Once the sole haunt of hippies, new age proponents, backpackers, and stoners, the glistening waters, optimal swell, mild temperatures, and laidback lifestyle of Byron Bay have lured celebrities, multimillionaires, and property developers to its bucolic shores. Though it may have shed the cloud of smoke that once lingered over the coastal town, even cleaned up Byron Bay remains a laidback haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life — if you know where to look.
The main township of Byron Bay is situated next to the aptly named Main Beach, while a little further east is the quieter—and somewhat chicer—Wategos Beach, home to waterfront fine dining institution Rae’s. While there’s ample enjoyment to be had in the township, nature lovers will want to head north to the hinterlands of Byron Bay to explore the lush rainforests and visit the watering hole that is Minyon Falls. Alternatively, those who long for a taste of the counterculture Byron Bay was once known for would do well to visit Mullumbimby, where crystals, farmers markets, and slow living continue to reign supreme.
Deftly combining luxury with bohemian charm, our Byron Bay destination guide covers the best things to do and see in the coastal town—when you’re not lazing by the beach, that is–as well as what to eat and where to stay.
Where to stay in Byron Bay
Elements of Byron
So adroit in crafting an all-encompassing space is Elements of Byron that one needn’t even leave the resort to have a fulfilling getaway — though it also makes for a good jumping off point to explore both the main township and the hinterlands. Making use of its beachfront location and green spaces in equal measure, the resort’s offerings include nature trails and a beach club as well as man made gems like a vast lagoon pool, an adults only pool with a swim-up bar, the world class Osprey spa, and gym facilities.
Related: Elements Of Byron Is An All-Encompassing Haven That Epitomises Barefoot Luxury
Guests stay in one- or two-bedroom villas, each of which takes its design cues from the surrounding landscape. While many make a pilgrimage to Byron Bay during the summer, its mild temperatures make it an ideal winter escape — with Elements of Byron’s temperature-controlled pools making it all the more appealing.
Price: from $650AUD/night
Address: 144 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
Explore and book Elements of Byron here.
Sun Ranch
Spanning 55 acres of regenerative farmland in the hinterlands of Byron Bay, Sun Ranch melds cowboy culture with coastal culture on Australia’s east coast. Combining 1970s Californian ranch design influences with contemporary Spanish style, Sun Ranch is bathed in warm, earthy tones—thought bold splashes of colour appear throughout—and features organic, curvilinear forms.
Related: Sun Ranch Is The Ideal Getaway For Style-Conscious Urban Cowboys
Guests can choose from one of the pool rooms, located in the main longhouse, or opt for one of the luxurious two-bedroom barns or the cosy premier suite (we’d recommend the former during spring and summer and one of the latter two in autumn and winter). There’s a chic pool club (with cocktails delivered poolside), daily morning yoga, and a cold plunge and wood-fired sauna combo.
Price: from $700AUD/night (two-night minimum)
Address: 17 Byron Creek Rd, Coopers Shoot, NSW, Australia
Explore and book Sun Ranch here.
Raes on Wategos
Raes on Wategos has been a dining institution for three decades, with the waterfront outpost celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The Raes on Wategos boutique hotel offering equally excels, offering an intimate luxury experience. With two penthouses and five suites, each boasting chic Mediterranean-inspired design details (courtesy of a redesign by Tamsin Johnson) and water views, the boutique hotel has charm in spades. There’s a luxurious spa—which uses Santa Maria Novella products, no less—while the pool is flanked by crispy white daybeds and cabanas from which guests can have drinks and snacks delivered.
Price: from $600AUD/night
Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
Explore and book Raes on Wategos here.
Copperstone
For those desirous of true escapism, might we recommend Copperstone? Founded by Emma and Tom Lane, co-founders of Byron Bay favourite The Farm, Copperstone unfolds over almost 50 acres of countryside just outside the hinterland town of Bangalow. Conceived as an agrarian destination, Copperstone advocates for slow living and a respect for nature, with its chic European design instantly transporting one to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Bathed in warm, earthy tones of pink, rose, ecru, and brown, the five-bedroom homestead is home to an array of recreational facilities including a pool house, stables, dressage arena, gym, tennis court, games room, and an infrared sauna and ice bath.
Price: on enquiry
Address: 165 Lismore Rd, Bangalow, NSW, Australia
Explore and enquire about Copperstone here.
What to do and see in Byron Bay
Beach hopping
Once upon a time, a destination guide to Byron Bay would begin and end with its beaches. While the coastal town now has a lot more to offer, its beaches still remain the key drawcard. One can easily wile away the time simply flitting from one beach to the next. The main township is situated next to the Main Beach, which is an ideal place to swim or surf, or simply enjoy fish and chips or a gelato in front of. Keen surfers will want to experience the swell at The Pass, while sunseekers (wear your sunscreen!) should pay a visit to Wategos Beach. The latter is a particular favourite here at Albert Review, with the pretty and easily accessible beach tucked beneath the cliffs of Cape Byron.
Tea ceremony at Cloud Hidden Tea
Tucked within the industrial area of Byron Bay is a moody space outfitted with rustic interiors and traditional Japanese fabrics. A tea ceremony at Cloud Hidden Tea is a special—and decidedly Byron-esque—experience. Expect to enjoy tea alongside meditation in shared silence with strangers over a 30- or 60-minute session.
Address: Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
The Banya
Bringing European-style communal bathing to Australia’s east coast, The Banya is an adults only social bathing and dining experience. A contemporary take on a traditional bathhouse, The Banya features a lap pool, two hot mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna, a steam room, and a cold pluge. There’s also a rooftop sundeck to sun yourself post-treatment in one of the massage rooms, while the on-site bar and dining room serve nutritious locally sourced fare alongside wine, cocktails, and healthy smoothies and juices.
Address: 35-37 Burringbar St, Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia
Cape Byron Lighthouse walk
Enjoying the sunrise from the Cape Byron Lighthouse is a quintessential Byron Bay experience. Skip the car and go on foot; it’s less than an hour’s walk to the lighthouse from the main township, and you’ll get an endless stream of beautiful coastal views from various vantage points along the way.
Horse riding on the beach (or forest)
Byron Bay-based horse riding school Zephyr Horses offers two-hour horse tours that begin in the geographically diverse subtropical woodlands and end up on the beach. For the best vibes—and views—opt for one of the sunrise or sunset timings.
Minyon Falls
Located in the hinterlands of Byron Bay (about a 45-minute drive from the township), Minyon Falls is a dramatic 100-metre waterfall located in the Nightcap National Park. While you can view it from above (along with panoramic views of the hinterlands), it’s best seen from below; a four- to five-hour looped walking track (13km all up) will take you to the base of the falls where you can swim.
Address: Minyon Loop W, Whian Whian, NSW, Australia
Where to dine in Byron Bay
Raes on Wategos
Raes on Wategos has been a mainstay on must-dine lists for three decades. Its peerless beachfront setting is aptly matched by warm and friendly linen-clad staff and Jason Saxby on the pans. The executive chef places an emphasis on native ingredients and locally sourced produce, executed with a Mediterranean twist; think market fish grilled over lemon myrtle and served with heirloom zucchini and squash, or hand-rolled fregola dressed with native curry butter and laced with sweetcorn miso. Ending on a sweet note, Saxby’s menu is closed out by a tight selection of desserts, including an elevated take on a nostalgic Australian recess staple, the Iced Vovo, and a lemon meringue bombe, the restaurant’s take on a bombe Alaska. Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for here with a dedicated menu, while the coastal influence means the seafood doesn’t disappoint. Raes on Wategos offers both two- and three-course menus (you’ll be wanting the three-course) as well as a full degustation.
Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
Three Blue Ducks
One of the several micro-businesses housed on The Farm in Ewingsdale, Byron Bay—each united by their promotion of sustainably dining with a farm-to-table ethos—Three Blue Ducks is the working farm’s on-site restaurant. Located within a rustic farmhouse (if you’re there for lunch, the undercover patio boasts sweeping views of the hinterlands), Three Blue Ducks dishes out seasonal meals that hero local produce (sourced from The Farm as well as other NSW and QLD growers and producers). Fare at Three Blue Ducks is hearty and unpretentious—dishes are exactly what they say on the menu, and come sans conceptual musings or ‘deconstruction’—with generous serving sizes. It’s open for breakfast and lunch daily and for dinner from Friday to Sunday, with guests also able to enjoy curated picnic hampers, each teaming with housemade goods from the restaurant’s produce store, on the grounds of The Farm.
Address: 11 Ewingsdale Road Byron Bay, Ewingsdale, NSW, Australia
Cardamom Pod
Tucked into a small alley in the heart of the township of Byron Bay, Cardamom Pod is a favourite for unfussy, nutritious vegan and vegetarian fare with an Indian twist. Having been around since 2001, Cardamom Pod has made a name for itself thanks to its healthy meals. Prices are by plate size, with a cabinet showcasing the hot dishes and cold salads on offer. The dishes on offer alter daily, however the vegan koftas in tomato sauce are always a must.
Address: 8/7 Lawson St, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
Folk
Situated inside a converted weatherboard cottage, Folk serves up the kind of quintessential healthy cafe staples that come to mind when one hears the words ‘Byron Bay’ — but, it does them well. The vegan and vegetarian menu features breakfast and lunch staples like nourish bowls, acai bowls, granola and vegan yogurt, and housemade banana bread alongside heartier meals such as the Folk burrito (highly recommend) and poached eggs on sourdough, as well as a selection of sweet treats. Naturally, there’s also an array of dairy-free smoothies and vibey lattes on offer (try the spiced cacao and cardamom hot chocolate with the housemade nut milk).
Address: 1/399 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
Light Years
Reimagining traditional Asian dishes for the coastal locale, Light Years guarantees a good time. Share plates—try the miso caramel eggplant and BBQ king prawns—and creative cocktails are served in a convivial atmosphere, with the curvilinear Studio Plenty- and Sarah Ellison-designed space clad in terracotta tiles and bathed in warm earthy tones.
Address: 139 Jonson St, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia
Where to shop in Byron Bay
Byron Bay-based St. Agni embodies the coastal town’s loadback attitude, albeit with an elevated bent. Known for its cool-girl staples (think cupro jersey tops and mini dresses, baby tees, and low-rise trousers), the brand’s flagship store is imbued with a relaxed minimalism befitting of the clothing it houses. More into the overt boho aesthetic? Spell is the store to visit, with bold colours and vibrant patterns adorning contemporary bohemian resort wear that’s designed to effortlessly flit from beach to bar and back again.
Homeware aficionados will want to pay a visit to Marr-Kett, home to a curated selection of both new and vintage home essentials and knicknacks. Likewise, there’s artisanal homewares aplenty at Tigmi Trading, which is teeming with chic furniture, rugs, and decorative objects all presented within an inspiration-inducing showroom.
Words by T. Angel
Feature image courtesy of Copperstone
