The balmy sun-kissed town on the North Coast of NSW is known as much for its bountiful beaches as its rainforest hinterland, creative community and innovative food scene. It was once the favoured domain of hippies and boho seachangers – these locals never left, but have been joined by forward-thinking restaurateurs, designers and celebrities.
In this serene setting you can surf in the morning while watching the sun rise over the most easterly point in Australia (dolphins included), practice yoga by the sand, sip oatmeal lattes, then kick back at the pub with live music from some of the country’s top musicians. These same musicians headline the region’s epic festivals and markets, which transform the town into a hive of activity radiating outward to surrounding villages, from Ballina to Lennox Head, Mullumbimby and beyond.
Blessed with beaches, Byron has a stretch of sand for every taste. Main, Clarkes and Wategos beaches are patrolled year-round, while parts of Belongil Beach are dog-friendly. Little Wategos is Australia's easternmost beach and is accessible on foot from the path to Cape Byron Lighthouse. From any coastal vantage, look out for dolphins, turtles and whales (May through November) swimming offshore in Cape Byron Marine Park. For a closer perspective, sign up to dive off Julian Rocks (a pilgrimage site among scuba enthusiasts) with Sundive Byron Bay, Wild Byron or Out of the Blue Adventures, or kayak alongside playful marine life.
