and take the Cape Byron walking trail to see a sunrise over the historic lighthouse. If you want to switch dawn for dusk, try a guided evening walk through Nightcap National Park. Or compromise, and book a daytime tour with an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger in Arakwal National Park.  

Leave plenty of time to explore Byron Bay town. Even the cafés here are an experience. One claims to be the smallest in Australia, and most brew coffee with locally grown beans. For brews of a different sort, sample the craft beers made on site at charming Byron Bay Brewery. Or head out of town to Cape Byron Distillery up in the hills for a taste of intriguing gin, flavoured with ingredients from the surrounding rainforest. 

With temperatures rising as high as 25°C from September to November, plus low rainfall and warm seas, spring is an ideal season for a holiday in Byron Bay, however the destination enjoys balmy temperatures year-round, even during the Australian winter months.

Summer is hot and sunny with average temperatures of 28°C. But it does rain more in summer here than any other time of year – but this doesn’t seem to put people off. In fact, December to February is the busiest time to go. So if you want a quiet holiday in Byron Bay, avoid the summer months. 

Whale watching (from May – November) and Byron Bay Bluesfest which takes place every Easter weekend are just two reasons to think about a holiday in autumn and winter.