Byron Bay Travel Guide

Byron Bay at a glance

Byron Bay sits on the far north coast of New South Wales, close to the Queensland border, around Cape Byron, the most easterly point of mainland Australia. It's a small town with a big reputation: surf culture, alternative lifestyles and long, golden beaches.

The town centre is compact, a few blocks of cafés, surf shops, bars and hostels a short walk from Main Beach. To the east, the Cape Byron Walking Track climbs to the lighthouse, past Wategos Beach and The Pass, a famous surf break. To the north, Belongil Beach stretches towards the river mouth.

Byron has changed a lot. Celebrity homes, boutique hotels and rising prices have made it one of the most expensive places on the coast, but the backpacker scene is still huge, and the hostels here are among the most social in the country.

Inland, the Northern Rivers hinterland has rainforest, waterfalls, small towns like Bangalow, and the hippie village of Nimbin.

Most travellers spend three to five days here on the way up or down the east coast, between Sydney and Brisbane.