All the best things to do while on holiday in Byron Bay
It’s the coastal town that needs no intro, drawing sand and surf lovers throughout the year. But there's one, unmissable, highlight you might not have heard of.
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It’s the coastal town that needs no introduction, drawing sand and surf lovers from all around the country throughout the entire year.
Byron Bay has shifted from a sleepy surf hub to an influencer’s wonderland, with trendy shops and cafes flanking white sand and crystal clear waves.
But a trip to Byron Bay, at any time of year, needs to be more thoroughly planned than the town’s ‘carefree’ mantra might suggest, with hoards of visitors constantly heading to the northern NSW region.
Book early and you can score flights for as little as $33 a pop (we rave about Skyscanner for scouting out the cheapest and best fares) and rooms from $138 per night (we love Escape Deals for accommodation deals).
But back to those activities.
From surfing to kayaking, brewery tours or getting on the back of a horse, you won’t be lost for things to do in bustling Byron Bay. Here are some of our top picks.
BEST BYRON BAY KAYAKING
Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay, Escape Deals, $85
Break away from the bustle of the bars and trendy cafes, grab a paddle and hit the ocean for an interaction with nature you’ll never forget.
This Cape Byron Kayak Tour is perfect for the nature lover, with paddlers often encountering dolphins, turtles and whales during the guided tour.
Catering to all experience levels, the Marine Park serves up wildlife aplenty.
While taking in the east coast from the water, paddlers learn about local history, Indigenous history, the lighthouse, dolphins, whales and turtles – all while cruising past the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.
BEST BYRON BAY DAY TOUR
Byron Bay and Beyond Tour, Escape Deals, $174
The surf and beach might be synonymous with Byron Bay, but to truly see the region you must steal away from the coast.
In this day tour you'll cover all the highlights from the postcard-perfect Cape Byron Lighthouse where you can delight in spotting whales off the coast as they migrate between May and October, to the sustainable food haven The Farm, home to Scottish Highland cattle and lauded restaurant Three Blue Ducks.
As the day continues you'll pop by the marvel that is Crystal Castle. A hidden gem (pun intended), its five acres of gardens house some of the world's largest and most impressive crystals.
Finally, a trip to Bangalow. Just 15-minutes from Byron Bay, this historic township shares the same charm as its neighbour but with a hinterland backdrop making it the perfect stop for a lunch break before heading back to the beach.
BEST FOOD AND DRINK TOUR
Byron Bay: Full-Day Full Barrel Breweries & Distilleries Tour, Escape Deals, $159
The Byron Bay culinary scene is a diverse mix of cafes, vegan restaurants, top notch restaurants and breweries. Those with a penchant for a good drink can discover the best in town on this guided tasting tour.
Throughout your six hour day you'll be introduced to four establishments (either two breweries and two distilleries or three breweries and one distillery) where you'll sample a paddle while learning about the brewing process.
A tasty lunch breaks up your day (we mean, drinks) and if beer ain't your cup of tea, ciders, wines, ginger beers and seltzers can be subbed instead.
BEST SURFING IN BYRON BAY
Byron Bay two-hour surf lesson, Klook, $85
No trip to Byron Bay is complete without a few hours in the surf.
But if you’re a beginner, this two-hour lesson is the ultimate way to start your journey to becoming the next Mick Fanning.
In this introductory class, experienced guides will have you safely up onto your first wave.
With all key surf and safety rules explained, you will feel confident on the board from the very beginning.
Once you stand up, chances are you will want to extend the experience and surf a few more waves – which you can with a three or five-class pass to strengthen the results and improve on your newly acquired skills.
By the end of this mini-course, you will feel confident on the board and eager to keep on challenging the ocean.
To save even more on holiday, check out news.com.au Coupons for the best discounts and deals at stores like Luxury Escapes, Expedia and Wotif.
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