Byron Bay
The relaxation capital of Australia awaits
Think Byron Bay, and you envisage a place bursting with good vibes, a health-conscious way of life and a bohemian view of the world. Say Byron Bay, and devotees will tell you you’re in for a treat: beautiful surf beaches, relaxed dining with an emphasis on the organic, and a slower way of life – the perfect antidote for the burnt-out soul. Go to Byron Bay, and you may never want to leave.
When you add the multitude of relaxation therapies and offer and the friendly Byron folk, you have a modern utopia in the making. Must-tries include yoga classes, long walks to discover the hinterland, and perhaps even a trip to hippie hotspot Nimbin, 70km away. Your Byron Bay holiday can be as chilled or as active as you like.
Things to do
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Cape Byron Lighthouse
Cape Byron Lighthouse is a Byron Bay icon, dating back to 1899. Do the surrounding rugged headland walk, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning ocean views. Cape Byron Headland is a great spot for watching dolphins, turtles, surfers and humpback whales. Want to experience the lifestyle of a former lighthouse keeper? Stay in one of the fully refurbished, heritage-listed lighthouse cottages.
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Cape Byron Marine Park
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Music festivals
Byron Bay has established itself as one of Australia's music festival hotspots, with Bluesfest in April, Splendour in the Grass in July, and the Falls Festival kicking off at the end of December for a huge New Year's Eve party. They all attract the best of homegrown and international acts and include a load of sideshows and fringe events.
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Wategos Beach
Wategos Beach is a slice of relaxation heaven on earth, and it's perfectly complemented by Rae’s on Wategos if a serving of Zen is in order. With just seven rooms, Rae’s boutique hotel is the utmost in luxurious beachfront accommodation and personalised service. If you're not staying, you can come for an unforgettable meal or indulge in a day-spa treatment.
Airport information
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK)
Distance to Byron Bay 23km
Taxi A taxi to Byron Bay will cost about AUD $100-120 and take around 25 minutes.
Shuttle A number of companies offer airport transfers to Byron, costing around AUD $25 one-way per adult.
Bus Blanch’s Bus Company route 640 goes from the airport to Ballina, Lennox Head, Byron Bay and Mullumbimby for around AUD $8.
Back to topWhen to go
Located on the most easterly point of mainland Australia, Byron Bay has a subtropical climate, and you can expect hot, rainy summers and cool, dry winters. The annual average maximum temperature is 24°C (75°F), and the annual average minimum is 17°C (62°F). There isn't really a bad time to go.
Rainfall is at its heaviest January–March (the yearly average is 9.9 days of rainfall per month), but Byron is not a place that stops when it rains; in fact, they encourage you to relax most when it’s wet out! There are year-round eco-cruises, or you can unwind at a yoga class.
Ready to relax? Find cheap flights to Byron Bay
Back to topGetting around
Blanch’s Bus Company runs services around Ballina, Lennox Head, Byron Bay, Mullumbimby and Brunswick Heads.
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