Byron Bay in 5 days

Australia's most easterly point - surf, wellness and a bohemian beach-town soul. Best time to visit: March-May and September-November. Average daily budget: $120 to $200 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Town Centre & Main Beach, The walkable heart - cafés, shops, the patrolled town beach.

Morning: Cape Byron lighthouse walk. The coastal track to mainland Australia's most easterly point - dolphins, whales in season and sunrise views.

Afternoon: Explore Town Centre & Main Beach, The walkable heart - cafés, shops, the patrolled town beach.

Evening: Sunset at Main Beach. Drum circles, buskers and golden light - the classic Byron evening.

Eat: Açaí bowls and wholefoods cafés around town

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: The Pass & Wategos, The best surf and a sheltered, upmarket beach below the lighthouse.

Morning: Learn to surf. Byron's mellow beach breaks are among the best places in Australia for a first lesson.

Afternoon: Explore The Pass & Wategos, The best surf and a sheltered, upmarket beach below the lighthouse.

Evening: Browse the markets. The huge monthly Byron market and weekly farmers' and Bangalow markets for food and crafts.

Eat: Paddock-to-plate dining at The Farm

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Cape Byron, The lighthouse headland and the famous coastal walk.

Morning: Hinterland day trip. Waterfalls at Minyon and Killen Falls, plus the village vibe of Nimbin and Bangalow.

Afternoon: Explore Cape Byron, The lighthouse headland and the famous coastal walk.

Evening: Wategos Beach at dawn for calm water and dolphins.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Wood-fired and modern Australian in the centre

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Bangalow, A pretty hinterland village of cafés, boutiques and a Saturday market.

Morning: Killen Falls - a swimmable waterfall you can stand behind, near Bangalow.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Bangalow, A pretty hinterland village of cafés, boutiques and a Saturday market.

Evening: The Farm Byron Bay for paddock-to-plate dining and a relaxed morning.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Hinterland market produce and bakeries in Bangalow

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Suffolk Park, A quieter beachside base just south of town.

Morning: Broken Head Nature Reserve for quieter beaches just south of town.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Suffolk Park, A quieter beachside base just south of town.

Evening: Dinner at Açaí bowls and wholefoods cafés around town, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Suffolk Park.

Eat: Açaí bowls and wholefoods cafés around town

Hidden gems

Wategos Beach at dawn for calm water and dolphins.
Killen Falls - a swimmable waterfall you can stand behind, near Bangalow.
The Farm Byron Bay for paddock-to-plate dining and a relaxed morning.
Broken Head Nature Reserve for quieter beaches just south of town.

Getting around

The town centre and main beaches are walkable or cyclable, which is just as well because parking is scarce and expensive in peak season. For the hinterland, waterfalls and Bangalow you'll want a car. The nearest airports are Ballina (20 minutes) and Gold Coast (about an hour north).

Safety

Byron is safe and relaxed, but swim between the flags - the beaches have rips and strong currents. The town gets very crowded and pricey over summer and Schoolies in November; book ahead. Sun protection is essential, and keep valuables secure on the beach and in campervans.

Byron Bay in 3 days | Byron Bay in 7 days | Full Byron Bay guide