The Best Things To Do In Byron Bay In 2025
Eloise Luke
Contributor | Urban List
While we don’t like to pick favourites, when it comes to cool coastal gems, they don’t get much greater than Byron Bay.
As well as boasting uber-cool boutiques, restaurants serving up some of the freshest produce and a slew of excellent watering holes, it’s also home to legendary festivals like Splendour In The Grass and Bluesfest.
If you are planning on visiting this sweet spot (and we highly recommend you do), or a local wanting to do a little exploring, these are Urban List's picks for the best things to see, eat and do in Byron Bay.
The Best Things To Do In Byron At A Glance
Jump to:
- Where To Eat, Drink & Party: Our Hit List
- Where To Shop
- Where To Explore
- Where To Stay: Our Hit List
Where To Eat, Drink & Party: Our Hit List
We aren't strangers to Byron Bay hospo—we've put in the time (and tastings) to gather our more detailed lists of the best restaurants, cafes, and drinking holes around town. But for those moments when you just need a once-over of the top spots, this hit-list is where we'd be taking you.
Folk Byron Bay
399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay
Image Credit: Folk Byron Bay | Instagram
We’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t kick off our list with Folk Byron Bay. This cutesy cafe is quintessentially Byron—think white-washed interiors, top-notch chow, and rustic al fresco seating nestled among pot plants and palms. It’s located on the town’s outskirts, too, which can make parking a little easier.
Folk’s menu is fully vegetarian, but don’t let the lack of protein put you off. Choose between cafe classics like scrambled eggs with house chilli chutney and original dishes like the Folk Burrito, a stacked combination of rice, quinoa, black beans, sauerkraut, and pumpkin that is truly excellent.
Insider intel
- Add a coffee made on Dukes beans to amp up your morning.
Cosmos
Coorabell Hall, 565 Coolamon Scenic Drive
Image credit: Coffee At Cosmos | Instagram
If you are out on a drive through the Byron Hinterlands, you might come across Cosmos—a tiny, quirky red coffee and cake cart on the side of the road. It may appear pretty cute and unassuming, but the owner (Queenie) has fixed residency behind the machine, whipping up a stellar brew to go along with a selection of artisan baked goods.
If you do manage to stop by, start your day with a fresh crossaint from Masa, an iced matcha, and a bouquet of fresh flowers. Coorabell Hall often hosts small flea markets and events, so you can make a day out of it.
Insider intel
- We recommend pulling up a chair out front and enjoying the unobstructed hinterland views—it's seriously unreal.
Three Blue Ducks: The Farm
11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale
Image credit: Three Blue Ducks | Instagram
Three Blue Ducks at The Farm is the on-site restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week, and dinner on weekends. You might know them from their Sydney locations—their aim is to source as much produce as they can from The Farm itself, before venturing further afield—but almost everything comes from local and surrounding areas.
All ingredients used are spray-free and sustainably farmed, so you can enjoy your big brekkie guilt-free, while taking in the sweeping hinterland views from their outdoor patio. Dream date. Menus are seasonal, but we can't pass up the Moreton Bay bugs with XO butter and lime—and some skin-on, duck's salt chippies with roasted Farm garlic aioli on the side.
Insider intel
- Check out our 2025 guide to The Farm, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
The Mez Club
4/85-87 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Image credit: The Mez Club | Instagram
Right in the centre of town, The Mez Club is the fresh Mediterranean-style cantina that you'll be inclined to call home after a lazy day at the beach. Tapas-style dishes are inspired by Morocco, Greece and Turkey, and the cocktail menu follows suit—think spritz, sangria, and kombucha margaritas.
The downstairs seating leans more living room than dining room—white washed walls, low-set bench-style seating and rattan chairs plush with brightly coloured cushions. Take things up a notch (literally) with The Souk, the upstairs bar with a stand-alone cocktail menu—ideal for a pre-dinner aperitif or nightcap.
Insider intel
- The weekend bottomless is a Byron staple: from 12-3pm, $99pp gets you a selection of whipped hummus, halloumi and wagyu striploin—paired with tap beer and wine. It's $50 extra for a dozen oysters, and just $20 more for a cocktail addition.
Treehouse
25 Childe Street, Byron Bay
Image credit: Treehouse | Instagram
If a Mediterranean feast and a fruity little drink (or five) is your preferred post-swim fare, Treehouse Byron Bay is the spot to hit. A short trot from Belongil Beach, this airy beachside surf shack might not be your typical beer garden—but we reckon driftwood benches, palm trees and live music crowds that spill out onto the street would have us parked up for hours.
The real star, in our humble opinion, is the cocktail menu: leaning into the tropical surrounds, you'll find three signature margs, as well as a variety of fruit-forward features we're keeping an eye on. Even their espresso martini has an island feel—a Bounty-inspired mix of 1800 coconut tequila, Kahlua, a shot of cold brew coffee and coconut cream.
Insider Intel
- Special occasion or not, the Treehouse bottomless is a must—for just $109pp, you'll receive a classic marg on arrival, followed by a 7-course shared menu of Treehouse favourites, and 1.5 hours of unlimited tap beer, wine and seltzer.
You Might Also Like:
- The Best Restaurants In And Around Byron Bay
- Byron Bay’s Best Bars & Pubs
- Byron Bay’s Best Cafes And Coffee Shops
Beach Byron Bay
2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay
Image credit: Beach Byron Bay | Instagram
Beach Byron Bay is the dream Byron location in a nutshell—you can literally walk over the dunes into an iconic bar and restaurant, boasting uninterrupted water views all the way out to Julian Rocks.
If oysters, cured bay bag and yellowfin tuna are your cup of tea, add this one to your post-swim lunching list.
Insider intel
- Open for all your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs, you can also visit their handy kiosk for a takeaway coffee and then…you guessed it…back to the beach.
Raes Dining Room
6–8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
Image Credit: Raes | Instagram
As one of the most famous holiday destinations in the country, Byron is bound to attract some of Australia’s best culinary minds. Across from Wategos Beach—one of the region’s best swimming spots—is Raes Dining Room at the ultra-chic Raes on Wategos hotel. From executive chef Jason Saxby, this light and coastal eatery plates up modern Australian with plenty of Mediterranean influence, so it's no wonder this spot is one of the best restaurants in Byron Bay.
If the relaxing beach surroundings and effortlessly luxe interiors aren’t enough for you, maybe dishes like a Davidson plum-glazed dry-aged duck or spanner crab agnolotti will be.
Insider Intel
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For those who’d prefer to breeze in for an afternoon spritz paired with finger lime-topped oysters, drop into The Cellar & Terrace Bar after a dip at Wategos—it's one of the best bars in the area.
The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co.
7/3 Lawson Street, Byron Bay
Image credit: The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. | Instagram
So much more than oysters, this Hamptons-inspired restaurant has one of the best people-watching views in the Bay. Perch yourself on a high stool and look down from this lofty balcony and devour chilli crab linguine, chicken lollipops and fresh fish ceviche.
Wash it all down with a couple of passionfruit margaritas and you've got yourself the perfect afternoon.
Insider intel
- Happy hour is daily between 4pm and 6pm—and their oyster happy hour gets you half-priced natural oysters on Wednesdays, fresh shucked to order.
Bar Heather
G9 Jonson Lane, 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Image credit: Bar Heather | Instagram
Bar Heather is a chic, Parisian-inspired natural wine bar from the team behind Byron's Luna Wine Store. There are some 650 natural and biodynamic wines on offer, a rotating list sourced from a roster of the world's best winemakers and the most treasured parts of the Lo-Fi cellar.
Obviously, the menu leans natural wine-friendly—made up of snacks like fried bread with garlic scapes, betel leaf with pork and pickles, and egg noodles with cuttlefish and squid ink. Inside, you'll find a peachy mortadella-coloured horseshoe bar, aged green leather banquettes, and French wooden flooring.
Kick off your night with the Bar Heather Half Martini, sink into the afro beats, funk, and late-disco vibes beaming out of the speakers, and settle in for the night.
Insider intel
- If you'd rather someone else pick your pairings, go for the $95pp set menu.
The Rails
86 Johnson Street, Byron Bay
Image credit: The Rails | Instagram
This old-school watering hole is the best place to see live music whilst having a chin wag with a local. In the wintertime, you can warm yourself by a fire drum, Shiraz in hand and listen to the sweet musical tunes provided seven days a week.
Pay close attention to the painted mural behind the band area, which changes every couple of years and is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Insider intel
- The Rails is open daily, and there's always something going on—which is great if you are rolling into town on a Monday or Tuesday.
The Beach Hotel
1 Bay Street, Byron Bay
Head to The Beach Hotel for the most popular Sunday sesh in the Bay. Check the local gig guide to watch some epic bands play, all just a stone’s throw away from the sand and surf of the main beach break.
This spot is all about the classics—settle in for the arvo with a pizza, burger or schnitty, or keep things classy with a selection of small plates that champion local produce (hello, Byron Bay burrata). Their happy hour always pops off, as both locals and tourists roll in from a day on the waves—score $8 schooners of tap beer and $8 house wines.
Insider intel
- If you're in for a beachside sundowner, stick around to watch whoever is performing—there's often free gigs from big names, and the dance floor always goes off.
Where To Shop
After your stay in Byron, you really want a memento to take home that you can casually drop into conversations with your friends. One-off designs, locally-made crafts or homewares that you can only buy in the Bay are worth hitting the pavement for.
Spell & The Gypsy Collective
15 Browning Street, Byron Bay
Image credit: Spell | Instagram
This Byron-born and bred label is synonymous with the town’s chilled out vibe. Adored by celebs like Miley Cyrus, you’ll fall in love with Spell’s ethereal designs and dreamy store.
Open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm (including public holidays), Spell’s flagship store sits in its own little slice of Byron paradise—just a short wander from the ocean. It’s a sunlit space made for exploring dreamy new-season collections, with store stylists on hand to help you piece together the perfect Spell look.
Insider intel
- For something a little more luxe, book a personalised styling session inside the private Styling Suite. These one-on-one or small-group appointments include curated looks tailored to your style, complimentary refreshments and the chance to try on the latest arrivals at your own pace.
Hope And May
20 Fletcher Street, Shop 2, Byron Bay
Image credit: Hope And May | Instagram
Hope and May is a homewares and clothing boutique peddling all things Byron Bay-style. With its whitewash walls, handwoven baskets, and resort-style clothing line, this is a one-stop-shop for your new capsule wardrobe.
Insider intel
- Pick up a piece from Hope and May's stunning range of jewellery, a woven straw hat or a soft Turkish towel—and float on down to the closest beach.
Habitat
1 Porter St, Byron Bay
Image credit: Habitat Collective | Instagram
Habitat is a community of stores comprising of homewares, clothing and designer wares that really highlight the local brands and craftsmanship from around the Byron Shire.
Nestled inside The Arts and Industrial Estate, this sleek precinct brings together standout flagship stores, small-batch designers and independent boutiques, so you can tap into that signature Byron style without having to head into the centre of town. If you’re hunting for something special, you’ll probably find it here.
Insider intel
- At the heart of the precinct is Habitat Collective—a bright, welcoming concept store filled with locally made pieces. It’s a showcase of Byron creatives, stocking a rotating mix of fashion, homewares, gifts and lifestyle gems from independent makers.
We Are Pampa
1/12 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay
Image credit: We Are Pampa | Instagram
Bring an extra bag, because you’re going to want to shove most of We Are Pampa’s collection into your carry-on. This stunning concept store and design studio brings to life handmade Argentinian homewares and stunning photography pieces. A must buy is one of their cute ‘Monte’ cushions or a hand-loomed Llama wool poncho.
Insider intel
- Working closely with weaving communities, Pampa helps preserve traditional techniques, natural dyes and nature-inspired patterns that are slowly disappearing in parts of Argentina.
Where To Explore
Stone & Wood Brewery
100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay
Image credit: Stone & Wood Byron | Instagram
A brewery tour and tasting at Stone & Wood is a must do on your trip to Byron. Their flagship brewery is the perfect spot to grab a tasting paddle with mates, learn about the brewing process and snack on beer-inspired eats from 100 Mile Table's on-site kitchen.
Byron Bay Train + The Arts & Industrial Estate
Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Image credit: Byron Solar Train | Instagram
The once abandoned train tracks of Byron have been brought back to life. In true Byron fashion, no less, with a world-first vintage solar train that runs a return circuit from the northern beaches into the town’s centre.
Our tip? Take a bike on board with you out to The Arts & Industrial Estate, for a leisurely ride around the many shops and cafes in the northern district of the Bay. Make sure you pop in to McTavish Surfboards to check out the works of one of the best longboard shapers in the world while sipping a coffee from their attached cafe.
Comma
7/18 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay
Image credit: Comma | Instagram
Time for some relaxation—you’ve worked hard eating all those eats, drinking all those drinks! Book yourself in at Comma and bliss out with one of their signature treatments, like Sticks and Stones—which uses thermodynamic basalt stones to give you a deeply relaxing massage that will get rid of muscle tension in just 60 minutes.
Zephyr Horses
145 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Image credit: Zephyr Horses | Instagram
A trip with Zephyr Horses is a great way to appreciate Byron’s natural surrounds, both on the beach and through the rainforest. Our pick? Try the horseback pub tour, it's a one-of-a-kind experience.
Cape Byron Distillery
80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot
Image credit: Cape Byron Distillery | Instagram
Perched up in the hinterland with stunning views out to the ocean is The Cape Byron Distillery. Book a tour on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and take home a bottle of their famous Brookie’s dry gin inspired by the native Australian bushland that surrounds the Brook Farm on which the distillery sits.
Lighthouse Walk
Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Image credit: Byron Bay NSW | Instagram
Okay, so the guilt of all that dining out has finally hit and you’re ready for a sweat session? Take the beautiful lighthouse walk that starts at The Pass carpark, winds along Wategos Beach and leads all the way up to the most easterly point of Australia.
Picnic At Wategos Beach
Wategos Beach
Image credit: Wategos Beach | Instagram
Finding a car park at Wategos is a sacred mystical event that is not to be sniffed at. There is an unspoken rule that, if you acquire a magical unicorn park you must then have a long picnic to celebrate! Pack some gourmet goodies and a blanket and spend a few hours on the grass watching longboarders dance across the waves. There are also BBQ facilities here and often a coffee van on the weekend.
Byron Bay Markets
Main Beach | Railway Park
Image credit: Byron Bay NSW | Instagram
Consider yourself one of the lucky ones if your stay coincides with these famous markets. Whether it's the community markets (held on the first Sunday of every month), the beachside artisan market, or the twilight market—come early to beat the heat and fill your basket with new threads, unique jewellery and a whole bunch of baked goods and international eats.
Where To Stay: Our Hit List
The best Byron accommodation does away with the uptight hotel lobby vibe. That’s not, after all, what a Byron escape is about. Another area we know and love, you can read our lists for the best accommodation in Byron Bay, and the best airbnbs—but if you don't have the time, these are our top picks.
Soma
Ewingsdale
Image Credit: Soma | Airbnb
Remember that wellness retreat on Nine Perfect Strangers? Soma famously featured as the set for it—and if you are prepared to splash some cash it can be totally yours for a while. While this epic property was snapped up in 2025 by fitness entrepreneur Lorna Jane Clarkson, it's available on Airbnb and features acres of tranquil forest, a freshwater infinity pool, a geodesic yoga dome, and wellness add-ons.
Set on 22 hectares of rolling green hills and lush bamboo forest, Soma is a quick ten-minute drive from the centre of Byron, boasting maximum hinterland privacy. As well as its wellness facilities—the infinity pool, yoga dome, fire pit, zen garden, infrared sauna, and magnesium ice bath—there are ten luxury guest rooms, each fitted with a king-size bed and rain shower.
Ammamead House
Byron Bay
Image Credit: Ammamead House | Airbnb
In the heart of Byron Bay, Ammamead House is the best of both worlds: a private oasis, close to the action. This architect-designed, four-bedroom stay is perfect for hosting; the home features curated interiors, a gas-heated pool, a chef’s kitchen and an alfresco entertainment area, boasting four daybed zones for those holiday naps.
Situated just a four-minute stroll from Main Beach, with the lighthouse walk beginning on your doorstep and Byron’s grooviest local cafes, shops, restaurants and entertainment just a few metres away, this hidden gem is ideal for those wanting to combine convenience with comfort.
Elements Of Byron
144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Image credit: Elements of Byron | Supplied
Perched right on the stunning Byron beachfront is the award-winning hotel Elements Of Byron. Boasting world-class facilities, including an adults-only pool fringed with cabanas, a sumptuous fine dining restaurant, and a dreamy spa, these digs are, without a doubt, one of the most luxurious getaways in Byron Bay.
After you’ve sipped cocktails by the pool, had drinks delivered to your private poolside cabana, or enjoyed an ice-cold bev at the Beach Club on the sands of Belongil Beach (yes, there are a lot of beautiful spots to have a drink), you’ll want to retreat to your private villas because they’re so stunning. There are eight luxury freestanding villa styles to choose from, ranging from one-bedroom villas perfect for couples to deluxe two-bedroom villas complete with a private bathhouse and fireplace—and yes the mini is stocked.
Raes On Wategos
6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
Image credit: Raes On Wategos | Supplied
A bit like the Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard, every corner of this stunning hotel and spa could be torn from the pages of Vogue or a Sofia Coppola movie. From the sky blue loungers dotted around the pool to the wooden shutters, tropical garden, ocean views, and Mediterannean-inspired restaurant—every detail has been considered.
Suites are bright and breezy, fitted with large baths, luxury linen, and Lucy Folk-designed towels. If beachside, fashionable, and exclusive is your vibe—Raes is the place for you.
Blackbird Byron
210 Frasers Road, Mullumbimby
Image credit: Blackbird | Supplied
Nestled up in the Byron Bay hinterland (read: expect epic views), this luxury, adults-only retreat is ideal for a romantic getaway. Set on 28 acres of lush rainforest, Blackbird features touches of Palm Springs and Morocco, whilst still paying homage to the Aussie landscape. The pavilions are thoughtfully fitted out with modern luxuries, designed to ensure you unwind and zen out.
Think: private deck, polished concrete floors, and king beds with Egyptian cotton linen. While it’s tough to leave your cosy retreat, achieve peak holiday mode in the sauna, or get comfy on a daybed by the 10-metre mineral magnesium infinity pool, where you can watch the mountains meet the sea.
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