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Byron Bay
Destination guide

Byron Bay

Surf, hinterland, celebrities, uber-cool eateries – this glam beach town with a Bohemian past has all the makings of a good time. Here’s your guide to where to stay, eat and the must-see highlights.

The Crystal Guardians in the Byron Bay hinterland are among the tallest crystals in the known world.

20 things that will surprise first-time visitors

Cut through the Hemsworth hype, and you may be shocked by what you still don’t know about Australia’s most talked-about beach town.

    A sprawling resort with appeal across demographics.

    The best places to stay

    There are still plenty of hostels around, but this surf town’s gentrification has given rise to a crop of trendy and beautiful new stays.

      Natty drops and hatted food.

      Top places to eat and drink

      First came the hippies, surfers and celebrities. More recently, a swell of chefs and foodies have moved in, taking its food scene to another level.

        Sheer power: Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park.

        10 hidden highlights that most visitors miss

        From a powerful waterfall formed 20 million years ago to a hidden swimming spot, check out some of the region’s lesser-known attractions.

          Enjoy a sunset river cruise on the Brunswick River.

          The best times to visit

          With an eclectic calendar of annual events and superb year-round weather, there’s never really a bad time to go – but each season offers something entirely unique.

            Venture into the hinterland for lunch at the restored 1902 Eltham Hotel.

            The must-do highlights in three days

            Tick off Byron Bay’s top attractions and explore its lesser-known neighbours and hinterland gems in a long weekend with this action-packed itinerary.

              The famous unofficial slogan beneath the “Welcome to Byron Bay” sign.

              Ticking off the three key goals of a Byron holiday

              A new hotel puts us in good stead to achieve the goals of Byron’s famous sign, “Cheer up, slow down, chill out”.

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                Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/byron-bay-20231229-p5eu86.html