Arriving into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, Byron Bay

Your Byron Bay holiday begins at the small, regional Ballina Byron Gateway Airport in Ballina, right in the heart of the Northern NSW Rivers region. As you disembark from the plane and make your way from the tarmac to the terminal, expect to find all the conveniences you may need after your flight – bathrooms, cafés and even a bar offering local craft beers on tap. You’ll also see a very handy Visitor Information desk if you need some tips on how to get from the airport to Byron Bay centre, are looking for a map of the area, or even if you still need to find accommodation.

How to get from the airport into downtown Byron Bay

Getting into the heart of Byron Bay won’t take very long - Ballina Gateway Airport is an easy 25-minute drive away from the famous beach town. You have a few transport options to get into Byron Bay, including bus, shuttle, taxis and ride share, and rental cars. Here’s a bit more info on each to help you work out which one may be best for you.

Taxi & ride share

The easiest and most straight-forward way to get yourself into Byron Bay, you’ll find the taxi rank and ride share pick up area right outside the airport’s exit. Depending on how busy the traffic is when you arrive in Ballina, you can expect an Uber to cost around $60, and a taxi will be around $100. It should take roughly 25 minutes to get from the airport to Byron Bay in a car.

Shuttle

A more cost-effective way to get into Byron Bay, you can pre-book a shuttle service or organise it while at the airport. You can expect to pay around $35, and it can take a bit longer to get to your destination as the shuttle may have a few drop-offs enroute to your accommodation.

Rental Car

If you plan on using Byron Bay as your base to explore the hinterland, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads, Bangalow and beyond, you can hire a rental car at the airport and drive yourself the 25 minutes into town. Car rentals can cost around $138 a day, and we recommend organising this before you land as you may be able to get cheaper deals and specials.

Bus

Save your money for some drinks at the Byron Bay Beach Hotel – Blanch’s Bus Company will get you from Ballina Gateway Airport to Byron Bay for under $10. The bus stop is situated just outside the terminal and will get you to the Byron Bay Bus Interchange in about an hour. Small suitcases should be fine on the bus but be aware that surfboards and large baggage may be tricky.

What is the best way to get around Byron Bay?

The town of Byron Bay itself is small - so small that you can happily get from bars and cafés to the boutiques and beaches by foot without really even breaking a sweat. If you’re staying in the centre of town and want to keep your activities hyper-local, there’s no need to consider alternate transport, but if you’re staying just outside of town, want to explore neighbouring areas or want to go on day trips, you have a few options for getting around beyond the borders of central Byron Bay.

Byron Bay by car

Hiring a rental car is easy, and a smart move if you plan on moving around. You can organise this when you land at Ballina Gateway Airport, or you can find the likes of Thrifty, Hertz and more right in the centre of town. Just make sure to check if your accommodation has on-site parking, or if there’s street parking available nearby.

Byron Bay by taxi

Ordering a taxi (or Uber) is easy in Byron Bay. If you plan on staying mostly in town with only a few trips that are too far to get to on foot, you’ll have no trouble booking your ride.

Byron Bay by bike

Both locals and tourists love to bike around Byron – made easier by the fact that there are plenty of bike paths available. And don’t worry if you didn’t BYO bicycle, you can rent bikes and e-bikes in town.

Byron Bay by bus

Blanch’s Bus Company runs frequently from Byron Bay town to other areas of Northern NSW, so it’s a reliable and cheap option if you want to go on a day trip to Lennox Heads, Nimbin, Mullumbimby or Brunswick Heads.

When is the best time to fly to Byron Bay?

Byron Bay is warm all year-round - the summers are hot, the winters are mild, and spring and autumn are delightful, too. The short answer? It’s always the best time to visit Byron Bay.

Byron Bay in summer

Expect average summer temperatures around 28°, high humidity and the chance of afternoon or evening rain showers. Thankfully the coastal breeze cools things down later in the day to give you some reprieve from the summer heat.

Summer is peak tourist season and Falls Festival draws in a huge crowd over New Years, so just be sure to book accommodation and activities in advance, but otherwise, enjoy a slow summer holiday in one of the best beach towns in the world.

Byron Bay in autumn

Autumn is the Goldilocks season to visit Byron Bay - the nights are cool, the days are warm and not as humid, and there’s little rain. Outside of the Easter holiday peak period, the crowds ease too, so if you’re up for idyllic weather and a quieter holiday, earmark March and May for your trip to Byron Bay. Outdoor activities will be pleasant, and you’ll find it a lot easier to book into Byron Bay’s top restaurants.

If you’re into the Byron music scene, you can’t miss the annual Bluesfest, which runs over the Easter long weekend.

Byron Bay in winter

While winters are cooler in Byron, the days are still warm and dry with maximum temperatures reaching around 21°. Nights can get cold, and if you’re staying in the hinterland, it can feel colder than the coast, but there’s no need for puffer jackets or thermals.

You can enjoy all of Byron’s outdoor activities in winter, with the added benefit of whale watching season. Festival lovers won’t want to miss the iconic Splendour in the Grass festival - just make sure to book your flights to Ballina early if you’re coming at this time!

Byron Bay in spring

Anytime of the year is a good time to visit Byron Bay, but spring offers incredible weather conditions. Warm, pleasant and mostly dry, you’ll be able to spend your days swimming, hiking, biking, lunching and day tripping with minimal risk of having to find shelter or breaking too much of a sweat. The arts and music scene comes to life, too, so it’s a great time to explore the rich culture of Byron Bay.

What should you pack for your trip to Byron Bay?

Given Byron Bay’s temperate climate and all-year warmth, your packing list won’t change too drastically from season-to-season. Swimmers and beachwear are always a must, while nature hikers and morning walkers alike will be happy to have a pair of comfortable walking shoes. The town is casual, but some of the trendier restaurants will call for more smart-casual attire, so you won’t go wrong with some linen clothing in your suitcase.

In summer, you’ll be happy to have a small umbrella or light jacket, and don’t forget to pack some layers for cooler nights and early mornings. In winter, you might need a warm jacket and closed shoes.

What are the top attractions in Byron Bay?

Whether you want to spend your days beach hopping to determine the best beach in Byron Bay or exploring the spiritual side of the coastal community, there is something for everyone. The joy of Byron Bay is that you can pick your pace and fit in as much or as little as you want.

Visit the beaches

Once you visit the beaches of Byron Bay, all other beaches will be ruined for you. Soft, golden sand and clear, warm waters in open spaces that don’t feel like you’re sitting on top of anyone else, the Byron Bay beaches are just as loved by surfers as they are swimmers, dippers, and frolicking children. If you’re keen on a beach day on the doorstep of the town centre, head to Main Beach. A short walk will take you to Clarkes Beach and The Pass. Further afield (but not too far), you’ll find Wategos Beach, and Tallows Beach, and Belongil Beach is a beautiful 2.5km stretch of sand just north of Main Beach. If you want to hop in the car or get on the bus, you won’t regret a trip to Brunswick Heads’ beaches either.

Shop the local markets

Byron Bay is just as famous for its markets as it is for the trendy boutiques on and around Johnston Street. The Community Markets are open on the first Sunday of the month, and it’s where local artists, producers, and creatives gather to buy and sell the region’s most authentic and eclectic wares. Expect to find hand-crafted pottery and jewellery, home-made skincare and candles, and unique sculptures and garden furniture, or stock up on some fresh fruit and veg.

The Farmer’s Market takes place every Thursday morning and is a great place to find fresh produce, delivered straight from the farms - from organic and non-organic fruit and vegetables to freshly squeezed juice, nuts, and artisan bread and honey. Snack while you walk around or save your spoils for an afternoon picnic.

Watch the sunrise

What makes a sunrise in Byron Bay so special? Cape Byron is the most easterly point of Australia, so it’s the first place in the country to see the sun rise. Drive up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for the incredible sight or set yourself up on a picnic blanket at Wategos Beach to see the golden hues appear from beneath the ocean. For those who have a bit more pep in the step at that hour, turn sunrise viewing into a sunrise hike – either locally at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, or head into the hinterland to Mount Warning or Minyon Falls.

Eat, drink and shop your way along Johnston Street

The joy of a small town is that everything is right there where you need it, and Byron Bay’s main street – Johnston Street – and its surrounds has it all. From kebab shops, ice creameries, and casual pubs with live music to chic bars, cosy brunch spots, and buzzing restaurants, it’s a foodie’s playground. You can just as comfortably find a vegan bowl and high-protein smoothie as you can Asian-fusion banquets, spicy margaritas and modern Middle Eastern snacks. And if you need some help building your appetite between meals, retail therapy has you covered, with the streets lined with clothing boutiques from local artisans and designers, vintage finds, and homewares that’ll definitely tip your baggage into overweight territory.

Puff your way up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse

This famous Byron Bay walk isn’t just beautiful to hike through, but the panoramic views you’re rewarded with at the Cape Byron Lighthouse lookout make the short, steep hills worth the effort. You can access the walking track from a few points, including Captain Cook lookout, The Pass, and Wategos Beach. The trail itself is an absolute treat for your camera roll, with impressive coastal views, luscious sections of rainforest, and - if you’re lucky – sightings of dolphins, turtles, and whales in winter. The full loop is roughly 3.7km and should take about two hours.

Go on a guided Aboriginal walking tour

Explore the cultural side of Byron Bay’s by immersing yourself in its rich indigenous history. Guided tours, run by Arakwal Bundjalung woman Delta Kay, will take you on a journey of some of the significant places and sites, while you hear traditional stories and learn more about the local history, and some Bundjalung language.

Head out of Byron Bay for the day

If you’ve got a few days in Byron Bay up your sleeve, we highly recommend heading to some of the nearby towns for an afternoon of exploration. Nimbin is just an hour and 15 minutes in the hinterland and is famous for being the home of Byron Shire’s counterculture, with an incredible community spirit that’s felt throughout the town. Just 25-minutes from Byron, you’ll find scenic Mullumbimby, affectionately called the ‘biggest little town in Australia’. For a trip up the coast, travel 20-minutes north to Brunswick Heads, which is fast-becoming popular with holiday goers looking for a quiet reprieve from the bustle of Byron Bay. Torakina Beach is a firm favourite here, so add it to your list if you’re visiting. And no visit to Byron Bay is complete without even just a quick stop in Bangalow, a picturesque town that has an old-school feel with its historical architecture and has no shortage of places to eat and shops to wander into. .

Hike the hinterland

As easy as it is to lean into the slow pace of Byron Bay, you couldn’t make a better decision than to take a day for a hike in the hinterland. Head to the Nightcap National Park for the Minyon Falls walking track, a 13km return trail that takes you through subtropical rainforest and bubbling creeks and leads you to a swimming spot under a waterfall so majestic it feels like it’s not real. Head to the lookout points to truly take in the magic of the land.

Find your zen and chill out

Whether your idea of chilling out is reading a book on the beach, sipping a cold beer overlooking the ocean, or humming your way through a yoga class, there’s no better place to find a place of calm than Byron Bay. You'll be spoilt for choice for yoga classes, wellness centres, spas and massage therapists in town, and if your thing is more tarot cards and palm reading, you won’t need to venture far. For the ultimate wellness and healing experience, book yourself into the Gaia Retreat & Spa in the hinterland.

Where to stay in Byron Bay?

Central Byron Bay for the first-timers

Johnston Street, Fletcher Street and the surrounds will be perfect for those travelling to Byron Bay for the first time or those who love being in the thick of things. A buzzing hive of activity with restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, supermarkets and more wherever you turn - and Main Beach just down the road - you couldn’t have a more convenient location to book your accommodation. It’s also a great base for exploring the Byron Shire, and is the centre of Byron Bay’s nightlife, so if you’re keen on a short stroll home after a night out, this is where you want to stay.

Belongil Beach for families

While central Byron Bay makes family holidaying incredibly easy, if you want more space to run around and to escape the noise of the town, book your accommodation in Belongil. You’re never far from a good stretch of sand for a sunny day at the beach, and you won’t have to spend too long in the car if you need to go grocery shopping, want to head out for dinner, or take the kids to the cinema.

Clarks Beach & Wategos Beach for the quiet seekers

Want to enjoy all the benefits and conveniences of Byron Bay’s town centre but also want to come home to some peace and quiet? The Byron Headlands area is for you. A six-minute drive from Byron Bay (or a very doable walk if you’re up for it), you’ll have a beautiful beaches at your disposal, the stunning surrounds of the Cape Byron Walk and a couple of coffee shops right there when you’re not in the mood to head into town in the mornings. If you’re looking to splurge on luxury accommodation, this is the area you want to look into, particularly the iconic Raes on Wategos.

Tallows Beach for the surfers and nature lovers

Tallows Beach is another great area for families, but it’s also a huge drawcard for surfers and nature lovers thanks to the incredible surfing conditions and its proximity to Arakwal National Park, which is hugely popular for its hiking trails, swimming spots, and secluded picnic areas. And when you want to sip on some cocktails at The Balcony Bar or indulge in some pre-dinner snacks at Mez Club in Byron’s centre, you’re only a short drive away.

Where and what to eat in Byron Bay?

Byron Bay town centre for everything

Small as Byron Bay may be, don’t expect that it’s just pub pizza and fish and chips for dinner (though, you can get that!). From casual takeaway and quick bites that are friendly to your wallet to fancier fare that you may need to book in weeks in advance, there isn’t a cuisine you can’t find in Byron’s main hub. Some may argue that you’ve not truly experienced Byron Bay unless you’ve had brunch at Bayleaf or the prawn toast at Bang Bang, but there are no wrong decisions when it comes to choosing your dining destinations in Byron Bay. You’ll need at least a couple of weeks (and a healthy bank balance) to enjoy all of the culinary delights this coastal town has to offer.

Brunswick Heads for Mexican

Travel up the coast to Brunswick Heads to La Casita for authentic Mexican food made from local produce in a relaxed setting that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out onto the streets of Tulum. Even better than the menu of tostados and tacos? The build-your-own margie menu, with tequila and mezcal choices that’ll have your head spinning (in a good way).

Newrybar for farm-to-table decadence

While the historic village of Newrybar has one main street that is a must-visit for the homewares, arts and crafts made by local creatives and artisans, it’s also the home to the rustic and inviting Harvest Newrybar. While the deli is a magnet for the caffeine deprived, pastry obsessed and foodies who love a gourmet pantry item, dining at the restaurant is experiencing Byron Bay’s culture. The menu is ever-changing, featuring ingredients from the region’s farmers and growers, produce from local suppliers, and natives plucked from their own gardens.

Wategos for a long lunch

Raes on Wategos may be one of the very things that put Byron Bay on the map for the cool crowd. If you’re after a good meal, picture-perfect views of the beach, and interiors that’ll have you mentally redecorating your home, then you have to go to Raes Dining Room. The menu features the very best of modern Australian cuisine, with a Mediterranean flair that'll have you ordering and eating way more than you intended.