Byron Bay 11 Must Do Activities

Byron Bay is a beautiful coastal town just 100km south of the Gold Coast. The resident population swells by three or four times in the popular summer holidays and some other peak times during the year you’ll always find something to do or someone new to meet in this vibrant and happening region. Below we’ve included 11 Must do things in Byron during your working holiday, if you think we’ve missed anything, let us know!

11. Visit the Arts Factory Cinema

The Arts Factory cinema is a must visit when in Byron Bay, the comfy bean bags, romantic sofa seating and surround is perfect for a Byron Bay movie night. You’ll find different genres of movies playing from Art House to Blockbuster some made all the more interesting after a trip to Nimbim.

The cinema seats 135 people and shows movies nightly so whether you plan a few days in advance or get the last minute urge there’s always a movie showing.

10. New Years Eve

News Years is good fun everywhere but a Byron Bay NYE experience is just that little bit different. Whether you’re drinking on the beach, at Cheeky Monkey’s or the beach hotel there’s such a great fun and friendly vibe with travellers from all over the World flocking to Byron during this time of the year.

9.Reggae & Blues Fest

The Bluefest is an internationally renowned festival held every Easter at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm – 15 mins North of Byron Bay (NSW). This year expect to see, Joss Stone, Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, John Mayer, John Butler Trio, Jack Johnson along with many other performers that don’t start with J!

8. Visit the 23 Hour Bakery

To this day I still don’t know which hour they close, I did some pretty comprehensive research years back and pretty sure it’s a 24 hour operation. Nonetheless grabbing a feed at 4-5am after a few too many is always an experience. You’ll definitely meet some characters at the “ 23 Hours Bakery” .

Find the bakery at 50 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481

7. The Beach Hotel

The beach hotel is a Byron Bay landmark, nestled by the main beach with a cool beer garden, its a great place to soak up some rays have a couple beers and listen to a live band. It’s open every day of the week and they through a sweet NYE Party.

6. Sunrise & Sunset from the Lighthouse

Watching the Sunrise or Sunset from the Byron Bay lighthouse is as iconic as it comes. You’ll often get a lot of company and potentially party goers finishing their night with a pie from the 23hours bakery and watching the sunrise.

Enjoy the view and soak up Byron’s beauty.

5. Splendour in the Grass

Splendour In the Grass is an annual music, arts and culture event which was held at Jat Belongil Fields campground on the outskirts of Byron Bay from 2001 to 2009 during July/August. It is now held at the North Byron Parklands during late July early August.

Last year saw performances from Momford and suns, The National, of Monsters & Men, The Presets, Bernard Fanning, Flume, Birds of Tokyo and the list goes on. Writing this article I’m thinking I need to head up this year!

As well as the latest and best music from Australia and overseas, the festival also features local arts and crafts and cuisine. Getting tickets is very competitive their first come first serve with pre sales avaliable to people who attended the year before. Make sure you’re on top of this if serious about going.

4. Cheeky Monkeys

Cheeky Monkeys is a Byron Bay institution, getting crammed on the tight tables while dancing and drinking all night is just the Byron Bay way. There’s also wet t-shirt competition held at the bar which usually draws a crowd and is great for some banter.

Cheeky Monkeys is located down the far end of Jonson street which is a great stumble back to the many hostels in the region.

3. Surfing

Surfing lessons are a must in Byron, if you’ve got your own board then you’re already one step ahead. There’s all different sizes of waves for the most beginner of surfers to someone who’s looking for that good wave I guess it’s all just in the hands of the weather gods but there’s something for everyone.

Ask around at your backpacker hostel for which surf school is the best and if you have a positive experience or negative experience please let us know. We love sharing recommendations.

2. Skydiving

Skydiving is a great way to mix things up in one of Australia’s most relaxed and busy tourist towns. The view coming down is simply amazing, overlooking the coast stretching from Ballina to the Gold Coast.

1. Nimbim

Well it was always coming wasn’t it. Everything is just that little bit different in Nimbim, some refer to it as the Amsterdam of Australia, others say they’re still in lost somewhere in the 60’s but whatever anyone tells you it’s certainly worth the day trip out there.

We could sit here and deny that Hash cookies, brownies and magic mushrooms are sold over the counter in several shops in Nimbin, but we won’t because everyone knows it and how this ecosystem still survives is actually a bit beyond me given how tightly the Australian Police regulates drugs and drug trafficking.

If you do choose to indulge in what the locals have to offer be assured that the car ride home will be that little bit more interesting then on the way back. And please try and not distract the driver 😛