When Mother Nature created Byron Bay, she got it exactly right. Mountains and hinterland, stretches of pristine beaches, clear blue waters and reefs underneath.
And in between lie food, nature and cultural experiences that can fill your holiday with the unforgettable. Our curated list of Byron Bay hinterland and coastal day trips that will take you on a delightful exploration of the mountains to the reef.
Byron Bay Hinterland - To the Mountains We Go
Crystal Castle Byron Bay
81 Monet Drive, Montecollum, 20 mins drive
7 days: mid-morning to late afternoon
Grab some breakfast at a downtown Byron Bay café before heading to the hinterland to begin your day trip with pure magic. Byron Bay’s hills are naturally lined with crystals. Crystal Castle pays homage to their beauty and power in a space of incredible natural beauty. Sit in an ancient amethyst cave, wander the five hectares of Shambhala Gardens and rainforests, have an aura photo taken or join the crystal sound healing experience while the kids hit the playground.
Federal Doma Cafe
3/6 Albert Street, Federal, 34 mins drive
7 days: breakfast and lunch
Around 35 minutes south of Crystal Castle the small town of Federal is home to the locally renowned Doma café. The unassuming little cream house is surrounded by picnic tables dotted across the veranda and under the shade of nearby trees. The shabby, chic farmhouse setting is home to a kitchen famous for its bread and hand-rolled sushi. Other unbeatable items include vegetable tempura, the chicken katsu burger and the Okinawa cheesecake. Find out more about Byron Bay’s best dining options here.
Minyon Falls Lookout
Nightcap Range Road, Whian Whian
Easily one of the best views in the Byron Bay hinterland region, Minyon Falls Lookout makes for an epic afternoon walk. Just under an hour from Doma Café the lookout walk takes you through forests, over a pristine creek then to the very top of the waterfall. You can watch the water cascade into the deep, palm-shaded gorge 100m below. The entire walk is 13km return and can take three to four hours. Head to the base to cool off halfway through your walk.
Byron Industrial Estate - Run Away with the Arts
Circus Arts
17 Centennial Cct, Byron Bay, 7 mins drive
Monday to Saturday: morning to early evening
Running away with the circus was once a symbol for freedom. But what if you could feel that freedom from 10 metres high on the flying indoor trapeze? Circus Arts offers adult and children’s classes, a playground, climbing wall, a tumble track and Olympic-sized trampoline. Whether you dangle in the silks, learn to fly through the air with the greatest of ease or just want to watch the kids have an unbeatable time, Circus Arts is worth running away to.
Habitat Byron
1 Porter Street, Byron Bay, 7 mins drive
Various opening hours
Seven minutes walk from Circus Arts, the Habitat Byron Bay precinct is a purpose-built destination designed to inspire, connect and help those who visit create balance within their lives. A community hub of living, retail and workspaces, Habitat is a favourite destination for Byron Bay shopping. Local treasures have been curated into an emporium of independent homewares, skincare and fashion boutiques where you’ll find souvenirs that create spaces and fashion moments that are beautifully Byron Bay. For other retail options read our Guide to Byron shopping.
North Byron Hotel
61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, 7 mins drive
7 days: lunch and dinner until late
Only one minute from Habitat, you’ll find a kid and dog-friendly dining venue that’s a testament to the great Aussie pub. The North Byron Hotel is a mecca of good food, music and laughter. Its sweeping lawns and sunny decks are perfect spots for a sun-soaked lunch menu full of delicious food made from local produce. Watch hundreds of fairy lights glow as sun sets and live music starts to fill the air.
Solar Train
North Beach Station, Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, 7 mins drive
7 days: mid-morning to late afternoon
After your feast, take a walk just up the road to the North Beach Station to catch the solar train. A beautiful integration of past and future, the solar train is a restored 1949 era, two-carriage heritage train that is now powered by a 4.6 billion year-old power source – the sun. Watch the rainforest, endangered coastal wetlands and Belongil Creek pass by as you head back into town.
Byron Bay Day Trip on Foot
Lighthouse Walk
Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay, 19 mins walk
The Byron Bay Lighthouse walk is a regular pilgrimage for locals and a must-do for visitors. The 3.7km loop is a Grade 3 walk within the beautiful Cape Byron State Conversation Area. The well-maintained path is mostly paved and lined with grasslands and bangalow palms and knolly hills. It traverses across the clifftops with stunning views of the hinterland, renowned Byron Bay beaches such as The Pass and Wategos and the ocean beyond. Find out more about Byron Bay’s natural attraction here.
The Pass Café
1 Brooke Drive, Byron Bay, 28 mins walk
Just five minutes from Lighthouse Road, The Pass Café is the perfect spot for a lunch you won’t forget. You’ll come for the view but stay for the food. Surrounded by shady trees and an expansive deck, The Pass Café overlooks all the surf action of the famous beach below. Fill up with a gourmet beef burger or try the yakitori grilled chicken burger with a healthy smoothie or freshly squeezed juice.
Ocean Kayak
56 Lawson Street, Byron Bay, 10 mins walk
After lunch with a view, it’s time for some exploration. Just a short walk from The Pass Café, the Go Sea Kayak crew are waiting to hand you an oar. Together you’ll paddle through the shore break to the vibrant sea landscape of Julian Rocks. From your kayak you’ll spot turtles, dolphins, hundreds of fish and possibly whales – a fin slapping by way of greeting. Learn Indigenous stories and the secrets of the sea life around you before paddling home.
Whether you just want to use two feet and a heartbeat or jump and the car to explore, there is a Byron Bay hinterland or coastal day trip that will have you discovering all new reasons why you love Byron Bay.
If you want to keep the party going, check out our guide to Byron’s best nightlife.
