Byron Bay Travel Guide: Our Top Recommendations
Our family's favourite things to do/eat/shop/stay in the Byron Shire
We’ve lived in this beautiful corner of the world for more than eight years now. We moved here from London following an 18-month travel adventure, which included a 6-week stint in Bangalow in the hinterland of Byron Bay. We fell in love with this place immediately (like day two of being here) and became determined to live here permanently. We completed our travels over the following six months, applied for visas (a long and tedious process), and moved here in November 2016.
We love living here for many reasons, but one of the things we really appreciate is the rich variety of experiences Byron Bay and its surrounding villages offer. While Byron is the region’s tourist hub—full of great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back energy—there are so many charming sister towns scattered throughout the hinterland and along the coast, each with its own unique character. These villages are home to independent cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as lively community halls that host events, performances, and pop-up dining experiences. Many have weekly farmers' markets and some also hold monthly craft markets. There’s always something happening, all within a 20-minute drive of Byron.
The last time I wrote a travel guide on Byron Bay was back in October of 2018 (I shared it on our family travel blog here). Byron has changed a lot since then and we’ve made new discoveries too. So here’s an updated guide with our top recommendations—our favourite things to do, places to eat, and shops to visit throughout the Byron Shire. If you have something to add to this list, please leave me a comment below. And if you’re planning a trip to Byron, please feel free to reach out!
EAT:
High Life Cafe: This hipster hangout deserves all the credit it receives for serving delicious, organic food and drinks. Their Mush Luv hot chocolate is Byron-famous and their daily specials always impress.
Folk: On their website, they say ‘We are house made and home grown. A lush atmosphere & swinging’ tunes’, and this pretty much sums it up. We love this little cafe, and the food is always so good. Get the burrito - it doesn’t disappoint!
Happy Days: This espresso and sandwich bar in the Byron industrial estate offers the most delicious freshly-made sandwiches and happy vibes.
Frankies Gelato: There are several places to grab an ice cream in Byron, but Frankies gets our vote, hands down. It’s hard to pick a favourite flavour - but mine might be the Golden Milk for a spicy, turmeric-y, vegan-that-doesn’t-taste-vegan option!
Baker + Daughters: I’ve been known to drive to Mullumbimby for the sole purpose of getting a sandwich from this small-but-sweet bakery/cafe. The food is delicious — definitely one of the best take-away sandwiches you can get in the shire.
Ciao Mate!: We’re lucky to have this little pizza joint on our doorstep in Bangalow, serving wood fired pizza and simple-but-delicious pastas.
You Beauty: With the same owners as Ciao Mate, this trendy little corner bar is small and cosy with great ambience and good food (and cocktails).
Sunday Sustainable Bakery: We often pick up sandwiches and bread from here before spending the day at the beach. Their blueberry spelt scones are a favourite in our family, as are the peanut butter cookies. They also make the best French-style baguette in Byron.
The Bay Grocer offers the most enjoyable grocery shopping experience in Byron. Friendly staff. Good food. And a covered outdoor eating area too.
Pop-up pizza nights: We love Il Carretto’s travelling wood fired pizza pop-ups in Newrybar on a Wednesday night, Clunes (at the Clunes General Store) on a Thursday night and in Bexhill on a Friday.
The Top Shop: A Byron Bay institution, and rightfully so! The coffee and food is delicious, and its location makes it the perfect place to stop before or after a surf — no shoes required.
The Top Shop’s relaxed seating includes a grassy lawn where you can throw down a picnic rug The Bayleaf Cafe in Byron: One of our favourite cafes in central Byron, just off Johnson Street. Every meal we’ve ever eaten from here has been delicious.
The Roadhouse in Byron: There’s been a few change of owners over the last 8 years since we’ve lived here, but it’s always remained a spot for great food, good vibes and a pretty outdoor patio dining space.
Woods Café in Bangalow: Just a 2-minute walk from our house, this is definitely one of our favourite local cafes. The staff is super friendly and the plant-based food is divine. There’s also a pretty courtyard where kids can run around while you wait for your food or enjoy a second coffee.
Kouzína: This charming little Greek restaurant in the Byron industrial estate does a good job of making you feel like you’ve spent the evening in a little village in Greece. You’ll find homestyle authentic food, music and if you’re lucky, even a friendly communal dance!
Yami in Brunswick Heads: A great spot to get felafel pockets following a swim in the river. Grab a lemon and mint reviver to go with it!
The Farm: Located just outside of Byron Bay, this working farm/restaurant/café/shop/play-space is a wonderful, family friendly spot to hang out, meet friends, and enjoy a delicious meal. The Three Blue Ducks restaurant serves ethically farmed and sustainably grown food, often straight off the farm itself. We like to stop here to pick up bread from The Bread Social, and their veggie sandwiches are great too. Oh, and the donuts!
Light Years: Located in the new-ish Johnson Lane precinct in Byron, this modern-Asian restaurant is a go-to for deliciously spicy share plates and a hip and happening vibe.
Doma Café in Federal: This Japanese-Australian restaurant is one of our favourites for their delicious food and pretty outside dining area. Definitely worth the drive to Federal just for the restaurant!
The Belle General in East Ballina (Shelly Beach) : We discovered this café/restaurant when we camped in Lennox Head before arriving to Byron Bay years ago, and it’s still one of our favourites, even if it means driving 20 minutes to get there. Really delicious food and coffee. (In the summer, we like to stop here for lunch before or after a swim at Lake Ainsworth.)
Bangalow Farmers Market: This is our local market, taking place every Saturday morning from 7-11am in the new location of Piccabeen Park (near the weir). We try to go every week to stock up on fresh produce, jars of sauerkraut, fresh bread, jars of pecan spread (I’m obsessed!), flowers and more. The teenagers love the matcha boba teas!
Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday morning: All of the local farmers markets are great, but this one is probably the best for the quantity of stalls and overall vibe. It can get really crowded though, so best to get there early.
DO:
Surf at The Pass: The Pass is the perfect place for surfers of all abilities. The point break and gentle waves are ideal for learners, and the loooong wave attracts even the most crowd-averse surfers. It’s also a gorgeous place to watch the sunset. Be warned that parking can be a nightmare, so bring extra patience and good parking juju.
Beach day at Wategos: Wategos Beach is just another of Byron’s gorgeous beaches – with good surf, lots of sand, and public BBQs for evening dinners with friends.
Walk up to the lighthouse for stunning views up and down the coast from the most easterly point in Australia. (I like to park at Clarkes beach and do the full circuit up and back down.)
Cape Byron coastal headland and lighthouse Snorkel and swim with sea turtles at Julian Rocks: We did this during our travels (before we moved here) and the kids still talk about it. They saw sea turtles, leopard sharks, and all sorts of fish and other sea life. We booked a snorkel tour with the Byron Bay Dive Centre.
The Crystal Castle: botanical gardens filled with extraordinary crystals, sub-tropical plant life and mystical statues. It’s hard to define the appeal of this place – something to see and experience for yourself.
Killen Falls: There are several creeks and waterfalls in the gorgeous hinterland surrounding Byron Bay. We have loved swimming at the base of Killen Falls (though the large, jagged rocks make it slightly tricky to get into the water). We’ve even seen some baby turtles swimming next to us!
Minyon Falls is another beautiful spot with impressive views. The parking is easy here and the walk to the lookout is short and quick. From there, you can go on several bushwalks depending on your preferences.
Tea Tree lakes: There are a few different tea tree lakes scattered around the Byron Bay region. The lakes are warm thanks to their dark colour, and are believed to have healing properties due to the tea-tree oil infused waters. We love Lake Ainsley in Lennox Head, and you’ll find us here in the summer when the beach is too windy and the sun too intense. We also love the tea tree lake on the back side of Tallows Beach.
Skate Parks: If your kids are into skating or scooting, there are some great skate parks to visit. We love our local skate park in Bangalow, located at the back of the oval. There’s a fun pump track in Suffolk Park. There’s a newly opened skate park in Byron Bay that is meant to be great (we haven’t been yet). And there are others in Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads (check here for details).
The Three Sisters walking track at the Broken Head Nature Reserve offers beautiful views of the headland and a great place to watch whales in the winter months. Broken Head beach (at the start of the track) is also one of our favourites.
Comma Spa and Bath House: Book a 45-minute session at the bath house and enjoy the sauna, cold plunge, heated stone hammam, and the magnesium hot tub. It’s more than just a Byron experience — it’s the most wonderful treat!
SHOP:
East Coast General: One of my favourite shops in Byron - stocking so many beautiful brands of clothing, accessories and a small collection of homewares. (They just moved to Bangalow, dangerously close to our home!)
Our Corner Store in Bangalow: They have a beautiful selection of homewares and fashion, and they even have a small corner with a well-curated selection of children’s products. My favourite place to go for gifts!
Imprint House: If you’re looking for beautiful homewares, decorative objects, lighting or hardware, Imprint House is a great place to start.
Newrybar Merchants: This gorgeous shop is a collective of creative local artisans and shops and offers a variety of beautiful homewares, gifts, clothes and accessories.
The Book Room: You have to love a charming, independent bookstore and this one is a gem. The staff here are always friendly and helpful. If you can’t find the book you’re after, they’ll order it in quickly. And they support local writers in the community with book signings and events.
Global Ripple: This is our favourite op shop in the shire. The vibe is always good, the music always fun and the selection vast. (Some of my favourite op-shop finds have come from here.) This not-for-profit shop donates all the money raised back into the community.
Habitat Collective at the Habitat precinct: Offers a thoughtful collection of local brands (homewares, fashion and accessories).
Millar & More: This is another Bangalow gem and a great place to pick up a thoughtful gift. Upstairs in The Attic, you will find preloved designer clothing and accessories.
Zulu & Zephyr: This Byron brand is owned by two local sisters (and friends of mine). I love their swimwear and relaxed beachy fashion too.
Pampa: In the Byron Industrial Estate, this beautiful shop has the prettiest handwoven rugs, cushions, homewares and photography prints.
The Bangalow Market: Held on the 4th Sunday of every month, we love this big market full of gorgeous, locally-made products and crafts.
STAY:
The Atlantic: This recently-renovated hotel is owned by friends of ours, Kim and Stephen. Every detail has been considered and it’s effortlessly cool. The location in the centre of town is perfect for walking everywhere.
The Sunseeker: This hotel was renovated a few years ago (by the same building company who built our beach house!), and it was given a big upgrade in style and accomodation. It’s thoughtfully decorated with unique and interesting accessories, and there are plenty of rooms and bungalows to choose from, with options for a romantic getaway or a family holiday.
Byron Bay Beach Abodes: I’ve never stayed in any of the beautiful homes listed on this site, but I’ve been inside The Chalet for a press event, and it was so nice! All of the abodes have that similar aesthetic and warm, inviting feel, and we’d happily stay in any of them.
We list our home on Airbnb during school holidays, so there are a few windows each year where it’s available to rent. Our good friends also rent out their beautiful Bangalow home, and having stayed there for the first four months of living here in Byron, we can attest to how homely and inviting their home is.
Elements of Byron is more of an indulgent resort-type of hotel, but while there’s a luxe (and somewhat expected) vibe, it still has that relaxed Byron atmosphere. Stay in individual one and two-bedroom bungalows which are spread out across the lush beach-side landscape. We’ve stayed a few times for special occasions and it’s quite a fun staycation for the kids who love the pool.
Love woods bangalow…..wish it was a shorter/cheaper flight from California!
Thank you for all these fab recommendations, so thorough! Any pet friendly accommodation suggestions? Thank you