10 Great Activities in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is well-renowned for its gorgeous beaches but there are plenty of other good reasons beyond the shoreline to explain why it’s one of Australia’s most loved destinations. The Byron Shire has an array of activities on offer for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, yoga devotees, culture cravers and more. Here are some of Coastbeat’s favourites.

Get your hands dirty at The Farm

Spend anywhere from an hour to a whole day at The Farm, an amazingly productive acreage on the outskirts of Byron Bay. Visitors are invited to stroll around and watch free-range pigs rolling happily in the mud, or to grab a picnic hamper from the award-winning on-site restaurant and find a spot under the shade of the macadamia trees. If you want to learn more about the ethics and practicalities behind the farm’s operation, guided tours are available. Alternatively, you can pull up a chair at the café, watch the kids play on the fantastic play park and enjoy a coffee, or (depending on what time it is) a vino!

Find out about how it all came to be by reading Coastbeat’s in-depth article on The Farm from our 2018 Autumn magazine.

There’s always plenty happening at The Farm in Ewingsdale. Image by Kate Holmes 

Enjoy the Cape Byron walking track

Located at Australia’s most easterly point, the Cape Byron lighthouse is top of the list when it comes to things to do in Byron Bay. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you head up the Cape Byron walking track, past beautiful beaches and through pockets of rainforest until you come to the lighthouse, which offers unrivaled views.

Explore the area

Byron Bay is the perfect base for exploring the lesser-known gems that surround it. For a hinterland adventure, head off to Bangalow, Federal, or further afield to Nimbin. If you want to stick to the beach, don’t miss Brunswick Heads, a quieter yet no less trendy version of Byron. Alternatively, head south to Lennox Head where you’ll find a gorgeously laid-back beach town with fantastic food, lush boutiques and great markets.

Take to the skies in a Hot Air Balloon

If Byron’s beaches, food, and boutiques aren’t enough to get your juices flowing, book a hot air balloon ride with Byron Bay Ballooning.

Run by an Australian ballooning champion no less, this one-hour long adventure allows you to experience the ‘green cauldron’ that surrounds Byron, with great views of Mt Warning to the north and the vast coastline to the south.

Brush up on your surfing skills

Well-known for its friendly waves, Byron is one of the best places to learn how to surf. There are plenty of surfing tours that cater to beginners, from two-hour lessons to weekend intensives. The perfect way to immerse yourself in the region’s clean, clear waters.

Ride along the beach

Byron Bay offers a smorgasbord of horse-riding experiences, including beach and trail rides that allow you to explore the coastline in a unique and adventurous way. We recommend  Zephyr Horses – you can read more about them here – https://coastbeat.com.au/riding-high/

Led by equestrian centres and tour groups, most experiences cater for all ages and skill levels – taking you through rainforests and along deserted beaches. Many centres allow you to book a photography package to make your horseback experience all the more memorable.

Ride along with beach with Zephyr Horses. Image by ScottJPhoto

Step into a cinema with style

No trip to Byron Bay is complete without visiting the Pighouse Flicks – an independent family-run cinema that happens to include the latest technology and custom-made lounge-style seating. Fantastic for kids, The Pighouse is a fun and different cinema experience that everyone will love.

Learn new skills at Circus Arts Byron Bay 

Located in the buzzing industrial area, Circus Arts offers fantastic workshops and school holiday programs to suit all ages and skill levels. Activities range from circus skills, flying trapeze, balloon twisting workshops, indoor rock climbing and kids play space for the little ones.

Run away to the circus! Image courtesy of Circus Arts

Pamper yourself

As the capital of all things wellness, Byron Bay offers more spa choices than almost anywhere in Australia. We love Kiva Spa in Mullumbimby for its affordability and relaxed, unpretentious vibe. For something more up-market, the Byron at Byron has a beautiful spa menu as does Osprey Spa at Elements of Byron.

Perfect your downward dog

Yogis are spoiled for choice in Byron Bay, with every possible variety of the ancient art on offer across the region. Some of our picks are Byron Yoga Centre or Space Foundation Yoga – both of which have plenty of classes. Creature Yoga also holds daily classes and Bikram Yoga is perfect for those who like a solid workout.

For more information of things to do in Byron Bay visit www.visitbyronbay.com