Byron Bay - From Hippies to Hollywood Celebrities

Byron Bay was once known for its alternative culture, laid-back surfers, and off-the-grid hippies in the 1970s. Byron may now be a little more polished, with five-star restaurants and world-class Beaches packed with celebrities beneath Beach Tents.

You'll still be able to discover fantastic surf breaks and tranquil yoga retreats that pay homage to Byron's hippie history.

You'll meet solo trekkers and celebrities like Chris Hemsworth while you're there. Every year, Byron Bay maintains its popularity, with one thing staying constant every year: it's a fantastic destination for anybody.

There is certainly no end of things to do and places to see in Byron Bay. To make the most of your visit, it’s worth planning ahead.

The local team at Byron Bay Beach Life has put together a few of their favourites for your next Byron visit.

TOP 11 THINGS TO DO & SEE IN BYRON BAY

1. Cape Byron Lighthouse

The Cape Byron Lighthouse was first lit on December 18, 1909. This day is celebrated each year by the community with a ceremony and fireworks display.

The lighthouse is one of Australia's most well-known landmarks. For almost a century, it has guided ships through stormy seas, and it still stands watch today as one of the final lighthouses constructed in NSW back then.

Despite its modest size, the lighthouse has a rich history. The first oil was used as the primary fuel source for the light and generator house when it was lit in 1909. It wasn't until 10 years later that oil was replaced with oil; it is still being utilized today.

When the lighthouse was originally built, it stood at over 30 metres high. However, in the 1960's it was reduced to its current height of 24 metres.

The current light is visible from 22 nautical miles away, and the site itself is open to visitors.

The lighthouse offers some spectacular views of Byron Bay and beyond. If you're lucky, you might be able to spot a pod of dolphins out on the water!

2. Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk

If you love scenic coastal walks then the Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk is for you. The whole 3.4km track takes about an hour to complete, but you can take your time and enjoy the view at all of the key lookout points along the way.

When you reach the lighthouse, take a moment to walk around and check it out. There's plenty of grassy areas nearby where you can relax and enjoy your picnic lunch. You can even climb up into the lighthouse for that classic photo opportunity if you're feeling energetic!

In addition to being a great place for a casual stroll, this track is also perfect for running or cycling. The track is flat throughout the majority of the walk, only rising slightly near the end up to a viewing platform overlooking Byron Bay and Tallows Beach.

3. Stone & Wood Brewery

If you enjoy a nice cold beer, then be sure to add Stone & Wood Brewery on your list of things to do in Byron Bay.

The award-winning brewery is one of the most popular destinations in Byron Bay's Industrial Estate, and they're constantly coming up with something new and wonderful to sample!

Once you arrive, you can try out some of their classic beers on tap while you munch on some delicious burgers or wood fired pizzas.

There's also a tasting paddle if you want to get creative with your taste buds. This is a fantastic method to try out a few different tastes without getting full, and when it comes to the food, it's delicious and there's a great atmosphere among locals and tourists alike.

4. Wategos Beach

If you're on the hunt for a nice, quiet beach, then Wategos is your answer.

Wategos Beach is one of Byron's finest picnic, paddle, and play areas. It is located north of Cape Byron and the lighthouse.

This lovely beach on the northern side of Cape Byron is a must-see if you're going to the North Cape. It's a fantastic location to picnic and play because it is sheltered by the headland from the rougher seas that extend beyond.

It's also a favorite haunt for the local bottlenose dolphins, who use it for fun activities such as surfing on the incoming surf.

You may prepare your lunch on one of the free beachside barbecues and eat it outdoors, on the beach, or at one of the picnic tables.

You'll be ready to tackle the steep steps at the beach's end up to Cape Byron and the lighthouse after you've cooled down and refuelled.

As always on any beach to get the most out of your day on the sand a great Beach Tent is essential to protect against the harsh sun rays.

5. Byron Bay Bluesfest

The Byron Bay Bluesfest is Australia's premier blues and roots music festival.

The last few years have been a little trickly with Covid Lockdowns and the event being put on hold but it is one of Australia's premier music events when it is up and running.

The event has grown from a modest, local effort into one of the most significant festivals on the Australian calendar, with visitors coming from all over the world.

It's now a symbol for this gorgeous region as well as an important economic driver for the Byron Bay town.

Some people argue that it has become a part of the local culture!

The Bluesfest brings together diverse communities through live performances by some of the greatest international and Australian musicians in any musical genre, including rock, jazz, soul, folk, and country music.

It is approximately 30 years since its inception and is an unforgettable week-long celebration as it continues to grow into one of Australia’s best loved events.

6. Byron Bay Farmers Market

The Byron Bay Farmers Market is a community event that brings people together with locally grown produce, food and craft.

On offer are fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey, dairy products, meats including beef and lamb as well as seafoods such as prawns and crab.

There is also an extensive range of hand-made crafts which include pottery, glassware items made by local artists plus clothing for men women and children.

The market also has a coffee van with hot drinks available all day long or if you fancy something cold there's plenty of soft drink options too! You can either pick up something to eat while you're there or bring your own picnic basket.

At the time of this article the Farmers Market is held at Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481 every Thursday from 7am

There's plenty of parking available at the markets too so it makes for a good day out.

7. Cape Byron Gin Distillery

You can also enjoy a tour and tasting at the Cape Byron Distillery and watch how their award-winning range of gins, vodkas and liqueurs are made.

As you walk through the distillery’s doors it becomes immediately evident that the people behind this company love what they do.

They've got three premium gin products; Byron Bay Distillery Gin, Belongil Beach Gin and Jillian Jay.

All of these gins have a distinct flavor profile that corresponds to their region's natural environment, including wild botanicals collected from the rainforest that surrounds them, dry Australian wines, and local fruits.

Another feature is their craft liqueurs which are created in small batches.

The restaurant offers high-quality food reflecting the same passion and flair.

The menu is an eclectic mix of locally grown, harvested or foraged produce with European flavours. The dishes are rustic but refined using only the best available ingredients.

The food has a Mediterranean influence; think fresh local squid ink pasta, king prawns with stone-chilli vinaigrette and roast pumpkin, homemade Mediterranean-style lamb sausage with sautéed wood mushrooms served on grilled Turkish bread with roasted capsicum, or beef shin ragu served with parsnip puree.

A great experience which may have you converted to a Gin lover moving forward.

8. Tallows Beach

Tallow Beach is 3.2 kilometers from the centre of Byron Bay town.

Tallows is a huge stretch of Beach stretching all the way from the bottom of the Lighthouse down to Broken Head.

Tallows a fantastic beach for swimming, birdwatching, whale viewing, beach fishing, and just laying out a towel to soak up the rays.

Tallow Beach is a buzz with ospreys and white-bellied sea eagles searching for food along the coast. Pied oystercatchers wander by as you relax on the sand, looking for pippis. Birders will discover more species in the dunes adjacent to residential areas, where many paper bark trees offer plenty of hiding

Cozy corner at the end of Tallows Beach - under the Lighthouse is one of the best beaches for protection from a strong Northerly wind. On any given day there will be a range of Sun Shelters creating a great atmosphere for beach lovers including Beach Tents, Pop up Beach Tents, Beach Umbrellas, Cool Cabanas, Coleman Beach Tent, Kmart Beach Tents, and everything in between.

9. The Farm

The Farm, is essentially a working farm with a variety of independent enterprises pursuing the same goal: "Grow, Feed, and Educate." Come see for yourself how a farm functions, promotes the environment, and contributes to a healthier lifestyle.

The Farm has something for everyone across great food and hands on farm related activities. They grow fruit and vegetables, raise poultry and sheep, make cheese and ice cream, produce honey, jams and chutneys.

Located about 10minutes from the Town Centre at 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale.

10. Whale Watching

The Whale Watching season for the Bay is from May to October. The best months are June, July and August when you can expect sightings of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).

The Bays whale watching hot spots are The Lighthouse, Main Beach, Ewingsdale, Broken Head and Lighthouse Beach.

Alternatively there are a number of Whale Watching Tour options from the Bay with many operators in town that available for bookings for a day to remember.

11. Watch the sunrise and sunset from the Beach.

Sunrise vs Sunset…what will win?

Either option, your beach trip at Byron Bay has some pretty spectacular Sunrises and Sunsets. A perfect time to reflect on the day, reflect on your life perhaps.

Some popular spots to watch the Sunrise:

Tallows, Broken Head Beach, Byron Bay Lighthouse.

Some Popular spots to watch the Sunset:

Byron Bay Lighthouse, The Pass & Belongil Beach, The Beach Hotel Beer Garden, The Wreck Carpark, Main Beach Byron Bay.

One of the best beaches to sit under your Beach Tent at the end of a day at the beach and enjoy the Sunset is Clarkes Beach takes in an amazing view of the Bay, The Mountains, The Pass and plenty of Beach Lovers enjoying the sun setting vibe.