If you’re headed to Australia (or if you live here), Byron Bay is probably one of those places you feel you have to visit. And that’s because you do.
I loved every single moment of my trip, from my dips in the warm ocean, to encountering dolphins, to the amazingly delicious food. Not one part of my trip was a disappointment, and when I left I made a promise to someday go back.
Try and not only stay in Byron, explore the nearby towns and beaches, and be surprised by the incredibly happy spirited locals and the young backpackers. Rent a car, bike, or campervan and just have fun. This is what this place is best known for!
So here is my Guide to Byron Bay!
Eat
Top Shop – You can’t go to Byron Bay and not stop by the Top Shop Café! Order a veggie burger or an açaí bowl, sit on the grass outside, and soak in the sun!
The Roadhouse – Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this place has an amazing vibe with live music at night. I had the Vegan Nourish Bowl and it was so incredibly delicious that even Matt was had food envy – and had a seafood feast!
Naked Treaties – The raw food haven of Byron! Stop by for a smoothie (they have the biggest selection I’ve ever seen!) or grab a raw onion wrap and go enjoy on the beach. If you want a treat, their praline lushbombs are delicious as well!
Bayleaf Café – Go for breakfast or lunch, sit out front and people watch while waiting for your food. Everything they do looks absolutely amazing, from the huge kale salad bowls to the burgers to the granola. Can’t recommend enough!
Harvest Café – open for breakfast and lunch (with dinner on weekends), this whole place is awesome! Sit outside on the deck, order their green smoothie, and please oh please order their smoked trout and scrambled eggs breakfast. It was incredible. Oh, and they’re quinoa bircher muesli? To die for!
Orgasmic Food – The BEST falafels! They’re open for lunch and dinner every day, and it’s friendly prices and delicious food means this place packs a crown. Not to be missed!
The Treehouse on Belongil – I went here for dinner, and it’s such a cool environment! Live music at night, they serve pizzas (gluten free options as well) and also have a variety of tapas and salads if you’re aiming for a lighter night.
St. Elmo’s Tapas – One of the best dinners I’ve had in Byron Bay! They do a few wines by glass, and all the tapas I had were absolutely amazing. I need to get their secret on their cauliflower mash, it was too good to be true!
The Farm – This place is heaven. It’s from the Three Blue Ducks family, and it is literally a farm! Everything they do is sustainable, even the water used is collected rainwater! They have a nose to tail dining, which is super important, and every.single.thing I had blew me away. They also have a little goodies and produce shop if you’re staying in town.
Do
Go Kayaking with Dolphins – The company I went with was called GoSea Kayaks, and they were amazing. They had such respect and love for their surroundings and the dolphins, and it really showed. Having dolphins swim so close to me still bring a smile to my face!
Lighthouse – You can drive up if you want to, but if you walk from town there is a bridge path, and it’s such an amazing view over the main beach that you just wouldn’t get by driving.
Farmers Market – Byron itself has a farmers market, and every 4th Sunday of the month there is the huge Bangalow market. A 15 minute drive from town, it’s worth a visit if you’re around then!
Bike around town – Hire some bikes and cycle about, it’s such a fun way to get around and get some exercise in as well!
Surf – Byron Bay is definitely known for its surf! I mean, who doesn’t want to surf in warm blue water, with the occasional dolphin swimming past? If you’re still a beginner, there are quite a few surf schools in Byron Bay, so ask for a recommendation based on where you’re staying.
Walk up to the Lighthouse instead of driving, if you can. 
Beaches
Clarkes Beach – This is the main beach in Byron, and it’s huge! You’ll definitely find a spot in the sand here, and it’s also a great place to people watch.
Wategos – Right next to Clarkes Beach, you can do a really nice walk from one to the other. This is also know as Millionaire’s Row and is a good place to spot dolphins and whales.
Broken Head – A short drive away, this beach isn’t as full as the previous two so not a bad spot to just lounge about. I got a chance to see a bikini photoshoot take place, which was actually fun to watch!
Lennox Head – An awesome spot for surfers, a short drive away from Broken Head Beach.
Tallow Beach – This beach was very deserted except for the occasional local who seemed to be walking their dog. The waves looked pretty intense when I went, so I didn’t get a chance to take a dip, and didn’t see anyone else do it either. Lots of sand to play around in though!
The view from Clarkes to Wategos!
Shop
Fundies & Green Garage – Two of the most known green grocers in town. If you’ve got a place with a kitchen, I think it’s a good idea to support the local business while you’re there. Of course there are the big supermarkets, but I like supporting the small businesses as much as possible.
Markets – If you are there over the weekend, make sure not to miss the markets! There are several great ones, and I went to the Bangalow Market on Sunday, which only happens once a month on the last Sunday, and is pretty awesome. There is also a local farmers market in Byron on Saturdays.
Spell + Gypsy – I love this shop! All their clothes have such a beach-y and boho look to them, you can’t help but feel like you’re festival ready when wearing their clothes. They’re located close to Naked Treaties, so treat yourself to a smoothie and then some shopping 😉
Hi, I'm Teffy, a qualified Nutritionist and avid foodie. This blog is all about inspiring a balanced life through delicious and wholesome foods, with not a diet in sight. Healthy eating shouldn't be hard and stressful, it should be easy and fun - Working with my clients they are constantly amazed that yes, food can taste great AND be good for you!
