Things to Do in Byron Bay – Beaches, Lighthouse, Walks & Coastal Guide

Byron Bay is one of Australia’s best-known coastal destinations, famous for beaches, surfing, Cape Byron Lighthouse, coastal walks, markets, wellness culture and access to the Northern Rivers hinterland. The town is compact, but its visitor areas stretch from Belongil Beach and Main Beach through to Clarkes Beach, The Pass, Wategos Beach, Tallow Beach and Suffolk Park.

This guide highlights the best things to do in Byron Bay, including beaches, lookouts, coastal walks, markets, family-friendly activities, surf areas and nearby day trips.

Quick Answer:

Popular things to do in Byron Bay include visiting Cape Byron Lighthouse, walking the Cape Byron track, swimming at Main Beach, relaxing at Wategos Beach, watching surfers at The Pass, exploring Belongil Beach, visiting Byron Bay Markets and taking day trips to Bangalow, Brunswick Heads, Lennox Head or the Northern Rivers hinterland.

Top Attractions in Byron Bay

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Cape Byron Lighthouse is Byron Bay’s most famous landmark and one of the best-known coastal viewpoints in Australia. It sits above Cape Byron and offers sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean, beaches, headlands and surrounding coastline.

Cape Byron Walking Track

The Cape Byron Walking Track is one of the best ways to experience Byron Bay’s coastline. The route links beaches, rainforest sections, lookouts, the lighthouse and the easternmost point of mainland Australia.

Main Beach

Main Beach is the central beach closest to Byron Bay’s town centre. It is popular for swimming, beach walks, surf lessons, foreshore picnics and easy access to cafés, shops and accommodation.

The Pass

The Pass is one of Byron Bay’s best-known surf areas and a popular coastal lookout. It is located between Clarkes Beach and Wategos Beach and is often used by visitors wanting to watch surfers or enjoy ocean views.

Wategos Beach

Wategos Beach is a scenic beach beneath the lighthouse area. It is popular for swimming, picnics, relaxed beach time and coastal views near Cape Byron.

Best Beaches in Byron Bay

Belongil Beach

Belongil Beach extends north of the town centre and offers a more open, relaxed coastal setting. It is popular for beach walks, sunrise views and accommodation areas near the northern side of Byron Bay.

Clarkes Beach

Clarkes Beach sits east of Main Beach and provides access toward The Pass and the Cape Byron walking areas. It is a useful beach for visitors exploring the central coastline on foot.

Tallow Beach

Tallow Beach is a long ocean beach south of Cape Byron and forms part of a more natural coastal setting. It is close to Arakwal National Park and Suffolk Park.

Suffolk Park and Broken Head

Suffolk Park and nearby Broken Head offer quieter coastal experiences south of Byron Bay. Visitors often choose these areas for beach walks, surf, scenery and a less central atmosphere.

Markets, Shopping and Local Experiences

  • Byron Bay Markets — local market experience with food, crafts, music, produce and community atmosphere.
  • Jonson Street — central shopping, dining and visitor services corridor.
  • Byron Bay Arts and Industrial Estate — creative businesses, cafés, galleries, wellness studios and local makers.
  • Hinterland village shops — Bangalow, Mullumbimby and Federal offer village-style shopping and food experiences.
  • Beachfront foreshore areas — relaxed walking, parkland and visitor activity near Main Beach.

Nature, Parks and Outdoor Activities

  • Arakwal National Park — coastal national park near Tallow Beach and Cape Byron.
  • Cape Byron headland — lookouts, walking paths and ocean views.
  • Belongil Creek area — local waterway and coastal environment north of town.
  • Tallow Creek area — coastal waterway near Suffolk Park and Tallow Beach.
  • Broken Head Nature Reserve — coastal reserve south of Byron Bay.
  • Whale watching viewpoints — seasonal coastal viewing from headlands and lookouts.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Byron Bay

  • Spend time at Main Beach and the foreshore.
  • Walk part of the Cape Byron track.
  • Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse.
  • Relax at Wategos Beach or Clarkes Beach.
  • Explore Byron Bay Markets when operating.
  • Walk through the town centre and Jonson Street area.
  • Take a short trip to Brunswick Heads, Bangalow or Lennox Head.

Best Areas to Explore

  • Byron Bay Town Centre — shops, dining, visitor services and accommodation.
  • Main Beach and foreshore — central beach, parkland and easy walking access.
  • Belongil — northern beach area with relaxed coastal character.
  • Clarkes Beach and The Pass — surf, walking routes and coastal views.
  • Wategos Beach — scenic beach below the lighthouse.
  • Suffolk Park — quieter southern residential and beachside area.
  • Arts and Industrial Estate — creative, food and wellness-focused precinct west of town.

Day Trips from Byron Bay

Bangalow

Bangalow is a popular hinterland town near Byron Bay, known for heritage streets, cafés, shops, markets and a village atmosphere.

Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads is a coastal town north of Byron Bay with river scenery, beaches, cafés and a quieter village feel.

Lennox Head

Lennox Head is located south of Byron Bay and is known for surf, coastal views, Lake Ainsworth and relaxed beach-town character.

Mullumbimby

Mullumbimby is an inland Northern Rivers town with cafés, local shops, markets and access to hinterland scenery.

Ballina

Ballina is a larger regional coastal town south of Byron Bay, offering beaches, river areas, airport access and additional visitor services.

Suggested Two-Day Byron Bay Itinerary

On day one, explore the town centre, Main Beach, Clarkes Beach, The Pass and Wategos Beach. Walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse if conditions suit, then return to the town centre for dinner or a relaxed evening near the foreshore.

On day two, visit Belongil Beach or Tallow Beach, explore the Arts and Industrial Estate, then take a short trip to Bangalow, Brunswick Heads, Lennox Head or another Northern Rivers town.

Related Byron Bay Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Byron Bay best known for?
    Byron Bay is known for beaches, surfing, Cape Byron Lighthouse, coastal walks, markets, wellness culture and Northern Rivers hinterland access.
  • What are the best things to do in Byron Bay?
    Popular things to do include visiting Cape Byron Lighthouse, walking the Cape Byron track, swimming at Main Beach, relaxing at Wategos Beach, watching surfers at The Pass and exploring Byron Bay Markets.
  • What is the best beach in Byron Bay?
    Main Beach is the easiest for first-time visitors, while Wategos Beach, The Pass, Belongil Beach, Clarkes Beach and Tallow Beach are also popular.
  • Is Byron Bay good for a weekend trip?
    Yes. Byron Bay works well for a weekend trip because the town centre, beaches, lighthouse walk and nearby coastal areas are close together.
  • What are the best day trips from Byron Bay?
    Popular day trips include Bangalow, Brunswick Heads, Lennox Head, Mullumbimby, Ballina and the Northern Rivers hinterland.

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Attraction availability, beach conditions, surf safety, access conditions, market schedules, road conditions, transport services and visitor information may change over time. Verify important details with official sources or individual venues before travelling.