Byron Bay is perhaps Australia's coolest holiday destination and it's perfect for those wanting to get back to their roots and escape the hustle and bustle of places like the Gold Coast. This travel guide will help you plan your Byron Bay trip and ensure you have the best time ever.
Top 3 must-dos
Hit the beach
Most people know Byron Bay as a surfer’s paradise (not to be confused with Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast) so visiting the beach and catching some waves should be high on your list. Try Byron Beach, The Pass or Wategoes Beach for some sand, surf, sun and fun.
Try some vegan eats and shop consciously
Byron is all about sustainability and it’s something they do really well. It’s also a dietary requirement paradise so whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or anything in between, there’ll be something yummy for you to try. I recommend No Bones for some epic vegan eats and excellent service. Make your way around the town centre to shop some of your favourite and local brands.
Go waterfall chasing
Grab yourself a car for the day because we’re going waterfall chasing. Drive about 45 minutes out to Mount Jerusalem National Park and find Unicorn Falls for a secluded rainforest experience. On your way home stop into the quaint rainforest town of Mullumbimby for a bakery stop or snack.
Where to stay?
On a budget
Try the Cape Byron YHA for clean and comfortable accommodation on a budget, right in the centre of town. You’ll be sure to make some new friends during your stay.
Mid-range
Got a bit of extra cash to spare or travelling with friends? Take your pick at one of the many Airbnb on offer. I stayed in a lovely place called the Patch in Burringbar, but there are plenty of options around the Byron shire.
Treat yourself
Treat yourself and stay at Victoria’s on Wategoes, one of Byron’s most posh 5-star addresses. You might even bump into Chris Hemsworth during your stay as he is rumoured to live nearby.
How to get there
Fly
There are multiple route options to travel to Byron Bay. You can fly direct to Ballina/Byron from Sydney or Melbourne and the journey is about an hour long. However, this route isn’t readily available from most other major hubs so I would recommend flying directly to the Gold Coast and getting an hour transfer down to Byron Bay for about $30 per person. Flying to the Gold Coast is about an hour to an hour and a half from most major cities.
Drive
If you prefer to drive, expect to drive 8 hours from Sydney or 3 hours from Brisbane via the M1/A1 Pacific Highway.