21 top things to do in Byron Bay, Australia

Famous for its spectacular beaches, relaxed vibes, and as the home of the Hemsworths, Byron Bay is a gorgeous coastal paradise along Australia’s popular East Coast road trip route. While once a simple working-class seaside town, Byron Bay today is an upmarket destination, offering a laidback lifestyle, thriving arts and wellness scenes, and a diverse range of activities.

Come for the hype, stay for the exhilarating outdoor adventures, indulgent culinary fare, and appealing natural wonders. Experience the best of ‘the Bay’ with our handy guide to the top 20 things to do in Byron Bay on your Australian motorhome journey.

Discover central Byron Bay

1. Iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse

The town's most iconic landmark, the Cape Byron Lighthouse is mainland Australia’s most easterly point and a must-do when you visit Byron Bay. Reach the lighthouse on the 3.7-kilometre looped Cape Byron walking track. From June to November, look for passing whales (and dolphins year-round) as you admire the panoramic views. To discover the lighthouse’s history, take a guided sunrise tour.

Time: 2 hours

Parking: Limited free parking

2. Unwind on Wategos Beach

Wategos Beach offers a gorgeous crescent-shaped stretch of sand perfect for swimming, surfing (especially beginners), and saying “This is the life”. It’s only two kilometres from central Byron Bay, yet it feels like another world, thanks to the lush Cape Byron State Park backdrop and frequent dolphin visitors frolicking in the waves. Steps at the eastern end of Wategos Beach lead to Cape Byron Lighthouse if you want to combine attractions.

Time: 1-4 hours

Parking: Limited paid parking to 4 hours; spots fill quickly

3. Take a guided Aboriginal tour around Byron

For an insightful exploration connecting modern-day Byron to its Aboriginal roots, join Arakwal Bundjalung elder Delta Kay on her fascinating Walgun Tour. Revel in Delta’s Dreamtime stories about Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks), discover a 1,000-year-old midden, and sample seasonal bush tucker treats.

Time: 90 minutes

Parking: Paid parking up to 4 hours, leave time pre-tour to wait for a space

4. Adventure in Arakwal National Park

Immediately south of Cape Byron, Arakwal National Park is a pristine wonderland jointly managed by the local Arakwal Aboriginal community and New South Wales Park Service. The secluded Tallow Beach is a highlight, as is the easy Tallow Beach and Arakwal National Park Trail (2 hours) and moderate Tallow Beach Walk (1 hour). As you explore, watch for an abundance of wildlife, especially birds.

Time: 2-3 hours

Parking: Free at the trailheads

5. Snorkel shipwrecks on Belongil Beach

If you’re keen to escape Byron’s crowded Main Beach or are travelling with your dog (yes, they’re permitted in some Star RV motorhomes when pre-booked), travel a little further north to the 2.5-kilometre Belongil Beach. Bring your snorkel if you visit during low tide to explore the remains of the SS Wollongbar shipwreck. Note, the area north of Belongil Creek is clothing optional.

Time: 1-2 hours

Parking: Paid with a 4-hour limit

6. Underwater magic awaits at Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve

Only 2.5 kilometres off the coast, the incredible underwater world of Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve is one of Australia’s best dive and snorkel spots. A protected sanctuary for over 1,000 marine species, including turtles, rays, dolphins, and whales. Book a boat tour to see the best of this vibrant marine reserve and discover how sacred Nguthungulli is to the Arakwal People.

Time: 2-3 hours

Parking: Free street parking close to boat tour operators

7. Witness whales up-close

One of Byron Bay’s best winter/spring activities is spying the majestic humpback whales passing the ‘humpback highway’, from Antarctica to Queensland. While you can spot some of the 25,000 migratory humpbacks from Cape Byron Lighthouse, seeing them close is both a thrill and a privilege. From June to November, catch them on a boat tour with a marine biologist or an exhilarating whale-watching sea kayaking adventure.

Time: 2-3 hours

Parking: Free street parking to 4 hours near tour operator HQs

8. Kayaking with Dolphins

While whale watching is seasonal, Byron Shire has 300+ resident bottlenose dolphins who appear year-round along its shores. It’s not only playful dolphins you’ll likely encounter on a guided sea kayaking adventure, but turtles and rays, too!

Time: 2-3 hours

Parking: Free street parking for four hours

9. Eat up, Byron style

Byron Bay is not a town to visit on a diet; there are too many fabulous dining spots to tempt you! From the region’s tastiest tacos to the Surf House’s rooftop bar's cheap pizzas, and the upmarket Light Years, Beach, and chic Raes Dining Room restaurants, there’s something tasty for every budget. Vegans will love the mind-blowing fare at No Bones.

Time: 1-3 hours

Parking: Varies per eatery

10. Connect to your food at The Farm

For a fun-filled visit to meet collective farmers, head to The Farm, only 10 minutes from central Byron. Take a guided tour to experience their ‘Grow, Feed, Educate’ motto firsthand and learn of their sustainable and ethical farming practices. Finish with a delectable farm-to-table meal at the award-winning Three Blue Ducks. You can also pre-order picnic supplies fresh from The Farm.

Time: 2-3 hours

Parking: Ample free parking

11. Get pampered

Famous for its thriving wellness scene, Byron Bay has dozens of pampering day spas. For one of the best massages in town, head to Comma. For a rejuvenating facial, Little Company wows, and Sulis Lifestyle Salon and Spa has all your hair needs covered. Out of town in quaint Mullumbimby, Banya and Kiva Spa have relaxing hot pools, a sauna, cold plunge, and more.

Time: 1-4 hours

Parking: Varies, both metered and free available

12. Shop ‘til you drop

Byron Bay and fashion shopping go together like road trips and sing-along playlists. The town's trendy independent boutiques and up-and-coming designers allow you to wear your memories of your Byron stay. Check out the town's beloved stores, like Rowie the Label, Spell, St Agni, and Nagnata. The Jonson Lane Precinct is a fab new laneway for local creatives. Further out of town, the Arts and Industrial Estate, Habitat, and Tigmi Trading sell have-to-have clothing and homeware.

Time: 1-3 hours

Parking: Metered parking in central Byron; free elsewhere

13. Sip a Byron Bay tipple

The creativity experienced in Byron Bay extends beyond arts, crafts, and culinary fare; the drinks are innovative, too! Take a brewery tour at Stone and Wood to sample five of its 31 beers. For gin and whiskey lovers, visit Cape Byron Distillery; their popular Rainforest and Gin Tasting Tour is genius. Alternatively, distil your own gin at Lord Byron Distillery.

Time: 1-2 hours

Parking: Free onsite

14. Party up at Byron’s annual events & festivals

Byron Bay has an electric night scene, however, to truly see the town pumping, attend an annual festival. See in the new year in style at the multi-day Falls Festival, make the Easter pilgrimage for the fabulous Bluesfest, or experience one of the country’s best big-name festivals, Splendour in the Grass, where RVs are not only welcome onsite but coveted (it often rains). There’s also the Byron’s Writers Festival, Byron Bay Film Festival, and Byron Bay Surf Festival.

Time: 1-3 days

Parking: Varies per event

Day trip from Byron Bay

15. Explore charming Brunswick Heads

Only 15 minutes north of Byron, Brunswick Heads is a charming coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere. The Brunswick River runs alongside quaint cafés and quirky boutiques, adding to the town’s charms, as well as proving popular for fishing, kayaking, and boating. Check to see what’s on at the Brunswick Picture House, it’s a riot for comedy, cabaret, and circus shows.

Time: 2-3 hours

Parking: Street parking on Fingal Street and surrounds

16. Brunch in Bangalow

Quaint, charming, and picturesque, Bangalow’s historic buildings, cosy cafés, and quirky shops reveal what life’s like in the Byron hinterland. Only 20 minutes from central Byron, pop by for a meal at Bangalow’s cosy eateries to enjoy fresh regional produce, like local macadamias, coffee, dairy, fruits, and veggies. Stock your motorhome fridge with goodies from Bangalow’s Saturday morning farmers’ markets.

**Time: **1-3 hours

Parking: Free

17. Feel Zen at Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens

A magical sanctuary with crystal displays, meditation spaces, and beautiful native flora, Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens is a 25-minute drive from Byron Bay. Snap a selfie between two of the world’s tallest crystals, sit in the world’s largest amethyst cave, and reflect on life in the immaculate gardens. Join the free daily activities, including a guided grounds tour and crystal sound healing.

Time: 2-4 hours

Parking: Ample and free

18. Step back in time at Minyon Falls, Nightcap National Park

An hour from Byron Bay, the 8,000-hectare Nightcap National Park is part of the heritage UNESCO Gondwana Rainforests of Australia with flora an estimated 40 million years old! The highlight of any visit here is hiking to – and swimming in - Minyon Falls. These 100-metre pummelling plunge falls are especially magnificient after rain. See them from the lookout or take the challenging 13-kilometre Minyon Falls track. A dip at the cool waterfall pools is the perfect reward for your efforts.

Time: Half to full day

Parking: Free at the trailhead

19. Get wowed at Mount Jerusalem National Park

With three river systems and its position on the outer rim of the Tweed Caldera, a volcano active 21 million years ago, it’s no surprise Mount Jerusalem National Park has a lot to offer. Fifty minutes from Byron, the lush rainforest, ancient flora, and babbling creeks create an idyllic escape into nature. Bushwalk to the park’s waterfalls (Unicorn Falls is impressive in summer) or mountain bike or ride a horse through the park’s trails. You’ll pass Mullumbimby on your return to Byron if you want a post-adventure bathhouse soak (see ‘Get Pampered’ above).

Time: 3-4 hours

Parking: Free at trailheads

20. Get mellow in Nimbin

Further inland in the Northern Rivers region, quirky Nimbin is world-famous for its hippy vibes, alternative lifestyle, and stunning rainforest backdrop. Discover what makes Nimbin so unique as you wander its vibrant murals, discover the town’s art culture, and taste-test goodies at its vegan and vegetarian cafés. The Nimbin farmers’ market is held every Wednesday afternoon.

Time: 2-4 hours

Parking: Free all day

Start your motorhome adventure today

Byron Bay’s stunning natural beauty, lively atmosphere, and wide-ranging activities, from the serene to the heart-pumping, make it a must-see destination for travellers collecting their Star RV motorhome from our Star RV Brisbane motorhome hire branch or on a Brisbane to Sydney road trip (or vice versa).

Exploring the region by motorhome allows unmatched flexibility and freedom. Explore the town’s diverse attractions, nearby pristine beaches, quirky hinterland towns, and spectacular national parks (only an hour’s drive away) at your leisure.

For a central stay, we recommend powered sites at Reflections or Discovery Parks. If you prefer a quieter spot, Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park is only 10 minutes from central Byron.

Is a visit to Byron Bay calling you?

Book your Australia motorhome hire and set off on the road trip of a lifetime, checking off the 20 top things to do in Byron Bay as you go. Click Book Now or speak to our team on 1800 875 018 to answer the call.