Once a sleepy hippy town, Byron Bay is now the counter-culture centre of Australia and anyone with a love of nature, organics or crystals is bound to find themselves there sooner or later! The town is full of young people and also has a bustling, bohemian crew with plenty of backpackers looking to keep the party going. A small town, with a big city atmosphere, many think Byron Bay is the perfect middle ground. Check it out and decide for yourself with these, the 10 best things to do there.
10. Shop at the Markets
The monthly Byron Bay markets are pretty famous and well worth timing your visit for, when the whole town turns out do its shopping! There is a huge range of stuff on sale here, from organic veggies to clothing, and most of it is pretty good value. There is also lots of free entertainment and food to tempt you too. If you’re market-hungry, then don’t forget to check out some of the smaller surrounding towns around Byron such as Lennox Heads and Mullumbimby – they too offer some great markets.
9. Learn to Surf
All along the East Coast of Australia are some great surf spots and Byron Bay is no exception. The beauty here is that the beach is fairly sheltered, with tamer waves, making it the perfect place to learn. There are some schools to help you up in town itself, or why not find someone who looks like they know what they’re doing and see if they’ll show you the ropes instead!njoy the Free Music
8. Enjoy the Free Music
Byron Bay is a busking hotspot and musical entertainment on the streets here is actively encouraged. As such, there are always some colourful characters ready to entertain you through one musical genre or another. In addition to this, many of the pubs, cafes and bars in Byron have regular live music nights where you can often check out a hotbed of local talent. Get amongst it!ry Hang Gliding
7. Try Hang Gliding
One of the early hang gliding spots in Australia, Byron Bay’s spectacular natural setting lends itself to being enjoyed from the air. Gliding out over the crystal ocean, maybe spotting a dolphin or too, and then admiring the lush green rainforest behind you, well, it’s hard to beat!Venture into Broken Head Nature Reserve
6. Venture into Broken Head Nature Reserve
Heading south out of Byron Bay, you’ll reach the small hamlet of Broken Head. The turning off the highway here into the nature reserve is pretty hidden, but if you manage to find it, you’ll be rewarded with a ‘locals-in-the-know only’ natural paradise. Lush rainforest tracks lead down to several white sand beaches, some with nobody on them. Enjoy perfect waves, solo sunbaking or stellar views all to your self!oin the Yoga Brigade
5. Join the Yoga Brigade
I think Byron Bay is probably the place on earth with the most yoga teachers per sqkm! There are hundreds here and a huge number of classes to match. So why not join them when in Byron and asana to your heart’s content while aligning your chakras and getting flexible at the same time! Or am I preaching to the converted?!
4. Get Kayaking
Kayaking out in the gorgeous ocean around Byron Bay is a great adventure to enjoy while you are here. There are several companies that can hire kayaks out to you or provide you with tours lasting between a few hours and a whole day if you’re keen. Enjoy the peacefulness of life out at sea as you get to experience the stunning natural features that helped made Byron the popular spot it is today – sun, sea and sand!
3. Go Whale Watching
Between June and November every year, pods of humpback whales can be seen off the coast of Byron Bay as they make the long journey up from Antarctica to give birth and rear their young. At this time of year, you have a very good chance of spotting these magnificent giants of the ocean and there are plenty of boats running out of Byron to help you do just that. Once you see the rising back and splashing tale of a whale in the wild, you’ll never forget it.
2. Walk to the Lighthouse
Byron Bay Lighthouse marks the most easterly point of Australia’s coastline and, between it and the centre of town, there is a gorgeous little coastal boardwalk you can enjoy. Getting up early and seeing the sun rising from the lighthouse is pretty special, but the walk is delightful any time of the day and is a real must when you are visiting Byron, so definitely make the effort!xperience Hot Air Ballooning
1.Experience Hot Air Ballooning
This must be one of the best things to experience anyway, let alone with the stunning views of Byron Bay and its hinterland underneath you. A real one-in-a-lifetime opportunity, hot ballooning isn’t a cheap pursuit, but getting a few of you together or using it celebrate a special occasion makes it an awesome thing to try while in Byron Bay. There are probably few things as likely to stick in your memory forever as this!
So those are the best 10 things I reckon there is to do in Byron Bay. The most important however, is just getting there. Seriously, this town is not to be missed.
