Byron Bay Accommodation

Situated approximately 36km south of Byron Bay, the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport services flights from all around Australia. The most affordable way to reach town from there is on the local 640 bus. However, a quicker option is to book a shuttle bus, taxi, or rideshare from the airport directly to your accommodation. Car rentals are also available at the airport.

If you’re driving, Byron Bay is located approximately 766km north of Sydney, and 170km south of Brisbane. It is situated about six kilometres east of the Pacific Highway, and is easily accessible by a signposted exit onto Ewingsdale Road.

Several coach services also transport visitors to Byron Bay, including Greyhound and Premier. Byron Bay Transit Centre, in the heart of town, is the stopping point for these services, and an easy stroll to most Byron Bay accommodation options.

While Byron Bay is best known for surfing, the town has a rich and diverse culinary scene to match the magnificent waves. In recent years, eating out in Byron has undergone something of a revolution, with the area growing, cooking, and serving up spectacular dishes with global origins.

Il Buco is a long time firm favourite. Tucked away just off Bay Lane, this authentic Italian joint serves fantastic pizzas and salads, as well as homemade desserts, at very reasonable prices.

Located on the edge of town is Folk, a vegetarian cafe where you really won't miss the meat. The dishes are seasonal but a perennial favourite is the avocado toast. It's the ideal spot for a lazy brunch. Three Blue Ducks is a branch of the famous Sydney restaurant, but the Byron outpost has the benefit on space. This restaurant and produce store backs onto a large farm, where many of their organic ingredients are grown. If you're travelling with the kids, purchase one of their excellent picnic baskets and then head out to the farm to enjoy your food in the Aussie sunshine.

Byron Bay's outdoor pursuits and natural beauty make it an incredibly child-friendly destination. The star attraction here is, without question, the beaches. Byron's main beach has much smaller waves than those around it and is therefore more suited to kids or those with limited surfing experience. Clarkes Beach is very sheltered and thus ideal for smaller children and those who aren't as confident in the water.

The town also has a dive centre where you can arrange snorkelling or dive trips, including getting your SCUBA certification. If you're visiting in September and October, there's an excellent chance that you might spot whales and dolphins swimming close to the shore, but your family can maximise your chances of seeing them if you book an organised whale-watching expedition.

The walk from the centre of town to the Byron Light House is achievable for all the family, and the views from the top are outstanding. There's also a cafe at the summit where you can stop for a cold refreshment before making your way back to the beach.

Woody's Surf Shack is a local favourite in Byron Bay. Its retro vibes attract a young, hip, and trendy crowd, but the atmosphere is distinctly unpretentious. The surfboards which decorate the room and the laid-back vibes capture the essence of the area, and if you aren't into dancing you can make good use of the excellent outdoor patio or play a game of pool. La La Land is a more upmarket affair, with Asian-influenced decor that's a fun mix of chic and low-key. They also serve excellent cocktails.

If you'd prefer to spend the evening doing something a little more laid-back, keep in mind that Byron Bay is surrounded by a collection of small villages. These are perfect for evening walks and stargazing. You can also catch a film at the Byron Lounge Cinema or the charming Pighouse Flicks.

The town of Bangalow is located a little inland from Byron Bay and is known for its well-preserved Federation Shops. The main street is also peppered with charming shops and boutiques, as well as locally-run cafes and restaurants.

The wider area surrounding Byron Bay is known as Rainbow Region. Here, the verdant farmland and small, sleepy villages can easily be explored with a rental car, and offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. For those who want to explore a little farther afield, the city of Brisbane is located 175km north of Byron Bay.

Byron Bay has a festive heart, and it hosts many major music festivals and other special events throughout the year. Taking place over the New Year period, The Falls Music and Arts Festival is one of the biggest and best, attracting top acts from around Australia and beyond. In addition to live music performances, the festival features dance, theatre, comedy, and circus.

Taking place every February, the Byron Bay Surf Festival is a celebration of the town's surfing culture, and an eclectic mix of music, art, yoga, workshops, and many special events related to surfing. Other major local festivals include Byron Bay Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay Writers Festival, and the Byron Bay International Film Festival.