Byron Bay is the best-known backpacker stop on the east coast between Sydney and Brisbane: surf spots for every level, the easternmost point of the mainland, dolphins in the bay and a green hinterland with waterfalls. Here you'll find all 22 checked spots from our map with tips.
The nearest airport is Ballina-Byron, about 30 minutes south, with shuttles to Byron. From Brisbane and Gold Coast Airport, buses take about two hours, and coaches stop right in town. Byron itself is small — you can reach almost everything on foot or by bike; for the hinterland you need a car or a tour.
Byron is warm all year. It's surfable all year round; swimming is most pleasant from October to May. From June to November humpback whales pass the cape. During the Australian summer holidays in December and January and over Easter it's very busy and expensive — book early.
This legendary hostel on the edge of town has tipis, a pool, yoga and lots of greenery — hippie vibes in the best sense. Popular with anyone staying longer and wanting to meet people. The centre is about a 15-minute walk.
A resort-style hostel right on Belongil Beach, with a pool bar, free yoga and surfboard hire. A shuttle takes you into town. Good if you want beach and party under one roof.
A central hostel with a pool, two minutes from Main Beach and right among the cafés and bars. Handy if you're travelling without a car.
A campground in the rainforest of Nightcap National Park, near Minyon Falls. Basic, but cheap and quiet — ideal as a base for walks in the hinterland.
The Pass is a right-hand point break under Cape Byron with long, clean waves — and busy as a result. It's quietest early in the morning. The rules of priority in the water are taken seriously, by the locals too. To learn, head to Main Beach instead.
A soft beach break right in front of the town centre; most surf schools start here. The beach is patrolled — stay between the flags, as the currents change with the sandbanks. After your surf you're in town in two minutes.
A sheltered north-facing bay with gentle waves and classic longboard vibes. Parking is scarce and expensive — come on foot via the Lighthouse Walk. In the afternoon the bay stays in the sun for a long time.
A patrolled stretch between Main Beach and The Pass, usually calmer for swimming. In the morning you often see dolphins in the bay. The water is warmest from October to May.
This group of rocks off the coast lies where warm and cool currents meet. In summer leopard sharks gather here in large numbers, in winter grey nurse sharks — both harmless to humans. Add turtles and rays. Only reachable by dive or snorkel boat from Byron.
The 3.7-kilometre loop leads to the lighthouse and the easternmost point of the Australian mainland. At sunrise you're among the first people in Australia to see the sun. From June to November humpback whales pass right below, often dolphins too.
The northern stretch of beach looks back at Cape Byron and into the hinterland. It makes Byron one of the few places on the east coast where the sun sets over land and water at the same time. Quieter than Main Beach.
A wild beach stretching for kilometres south of the cape, in Arakwal National Park. It's unpatrolled with strong currents — good for running and photos, not for swimming. In the morning you'll have it almost to yourself.
This roughly 100-metre waterfall in Nightcap National Park has a viewing platform right at the edge. It's most impressive after rain. From Byron it's about a 45-minute drive; the loop to the base of the falls takes about three hours.
A nature reserve where the rainforest reaches down to the beach, with small hidden coves. A short track leads to King's Beach, where there's hardly anyone. Free, about 15 minutes south of Byron.
The farmers market takes place on Butler Street Reserve every Thursday from 8 to 11 am, and the big community market with art, clothes and food on the first Sunday of the month. In December and January there are extra dates. Cheap breakfast and local produce.
A small hinterland village with old timber facades and good cafés, about 15 minutes from Byron. Breakfast is cheaper and quieter here than in Byron itself. There are often markets at weekends.
The café on the hill above Byron serves burgers and breakfast with ocean views and is where the surfers hang out. Cheap and relaxed, a little away from the bustle in town.
The farmers market takes place on Thursdays from 8 to 11 am on Butler Street Reserve, with local fruit, coffee and street food — cheap breakfast and fresh ingredients for the hostel kitchen.
A big pub right on Main Beach with live music and a large beer garden. This is where you have your sunset beer; in the evening it gets packed.
Kayak tours in the bay start at Main Beach, often accompanied by dolphins and, from June to November, whales. Cheaper than many boat tours and doable without experience.
Byron has lots of jobs in hospitality and hostels, but rents are extremely high. Work for accommodation is common: a few hours of work in the hostel in exchange for a bed. For bars you need the NSW RSA. It's best to hand in your CV in person.
A laundromat in town — handy if you're travelling by van or everything's taken at the hostel.
At Main Beach, where most surf schools start. The Pass is for experienced surfers; Wategos suits calm longboard days.
From June to November humpback whales pass Cape Byron — best seen from the Lighthouse Walk.
Yes, in hospitality and hostels. But rents are very high, which is why work for accommodation in hostels is common.
All spots on the Byron Bay map. Nearby: the Gold Coast to the north and Coffs Harbour to the south. The coast at a glance on the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.