5 Must-do Activities in Byron Bay, Australia

White sandy beaches, vast stretches of greenery, interesting arts & culture, exotic wildlife, and thrilling nightlife – Byron Bay features a heady mix of all this and much more! Located about 165 km south of Brisbane, it is easily accessible and makes for a perfect weekend getaway from the city. Here are 5 things that make a holiday in Byron Bay unforgettable.

Fun and Frolic in the Water

Take surf lessons, kayak through the shallow waters of the spectacular Brunswick River, go whale watching at the Cape Byron Marine Park or opt for a guided diving excursion to see the region’s fascinating marine life – there is a staggering array of water sports that delight adventure junkies of all abilities and interests. Beaches in Byron Bay are highly popular for surfing, and lure keen surfers from far and wide.

Mountain Biking

Perhaps the best way to explore the untamed beauty of Byron Bay and its surrounding areas is to take a guided bike tour. The region has plenty of biking trails that pass along rainforests that have been listed as world heritage sites as well as sandy beaches, and rugged mountains. The scenic beauty of these treks is sure to leave an indelible impression on your mind. Scores of local agencies offer a range of tour packages, suitable for people with different budgets and of almost all ages.

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Go on a nature tour to behold breathtaking landscapes, including lakes, waterfalls, waterholes and a wildlife sanctuary. Although, the entire region is full of sightseeing attractions, some not-to-be-missed sites include the Minyon Falls, Dallwood Falls, Tee Tree Lake, and Koala Sanctuary in Lismore. Wildlife enthusiasts may look forward to a great time as the region’s well-protected nature reserves feature a rich animal and bird life. Head to the Belongil Estuary or the West Byron Wetlands to spot endangered species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Whale watching from the Byron Bay Lighthouse is also a major highlight.

Gallery Hopping

Byron Bay is known to be an art connoisseur’s paradise. Keep aside a day to explore some of its fascinating galleries and art centres. To begin with, Margaret Olley Art Centre is where you can see an array of paintings and objects depicting the career, life and legacy of Margaret Olley – a renowned artist of Australia. To admire artworks by other renowned painters, head to Byron the Bay Art Studio. The ones looking for fabulous works of Australian aboriginal art would do well to visit Planet Corroboree.

Exploring Pulsating Nightlife

Australians have a reputation of partying hard, so it’s no surprise that West Byron offers a lot by way of after dark entertainment. Whether you want to dance the night away, sample different cuisines and cocktails, or simply go pub crawling, there are lots of ways to enjoy West Byron’s nightlife. Some of the popular hubs for nightlife are Byron Bay Services Club, the Balcony Bar & Restaurant, and Byron Bay Brewery.