Byron Bay is one of the most magical places in the world. Period.

It’s without a doubt the hippie epicentre of Australia, and it will only take you a walk down the main high street to surrender to (and fall in love with) the slower pace of living that thrives here. You’ll leave Byron Bay questioning everything, and you’ll be doing all you can to extend your time here. So trust me on this, if Byron Bay is a stop off on your Australia adventure, make it the most spacious one.

Not only will this East Coast paradise capture your heart, but if you get the chance to hire a car or are travelling the coast by camper van, it is the perfect gateway to hinterland and National Park adventures like Springbrook, Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island.

If you’re planning a trip to Byron Bay, Australia and you’re wondering what on earth the best things to do are, you are in the right place. I’ve compiled the ultimate list for you.

Let’s tuck in, shall we?

Don’t know where to stay? Check out my guide to choosing a hostel in Byron Bay here.

Here are 20 fun things to do in Byron Bay

1. Explore the markets and boutiques

Byron Bay has become a boutique fashion haven with some of the dreamiest clothes and designs I’ve ever laid my eyes on. You’ve got Spell’s dreamy flagship store, Arnhem, Rowie, and so many more. You’ll find beautiful handmade jewellery, natural skincare, and sustainable fashion galore.

Then you’ve got the markets, and there are a few here in Byron, check out your options below:

• Byron Farmers Market (Butler Street Reserve, Byron Bay) – every Thursday (8am – 11am)
• Byron Bay Markets – 1st Sunday of the month
• Byron Beachside Markets – four held annually Jan, Easter, July & the Sep/Oct long weekend
• Byron Twilight Market – every Saturday, October to April annually – Railway Park Byron Bay

2. Walk to the Lighthouse for sunrise or sunset with an ocean dip at Wategos Beach

No trip to Byron Bay is complete without doing the Lighthouse Walk, so get this one on your list! Because it’s located on the most easterly point of mainland Australia, the lighthouse walk is, without a doubt, the best place to watch the sunrise.

At sunrise, given it’s a clear sky, here at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, you’ll witness the sun rising perfectly above the horizon. It’s a 35-minute walk from town, a great little bit of exercise, and you’re guaranteed to be joined by others. It is the dreamiest of locations to catch the first light of day.

You can start the walk from the main beach, from The Pass or Wategos, depending on how far you’d like to walk. From The Pass it’s about 35-40 minutes and i’d highly recommend comfy walking shoes as the last part of the walk has a steep incline.

Need budgeting advice for your trip to Oz? Check out my budgeting guide for backpacking Australia here.

3. Grab food and listen to the street buskers/performers

The creativity and talent in Byron Bay are undeniable from the jewellery stores, clothing boutiques, graffiti and street fashion right through to the restaurant decor and the street performers. Honestly, world-class talent plays every day and night on the streets. Dedicate a night to it, grab some takeaway munch and soak it up.

I highly recommend Orgasmic falafel!

4. Catch some live music at The Beach Hotel (aka The Beachy)

The Beach Hotel in Byron Bay is the town’s most iconic pub and a solid spot for sunset drinks, live music, and people-watching. It’s right across from Main Beach (the big pub on the corner with lots of outdoor seating), so you can wander over straight from the beach and quench your thirst.
There are so many incredible musicians in Byron Bay, so whilst you’re in town, check what’s on at the beach hotel (locals call it the beachy) and see if you can catch a live show!

This is where many international artists passing through will play, I’ve seen Garret Kato, Hollow Coves, Crooked Colours and more play here! For music lovers, this is absolutely one of the best things to do in Byron Bay. Keep an eye on their gig schedule.

5. Explore the Byron Bay hinterland for a day

Yes, the beaches are stunning in Byron Bay, and there’s more than enough to keep you occupied for your whole trip by the coast, but there’s another side of Byron that is sent from heaven called Byron Hinterland and is just a short drive inland. Think lush rainforests, waterfalls, nature-infused cafés, weekend markets and farm-to-table restaurants.

Some villages to check out:

• Bangalow (Woods cafe before a day at Whian Whian falls)
• Newrybar
• Federal (Doma cafe for lunch after Minyon Falls)
• Mullumbimby (Friday morning farmers market at the showground)

If you’re looking for something different, have a car or can hire one, heading inland from Byron Bay is one of the best things to do during your time in Byron Bay.

6. Head out on the water and kayak with the dolphins

Dolphins and turtles are no strangers to the waters here in Byron Bay. Head out on one of the two Kayaking tours licensed in the bay and you’ll get the opportunity to get an up close and personal experience with the magical creatures themselves. No sight of dolphins? You’ll get another tour granted free of charge until you see them.

7. Take a surf lesson!

If you’re going to do it anywhere, this surf town is it. I’ve not done it myself in Byron Bay but I’ve heard Black Dog Surf School are the one to go with!

8. Go Whale watching!

Whale Watching Byron Bay conducts tours every day during the whale watching season (June – October).

9. Take the Happy Coach day trip to Nimbin.

Check out my day trip with the Happy Coach here.

10. Book a Yoga Class

Byron’s wellness scene is the real deal and is one of the reasons people come but never leave.

You can take yoga classes any hour of the week in everything from luxe studios to open-air decks in the rainforest. The teachers in Byron Bay are some of the best in the world, and you can’t go wrong! Some of my favourite studios include Haum Yoga (formerly Creature) and Peaches Pilates.
Post-savasana, head to one of Byron’s many gorgeous cafes for a smoothie or elixir of your choice. Here are a few of my fav: The Byron General Store, Bayleaf Café, and Top Shop.

For wellness enthusiasts, this combo of yoga + brunch is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay.

11. Head out to see the insane marine life at Julian Rocks

Book yourself onto a Julian Rocks snorkelling tour or, if you fancy a scuba dive or freedive – there’s that option too. Julian Rocks can be seen from the beaches of Byron Bay and is a popular spot to get a close encounter with some of the incredible marine life that call these waters home.

The boats leave from Brunswick Heads and you can opt for a half day or full day tour. The boat ride out there is so fun in itself if you love the thrill of a speedboat! If you do plan this trip, I’m going to say plan to do it on a Sunday and then spend the rest of the day exploring Brunswick Heads – finishing your day with dinner, drinks and live music at the Brunswick Hotel.

12. Step out of your comfort zone with a Skydive

13. Cook up a feast on one of the many free BBQs that line the beach.

Beers, BBQ and beaches. All the summer feels.

14. Swim in the sea or do some laps at Fishheads pool at Main Beach

Entry to the swimming pool is $4.50 for an adult in an enclosed area right on the main beach car park where you can swim and lie in the shade for a few hours (or the whole day). Beach day awaits you after!

If you have a car you should also consider…

Brunswick river

A beautiful and lesser-known town a 20-minute drive north of Byron Bay is Brunswick where’s there’s a gorgeous river to jump in. Catch the tide right and the snorkelling is amazing. You can also rent a paddleboard/kayak on the river should you fancy the adventure. Gorgeous cafes and eateries walking distance. A really lovely day out from Byron, perfectly matched with a visit to Kiva spa.

Kiva spa in Mullumbimby

A gorgeous little spa filled with jacuzzis, a steam room, a sauna, a plunge pool and an area for relaxation. For $35 you get unlimited cups of tea and a day pass to this little tropical outdoor haven.

Exploring Killen Falls and Lake Ainsworth.

See my road trip blog post here.

An overnight DIY retreat in the Hinterland.

See what I did during my DIY retreat in this blog post.

Want more East Coast Australia inspiration? Check out my bucket list for East Coast Australia here.

Have you been to Byron Bay?

What were your favourite things to do? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

Mollie.