Byron Bay is the epitome of the laid back Australian surfer town, and a huge favourite among backpackers. The relaxed vibes will surely entice you to stay longer than you had planned. The small town has some incredible food from all over the world, including a huge range of vegetarian and vegan options.
Mojosurf Byron Bay
No trip to Australia would be complete without catching some waves, and Byron Bay is the ideal place to learn this favourite Aussie past time. The top surf school here has to be Mojo Surf. The instructors are all extremely professional and encouraging, and they only thing that they ask of you is that you give it your all. Don’t let the fear of falling down stop you from trying! Because, trust me, you will fall down. A lot. But that’s all part of the fun, and it’s how you get better!
Cape Byron Kayaks
One of Byron Bays must do activities is a sea kayaking excursion. After battling past the waves to get away from the beach, you find yourself in fairly calm waters where turtles abound. The aim is to find a pod of dolphins, who love to show off and play with kayakers in this area. In fact, the company is so committed to ensuring that you get this phenomenal experience, they’ll offer a second trip free of charge if you see no wildlife on your first.
Cape Byron Walking Track
The walk from town to Cape Byron Lighthouse is not at all strenuous, and absolutely breathtaking. The cliffside path takes you past viewpoint after stunning viewpoint, including one at the easternmost tip of the Australian continent. Once you reach the lighthouse you will find a small but interesting maritime museum, or you can take a short tour of the lighthouse itself to take advantage of the 360 degree views over the Pacific Ocean.
Treehouse Byron Bay
On the east side of town in the Belongil Beach area you will find one of Byron’s most loved restaurants, the tree house. Located right on the palm-fringed beach, the relaxed atmosphere here is bliss after a hot and busy day. Order a delicious wood fired pizza and a refreshing cocktail and enjoy the live music on offer most nights. This is a firm favourite restaurant, and for good reason. Even local celebrities Chris Hemsworth and Zac Efron have been known to frequent this restaurant, so keep your eyes peeled!
The Byron Bay General Store
The Byron Bay general store is one of the town’s oldest buildings. It has always been a central meeting place for locals, whether to buy goods or for food and drinks. Today it is a popular brunch spot, offering acai bowls, vegan waffles, the all time Aussie favourite: avocado toast, and some of the best smoothies in town.
Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve
Byron Bay is an excellent location for scuba diving. The Julian Rocks Marine Reserve is considered one of the best dive sites in Australia, and one of the best shark diving spots in the world. Its position at the point where the warm tropical waters meet the strong cold currents of the open ocean means you’ll see a fantastic array of marine life of all sizes. With stunningly clear waters you are bound to spot all kinds of aquatic animals, including turtles, rays and wobbegongs (carpet sharks). If travelling June-October you may even be lucky enough to see a humpback whale during your dive, or visit January-May for the chance to swim with manta rays.
No Bones Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a haven for vegetarians and vegans, with pretty much every restaurant offering delicious and creative meat free options, rather than reducing you to a simple salad. One of the best dedicated vegan restaurants is No Bones, who plan to ‘save the earth, one brussel sprout at a time’. Between their Byron Bay location and their restaurant in Ocean Shores just a few miles north, they offer vegan king pao chicken, vegan calamari, spicy Thai red curry, no lamb gyros, and the meatiest meatless burger in town. If you’re without wheels and their Ocean Shores menu appeals to you more, head to their website to order online for delivery. The website also lists the exact ingredients used to make the meat substitutes, as well as the source of all of their ingredients, which is usually within 10 miles of town.
Main Street Burger Bar
True to its name, this burger joint serves up delicious patties with a variety of fresh toppings and creative sauces. True comfort food, you can’t go wrong with their great value burger combo, which includes an icy cold beer. Whether you’re feeling grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, fish, vegan or halloumi, Main Street Burger Bar has got you covered.
Minyon Falls Lookout
Minyon falls are a little way out of town, but an excellent day trip destination. Over 100 meters high, this waterfall is one of the most spectacular in the state. The surrounding Nightcap National Park is of huge cultural significance to the local Widjabul people, with many ancient ceremonial and sacred sites. The view from the Minyon Falls Lookout is pretty stunning, but don’t stop there. Hike down through the rainforest to the base of the falls and you will be rewarded with an epic swimming spot. Cool off in the crystal clear waters here, or hike a little further to find the jungle cascades.
Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
Another day trip outside of Byron Bay, this is a must visit for those with a strong spiritual side. Home to two of the largest crystals in the world, and an enormous amethyst cave, the Crystal Castle truly lives up to its name. Learn about the geological formation of these spectacular crystals, and wander through the peaceful botanical gardens. There is also a reflexology path, built using pebbles to massage your feet as you walk on them. A visit to the Crystal Castle could easily be added as a stop on the way back to town from Minyon Falls.
Protesters Falls
This one is a true hidden gem, and a completely mesmerising experience. Protestors Falls is about an hour drive inland from Byron Bay, so unfortunately is pretty difficult to reach without a car. Especially since the main draw is not the falls by day, but the forest by night. Protestors Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a great walking track through the jungle. But at night, the area is a wonderland with one of the best glow worm colonies in the country. Not only this, but you can also spot glowing mushrooms on the forest floor, a rare and fantastical sight. If you have your own vehicle, an evening inside the Nightcap National Park is not to be missed.
“What to do in Laidback Byron Bay” was originally published on Wanderdash (follow me @rosroundtheworld)