Once you’ve paid for your bus, your hostel and your meals there isn’t always much left to spare in the backpacker’s budget. That doesn’t have to stop you enjoying the true Byron experience. Here are some of things to do in Byron Bay that won’t cost you a fortune.
- Sample the Coffee Culture
I have met a number of backpackers around the world who swear that the best coffee they’ve ever had was in Australia. Where better to test this theory than Byron Bay with its hipster café culture? For coffee enthusiasts Bayleaf offers a three cup tasting board: an espresso, a filter coffee and an ice coffee, complete with a chocolate truffle. If you like sitting on the street, people watching, Byron Fresh Café makes a coffee lover’s heart happy. My personal favourite Folk, a little out of town in Sunrise, blends perfectly the laidback Byron spirit with great coffee to create an environment you more than likely won’t want to leave.
- Watch the Sunset from the Lighthouse
The Lighthouse in Byron is iconic. It rests on the most easterly headland in Australia – if you follow the trail past the lighthouse there is a sign and photo-op – and looks out over kilometers of beach on either side. The view of the beaches and waves breaking on the rocks below is beautiful at the best of times but as the deep red sun sets behind the mountains overlooking the town the white lighthouse glows.
Backpacker tip: If you drive up to the top parking will cost you $7 but if you start driving back down, along the one-way system you will find a free parking spot not far away.
- Listen to Live Music
It is a bit hard to avoid music in Byron, be it on the beach or the street. Most evenings The Rails and The Northern Hotel host live performances for free, The Rails in a buzzing bar setting, while The Northern tends towards the club environment. To see their event schedule check out the free local newspapers, such as the Byron Bazaar, which you will find in stands around the town. Don’t forget your ID!
- Whale Watching
It is currently whale migration season. The lighthouse and headland walk beyond it are good places to try and spot them. If you want to get closer several companies around town rent kayaks and paddle boards. If you are lucky enough to get close to them be careful to respect their space. The waters around Byron are also home to a school of dolphins.
- The Beach
This one almost goes without saying. It is one of the main reasons people come to Byron and it is unlikely to disappoint. It stretches for kilometers. If you fancy being at the heart of the action then Main Beach, with its parking facilities and cafés, is for you. Alternatively if you prefer a quiet beach experience stroll further down, past an old shipwreck, to the less busy areas out by Sunrise.
- Local Markets
Every Thursday there is an organic farmers market behind the police station, starting at 8am. Stalls sell fruit, vegetables, fresh breads, cheeses, olive oil, coffee and breakfast rolls, while a gentle acoustic session sets the mood. Well worth getting up early for!
On Saturday evenings there is an artisan craft market in the center of Byron, close to The Rails.
- The Library
This one might seem odd but if you have just arrived and are looking for accommodation or a job the library provides free WIFI and a comfortable environment, without having to splash out on a coffee.
- Finally, just wander!
The welcome sign reads ‘Cheer up. Slow down. Chill out.’ Follow your feet around Byron’s maze of streets and see what you stumble upon, be it a second hand bookshop, a tucked away café or one of Bryon’s many creative stores, and enjoy the atmosphere. There’s so many things to do in Byron Bay you will have a great time!
