EASTERNMOST POINT OF AUSTRALIA

Byron Bay is the most easterly point in Australia; you can’t go further without plunging into the ocean.  It was this simple fact that led Captain James Cook to land there in 1770, though for thousands of years Aboriginal people came to the bay and used it as a meeting point.  This led to the birth of many industries in the area, followed by a lighthouse at the turn of the twentieth century. Unfortunately, by the 1960s Byron Bay became little more than an abandoned industrial wasteland.

Today, of course, the situation is much different. Byron Bay is a leading tourist destination thanks to surfers discovering natural breaks at nearby The Pass, Wategos, and Cosy Corner.  Its reputation as a hip and laid-back town came not soon long after, attracting all sorts of artisans and people who just want to escape urban Australia for something a little less hectic, and eventually attracting a cast of megastars.  It offers sports, glorious beaches, tons of style, and even a touch of cosmopolitan flair.  Come discover Byron Bay for yourself!

WATER SPORTS

Water sports are big up and down the North Shore, but in Byron Bay water sports are front and centre.  The area owes a lot to water sports – great surf spots allowed Byron Bay to reinvent itself from dingy town to tourist destination. There are a variety of activities to do in Byron Bay that don’t involve the water, but it’s definitely important to at least do one water activities while you’re in the region.

Surfing is still the biggest water sport here in Byron Bay, and there are many different opportunities to catch some fantastic waves, especially around nearby Lennox Head, considered the surfing capital of the Far North Coast.  If you aren’t an avid surfer, don’t worry, there are many surf lessons available from many different schools.  If you do have some surfing abilities, there are also trips into Byron Bay for just some great waves, lasting anywhere from a day or two up to a full two weeks.

Byron Bay is also a great place to go scuba diving, especially around Julian Rocks.  According to a story handed down by the Bundjalung People, a jealous husband threw his spear into the canoe of his wife and her lover.  The canoe broke into two and sank to the bottom of the ocean leaving only the back and front of the boat sticking out of the water.  The canoe was cast into rock as a reminder of a jealous husband’s plight.  

With the changing of seasons, the tide and water temperatures change as well in Byron Bay.  This brings all sorts of ocean life to Byron Bay throughout the year.  In the winter months, nurse sharks are found in Byron Bay presumably mating.  While these sharks look fierce, they are perfectly safe to swim with.  In the summer months, docile leopard sharks come to the waters off Byron Bay, and these gentle giants are perfectly safe to swim with as well.

Kayaking is yet another water sport that seems to thrive in the Byron Bay area.  In addition to having kayaking facilities in Byron Bay itself, nearby Ballina has a kayak tour of the wetlands around it, and kayaks can be rented to go up and down the close-by Brunswick River.  For those that don’t like sea activities, kayaking may be a great alternative.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

SURF LESSONS

For those that are just starting off with surfing, Byron Bay plays host to a whole load of surfing schools, ready to help you get started on the road to surfing success.

Click for a full list of surfing schools and lessons in Byron Bay.

SURF TRIPS

If you’re looking for something a little bit more adventurous, then definitely check out surfing trips.  Some start and end in Byron Bay, while others pick up from as far away as Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Click for a full list of surfing trips.

RELAXATION

The key to any sojourn to Byron Bay is to simply just relax.  This place is where you come to get away from the city, not to cause even more stress.  Having a big breakfast at one of the cafes, strolling along the pristine and uncrowded beaches, and exploring the town’s surf culture at a leisurely pace is what you’re met to do in this laid-back town.

SNORKELLING AND SCUBA DIVING

Snorkelling and scuba diving are great ways to see the underwater ecosystem surrounded Byron Bay, as well as to see some rather fantastic animals, including some species of sharks - but don’t worry.  These sharks are perfectly safe to swim with.

For a list of snorkelling and scuba diving trips, look up “Snorkelling” trips under “Byron Bay” and “New South Wales” in our widget to the left of the screen.

MOTORBIKE TOURS

For a non-water activity, take to a motorbike and see the nearby countryside that way.  Drive through incredible scenery and rather tricky roads with the help of a guide, and see Australia through a unique perspective.

Click for a full list of motorbike tours.

SOMEWHERE TO STAY

The Byron Bay YHA is attractively located right in the centre of Byron Bay, only 400 metres away from the beach and even less to get to the nearest club and pub.  The large comfy common areas and kitchen overlook a heated pool and BBQ, where party nights and pool competitions happen throughout the week.  The facilities book rather quickly, so make sure to do so as soon as possible in order to make sure you have a place to stay in Byron Bay!

In order to find the Byron Bay YHA, search using the widget to the left of the screen, selecting the “Beds” tab and then “Byron Bay” as a location.

COAST OF NSW 
NSW
North Coast: Newcastle | Byron Bay | Coffs Harbour | Port Macquarie
South Coast