Choose from 6 Fun Things to Do in Byron Bay
ShowingFilter 1-6 of 6 listings.
Cape Byron Lighthouse
As Australia's easternmost and strongest lighthouse, Cape Byron Light is a main attraction for both the historical aspect of the building itself as well as the spectacular views it provides from the edge of Cape Byron. Opened for operation in 1901, the lighthouse provides Byron Bay visitors with a glimpse into the marine industry from years past when lighthouses had to be manned by live-in keepers so passing ships remained safe along the coast. Still active today, Cape Byron Light changed to a fully automated system in 1989, making a live-in keeper obsolete.
The eastern coast of Australia sees humpback whale migrations each year, and the lighthouse platform acts as the perfect vantage point for its 500,000 annual visitors, as well as the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre, which is located on the premises.
The lighthouse itself stands 74 feet tall (22.5 meters); an internal spiral staircase reaches from the lobby to its viewing platform. Onsite still stands the original lighthouse keeper's residence next to the assistant keepers' duplex. The original, kerosene-based light source has been upgraded over the years with a switch to electric in 1956. This is also the time when the light became the most powerful in all of Australia's lighthouses with an intensity of 2,200,000 cd.
The eastern coast of Australia sees humpback whale migrations each year, and the lighthouse platform acts as the perfect vantage point for its 500,000 annual visitors, as well as the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre, which is located on the premises.
The lighthouse itself stands 74 feet tall (22.5 meters); an internal spiral staircase reaches from the lobby to its viewing platform. Onsite still stands the original lighthouse keeper's residence next to the assistant keepers' duplex. The original, kerosene-based light source has been upgraded over the years with a switch to electric in 1956. This is also the time when the light became the most powerful in all of Australia's lighthouses with an intensity of 2,200,000 cd.
Practical Info
Cape Byron Light stands at the edge of Cape Byron just 1.9 miles (3 km)
northeast of Byron Bay. Located at the end of Lighthouse Road, parking
is available at the site, in addition to restrooms and picnic tables.
The site is open daily from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm except for Christmas Day.
Address: Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: Daily from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm except for Christmas Day
From $ 51
Minyon Falls
From the lookout at Minyon Falls, visitors will hear the roar of cascading, rushing water as it falls over the rock formations and gathers in a natural swimming pool down below. In addition to the waterfall, travelers can also catch coastal views and let the surrounding rain forest engulf their senses. Whether visiting the falls while passing through on a hiking trek or a cycling adventure, stop and enjoy this World-Heritage-listed wonder at Nightcap National Park.
Provided picnic tables and barbecue pits make the falls an excellent place to rest and refuel for the journey back out of the park. Take a dip in the freshwater pool beneath the falls before heading off!
Practical Info
Minyon Falls is located in the eastern precinct of Nightcap National Park in New South Wales. The lookout is a short walk from the Minyon Falls parking lot and is open from sunrise to sunset, pending poor weather or fire danger. Check the local weather beforehand, as the falls are most active after wet weather. Bring your own drinking water.
Address: Newton Dr., Nightcap, New South Wales 2480, Australia
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, pending poor weather or fire danger
From $ 110
Mount Warning
Looming over the hinterlands north-west of Byron Bay, the 3,792-foot (1156-meter) peak of Mount Warning is not only the region's highest peak but also, due to its proximity to Australia's easterly point, the first area of the mainland to receive sunlight. The chance to be the first to see the sunrise has long enticed hikers to scale its summit, and the 5.6-mile (9 km), four-hour round-trip hike is a scenic route, weaving through subtropical rainforest and offering spectacular views out over the coast and the surrounding Wollumbin National Park.
Mount Warning also has a long historic significance, named by Captain James Cook to warn approaching seamen of the coastal reefs at Point Danger, and boasting a rich Aboriginal heritage, home to the indigenous Bundjalung people.
Practical Info
Mount Warning is located around 60 km northwest of Byron Bay in New South Wales.
Address: New South Wales, Australia
From $ 140
Nightcap National Park
Australia can be a naturelover's paradise, and Nightcap National Park is no exception. Located in northeast New South Wales, the World Heritage listed rainforests of the park present a spectacular backdrop for outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, picnics and bushwalks. The historic trails and Aboriginal landmarks of Nightcap offer a look at an ancient, untouched Australia "” including the 20 million year old Wollumbin shield volcano.
For the adventure hound, Nightcap boasts breathtaking tracks and trails to get adrenaline pumping. Animal lovers will appreciate the park's conservation efforts to protect threatened wildlife like the masked owl and regent bowerbirds, while nature nuts can explore the meandering creeks as they give way to the cascading waterways of Minyon Falls, all set to a soundtrack of chattering critters and rare amphibians.
Practical Info
Nightcap National Park is located at Newton Drive, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) north of Lismore and 19 miles (30 kilometers) southeast of Murwillumbah in New South Wales. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, pending poor weather or fire danger. While there is no fee to enter the park, the costs of activities, including camping, may vary.
Address: Newton Drive, Nightcap, New South Wales 2480, Australia
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, pending poor weather or fire danger
From $ 110
Belongil Beach
Known for having several diverse sections – a dog-friendly beach area, an area containing great surf thanks to The Wreck, and a nude-friendly area – Belongil Beach satisfies the needs of many beach goers in Byron Bay. The popular coastline stretches for 2.5km to the north of Byron Bay's Main Beach, all the way up to the Belongil Creek mouth.
Dog owners are free to take their four-footed friends in the section of Belongil Beach spanning from the Main Beach car park to Manfred Street, which is great for exercise, for both man and beast.
On the opposite end of the beach, up north near the Belongil Creek mouth, gathers individuals who prefer to take their beach experience in the nude. Although not officially legal, this area of Belongil is well-known for naturist spirits to run free, so be aware.
On the southern end of the beach lies The Wreck. The SS Wollongbar sunk here in a cyclone back in 1922 and continues to sit just 30 meters off-shore. While The Wreck makes for a perfect snorkel exploration in calmer waters, the main benefit of this sunken ship would be the surf break it creates.
Visitors that just prefer a good swim will do better in the beach's southern shores.
Dog owners are free to take their four-footed friends in the section of Belongil Beach spanning from the Main Beach car park to Manfred Street, which is great for exercise, for both man and beast.
On the opposite end of the beach, up north near the Belongil Creek mouth, gathers individuals who prefer to take their beach experience in the nude. Although not officially legal, this area of Belongil is well-known for naturist spirits to run free, so be aware.
On the southern end of the beach lies The Wreck. The SS Wollongbar sunk here in a cyclone back in 1922 and continues to sit just 30 meters off-shore. While The Wreck makes for a perfect snorkel exploration in calmer waters, the main benefit of this sunken ship would be the surf break it creates.
Visitors that just prefer a good swim will do better in the beach's southern shores.
Practical Info
Belongil Beach is easily reached by a 20 minute walk from Byron's Main Beach, or by car. A 50-space car park is available for visitors.
Address: Belongil Beach, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
Admission: Parking Lot Fee: $7 per day
From $ 44
Cape Byron
Australia mainland's easternmost point of Cape Byron possesses a number of reasons to pay it a visit: the Cape Byron Light, the Cape Byron Marine Park, and the Cape Byron walking track. Set about 1.9 miles (3 km) northeast of the quaint Byron Bay, Cape Byron lies in the Cape Byron State Conservation Area.
A day trip from Byron Bay can be spent first at the Cape Byron Light – a lighthouse that was opened in 1901 and is still in use today. A climb to the top, through the internal spiral staircase, brings visitors to a glorious viewing platform looking out across the Pacific Ocean, which is a prime place to catch whales, sea turtles, dolphins and other passing wildlife.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the many sheltered beaches and protected reefs that encompass the 54,000 acre Cape Byron Marine Park. Swimming, fishing (in some areas), kayaking and diving are all possible around Cape Byron, the latter of which is good for getting up close and personal with the likes of sea turtles, fish, rays and sharks. But getting in or on the water isn't always necessary; whale watching and dolphin spotting are popular from the shore.
Catch a bit of fresh air and exercise by hitting Cape Byron's 2.3 mile (3.7 km) walking track. This track takes walkers and cyclists to top attractions such as the Captain Cook Lookout, Palm Valley, Wategos Beach and the Cape Byron Lighthouse.
A day trip from Byron Bay can be spent first at the Cape Byron Light – a lighthouse that was opened in 1901 and is still in use today. A climb to the top, through the internal spiral staircase, brings visitors to a glorious viewing platform looking out across the Pacific Ocean, which is a prime place to catch whales, sea turtles, dolphins and other passing wildlife.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy the many sheltered beaches and protected reefs that encompass the 54,000 acre Cape Byron Marine Park. Swimming, fishing (in some areas), kayaking and diving are all possible around Cape Byron, the latter of which is good for getting up close and personal with the likes of sea turtles, fish, rays and sharks. But getting in or on the water isn't always necessary; whale watching and dolphin spotting are popular from the shore.
Catch a bit of fresh air and exercise by hitting Cape Byron's 2.3 mile (3.7 km) walking track. This track takes walkers and cyclists to top attractions such as the Captain Cook Lookout, Palm Valley, Wategos Beach and the Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Practical Info
Located just 1.9 miles (3 km) from the center of Byron Bay, Cape Byron is easily reached by car. The Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open to the public from 8am to sunset.
Address: Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Hours: 8am to sunset
From $ 66