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Things To Do In Byron Bay This Winter

Byron Bay is not just for summer!

Despite being a NSW destination that is famous for its beaches and laid back summer atmosphere, there are plenty of things to do in Byron Bay in winter. As well as being beautiful, the area’s mild weather and low winter rainfall make it an excellent choice for a mid-year break.

If you are heading up this way and trying to think of some activities, take a look at our recommendations for adventures on cooler days.

Rainforest and waterfall tours: Byron Bay is surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in Australia. You may need to wear a jacket and scarf but winter is possibly the best time to see the area’s stunning national parks and waterfalls. With low chance of rain, the crystal clear winter air can present incredible views of mountain ranges from many vantage points.

Choose between a comfortable sightseeing tour or a more adventurous trip that includes trail walking and an up-close-and-personal rainforest experience.

Crystal Castle

Sightseeing: Winter is a great time for sightseeing in the Byron Bay area. Instead of hiring a car and trying to navigate yourself, make things easy with a tour. Winter is a great time to check out ‘The Farm’ or to head out to the stunning Crystal Castle, a unique outdoor museum that is home to some of the world’s largest naturally formed crystals.

Take a look at some full and half-day tours here.

Woody Head Campground

Camping: Even in winter, camping locations like Woody Head campground has an average between 12° and 21°. This is fairly mild and if you have a decent sleeping bag you will be able to get a good night’s sleep without shivering. If you’re looking for a great campground with the lot – at Woody Head, you can pitch your tent, park your caravan or book a cabin to enjoy a pleasure-packed beach escape for the weekend or longer. There’s plenty of things to do to make for a memorable holiday and enjoy the great outdoors, like exploring the rainforest and shallow reefs around the campground. Picture you and your family escaping to the winter sun for a camping holiday, where it should still be warm enough for a swim so remember to bring your cozzie.

Let’s Go Surfing Byron Bay

Surfing: According to surfline.com, June, July and August are the best times to go surfing in Byron Bay. Low-pressure systems and wind patterns create the best swells in the wintertime and the mild climate means the water temperature isn’t too cold. Winter water temperatures in Byron Bay sit around the early 20s. Compare that to Sydney’s Bondi, where winter temperatures only just scrape the 20s or Bells Beach in Victoria, where temperatures never get higher than 20º at the height of summer.

Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay

Kayaking: With such warm water temperatures and plenty of rivers, inlets and ocean, kayaking is another fun activity to do in Byron this winter. Kayaking tours can take you through stunning natural rainforest or out onto the ocean (keep an eye out for dolphins). There is probably no better way to get close to nature and winter is a perfect time to be on the water in and around Byron Bay.

Looking for fun things to do in Byron Bay in winter? Book a half-day Dolphin Kayak Tour or schedule a full-days adventure tour.

Bangalow

Food, wine, and culture: If you prefer to stay indoors when the mercury drops, you will still have plenty to do in Byron Bay. Try a half day tour which will take you to The Farm as well as nearby Bangalow, which has a fascinating mix of shops, galleries and cafes which serve locally sourced food.

Final tip: These days, travel is a little more complicated than it has been in the past. While Northern NSW is still the destination of choice for your holiday and there are always plenty of things to do in Byron Bay in winter, be sure to check travel restrictions and check what is open and which precautions are necessary.

Dreaming of a Byron Bay winter adventure? Our tours showcases this stunning destination, including the world-famous beaches of Byron, the glorious hinterland, the ancient rainforests and magnificent waterfalls of the World Heritage-listed Nightcap National Park. Tours are limited to a maximum of 14 people, which gives you a more personalised experience. Check out our tours to find out more and make a booking so you don’t miss out on your preferred adventure.

24 hours in Byron Bay

Don’t have a week? We’ve got you. It can be daunting task attempting to breath in all of Byron’s iconic vistas, crystal clear waters, enticing drink spots and exceptional dining experiences in only 1 day. We know Byron packs an abundance of natural beauty, organic food offerings, hinterland hideouts and is surrounded by an air of free spirit – so of course, schedules are always optional.

7am

So many reasons to start your day with a climb up to the Byron Lighthouse. Sweeping views, rugged coastlines, dolphin sightings, whales (between May – Nov), turquoise waters will keep you company as you make your journey to the top. Beat the crowds (as well as the heat) and capture the rising sun over the most easterly tip of Australia. There’s a loop track (3.7km) that runs through subtropical rainforest which will bring you back to the Pass. Either park at the bottom for a full climb or start at Wategos for the steep (but quicker) ascent to the top. Keep in mind parking is very limited during peak times of the year.

Byron Bay Lighthouse

9am

Slip down the hill from the Byron Lighthouse and into something more comfortable. The coastal flavours delivered at Beach Byron Bay will hit the spot…. oh and then there’s the view. The restaurant is nestled into the surrounding beach landscape at Clarkes Beach with a flair for fresh and enticing dishes using locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find old breakfast favourites with the addition of beautifully composed dishes- try their fried Nimbin brown rice, kale, king oyster mushrooms, chili, toasted sesame, egg ribbons, organic kimchi.

Sip on fresh juices or breakfast cocktails (after 10am) as you contemplate your next move.

Beach Byron Bay

11am

Surf. Never tried it? Now’s the time. There’s no better place to get that board out and start paddling. But, with a little help of course. Learn to surf classes are something we know! The thrill of that first wave is postcard worthy so no matter what your age or skill level, its time get onboard. On idyllic days The Pass offers exceptional learn to surf conditions, and a long boarders delight – just watch the crowds. For more experienced surfers, head to Broken Head when winds are offshore.

Learn to Surf

1pm

Keep the holiday vibes going with a beachside fish and chip classic for lunch. Byron has several eateries that serve their own version this holiday fishy favourite. You can try gourmet Fishmongers, Fishheads restaurant located right on main beach. There’s Hunky Dory– a Greek inspired seafood outlet, Beach Byron Bay for takeaway right on Clarkes Beach, and of course the iconic The Beach Hotel– with bonus people watching included.

Hunky Dory Fish & Chips

3pm

Get out of town. Why? Just behind Byron are truly stunning hinterland vistas, rolling hills, quaint villages, breezy lookouts and fabulous dining all await. Only a 15 minute drive away is picturesque Bangalow – filled with cafes, restaurants, creative wares and boutiques. Home to the Bangalow markets, this pretty hinterland village is worth an hour or two. Head to Woods for coffee, where owners Maggie and Julian have created a café that’s like an extension of their own home and kitchen. You’ll find their other very popular, and very delicious vegetarian garden café just off Ewingsdale Road in Byron Bay. Not much further off the old highway and you land at historic Newrybar – now a hamlet of collectables, fine food, and bakery delights. Harvest Newrybar offers an award winning restaurant, deli, inhouse bakery plus their own edible garden and fantastic ‘mini village’ for the kids. Newrybar Merchants across the road is a unique retail offering showcasing some of the creative local artisans and curators in the region – worth a stop.

Harvest Newrybar

7pm

Time to refuel after all that fun in the sun. With city expats bringing with them contemporary flair, you’ll never be short on dining option throughout your stay. Think Barrio, The Roadhouse, St Elmos, Three Blue Ducks at The Farm, Lightyears restaurant, the The Bolt Hole for after dinner drinks. All offering exceptional flavours in their own way.

Popular old favourites never die, and for good reason – try Treehouse at Belongil, The Beach Hotel, The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co, O’Sushi Byron Bay. Follow it up with drinks and music – think The Rails, the newly refurbished Byron Bay Brewery and the Great Northern Hotel.

The Roadhouse

Barrio

7am

The Top Shop has become somewhat of an institution, not just for locals. Once a 1951 milk bar, the place is now dancing with tasty burger combos, smoothies and cold pressed juices. Head there for breakfast for one last lashing of granola or a fried eggs and swiss cheese panini with rocket and relish.

The Top Shop

In town for more than 24hrs? We’ve got that too. If you want the hassle taken out of your itinerary and up for venturing with local experts, there’s a range of options. Whether it be a sunrise hike to Mt Warning, Minyon Falls adventure or a 2 day camp out combining surfing or kayaking with exploring the hinterland– we’ve got you covered!

Picturesque swim spots around Byron Bay to cool off this Summer

Travelling to Byron Bay over the holiday period? Be prepared, Byron’s enchantment is at the peak in summer – who can argue? The bay offers a charm well beyond the tourist destination persona. A fusion of hinterland backdrops, successful artisans, unique food experiences, ethical mindsets all coming together like a breezy summer love. It’s the perfect time to take a few of the roads less travelled and experience some of the region’s other natural beauties. So with summer on our doorstep here’s six spots to cool off, unwind and get back to nature.

Killen Falls

Word is on the street about this picturesque spot, located about a 20minute drive from Byron Bay, off Friday Hut Road on Killen Falls Drive, Tintenbar. Tucked away in lush natural surrounds, Killen Falls is one of several waterfalls in the region and is home to one of the last standing remnants of the big scrub rainforest. The big scrub rainforest once covered the Northern Rivers, until the cedar clearers took most of this forest. Therefore the reserve holds a significant place in Northern Rivers history.

Be sure to pack a picnic, your swimmers, and decent walking shoes as the track is steep and rocky at times. We know, you know, but ensure you take any rubbish with you as being a secluded location – there are no facilities.

Image- Marissa Knight Photography

Harry Hills Beach

Brunswick Heads no longer needs an introduction – a quaint seaside village with ebbs and flows of Gold Coast days gone by. Located about 15 mins north drive of Byron Bay, you’ll find Harry Hills Beach tucked into the other side of Brunswick River. It’s here you’ll find a serene spot, with views up to the Northern Rivers Hinterland and Mt Chincogan. Calm, protected with crystal clear waters, Harry Hills Beach is perfect for families, a lazy picnic, a spot to launch that paddleboard or kayak. Access this picturesque spot by driving the long way round through Ocean Shores and New Brighton along North Head Rd and into the North Head Nature Reserve.

Image: National Parks NSW

Lake Ainsworth

Located in the beautiful seaside village of Lennox Head, Lake Ainsworth is a tea-tree stained dunal lake, located just over the sand dunes of Seven Mile Beach. This is the perfect spot for an invigorating swim, following a salty dip in the ocean. The lake’s tranquil conditions are ideal for canoeing, paddle boarding, child’s play and floating around on inflatable pleasure craft. Visit late afternoon and you’ll be rewarded with a serene sunset over the tea tree waters and native landscape. The lake is located at the northern end of Pacific Parade in Lennox Head.

Image: Mike Greenslade

Tallows Tea Tree Lake

While we’re talking tea tree waters, it’s worth noting the hidden lake tucked away behind the dunes off Tallow Beach, ideal for swimming. Again, you can stroll off the beach after a refreshing beach swim and dive into the invigorating experience of a tea tree lake. When these tea tree plants grow alongside a lake, as they do in these two locations, their oil slips down into the water, giving the fresh water a tea stained look – the healing properties of the tea tree oil are well known and will make your skin feel revitalised! Relax under the shade of the surrounding trees while you contemplate the next location on your Byron bucket list.

Image: The Travelling Light

Boulders Beach, Lennox Head

Still a location most will easily drive past on their north coast holiday migration, but one that offers panoramic coastal vistas, unassuming ruggedness and rockpools for exploring. Known by the locals as a popular surfing spot, Boulders Beach is aptly named after the boulders and

stones that make up the coastline. The beach is also part of one of the first-ever declared National Surfing Reserves. Here, you’ll beat the crowds of the more well-known beaches and is a perfect spot to venture over the headlands leading towards Lennox Head or Sharpes Beach. To get there follow the coast road from Byron to Ballina. Watch for the signs as you go past Lennox Head, about a few minutes drive down off the road.

Minyon Falls

Located in the Nightcap National Park, Minyon Falls is a 100 drop waterfall and part a World Heritage listed area, filled with walking tracks, gorges and cascading creeks. A plunge at the bottom into the crystal, cool, pristine and non-salty waters of Minyon Falls

Waterfalls is a must – renowned for its powers of refreshment. Minyon Falls is in fact, a natural spa.

You can join us on our Big Day Out Byron Hinterland Tour(link) where you can fully immerse yourself in this magical place and let our tour leaders do the rest. Our guide will take you on the Minyon Falls Base Walk which leads from the Minyon Falls carpark and is a 2.2km / 2hrs return walk. The Minyon Falls Loop Walk is a 8km / 4hr round trip from the Minyon Falls Lookout or a 13km / 6hr walk from the Rummery Park camping area. This longer walk takes you a little deeper into the misty rainforest, past smaller creeks though to Repentance Creek. The falls can be reached by car in approximately 45mins from Byron – as the road to the falls is on an unsealed road, you may want to hop on one of our day or overnight tours, particularly if you are travelling alone or without a car.

Be sure to go to National Parks NSW to check for any closures or warnings to this area.

Local’s Guide to Farmers Markets in Byron Bay

Byron Farmers Markets

Byron Bay – Thursdays 7am – 11am | Cavanbah Centre (temporary)

Bangalow – Saturdays 7am – 11am | Behind Bangalow Hotel

www.byronfarmersmarket.com.au

Real farmers, real food! That’s their aim, and you’ll find locals a plenty turning up every week for just that. The farmer’s markets have been around in Byron since 2002, surging in popularity and eventually expanding to Bangalow in 2004 where you’ll find an abundance of fresh produce, just on a smaller scale. The farmers markets provide the perfect sustainable stage connecting producers, growers and farmer directly to the customer.

The location of farmers range from 2 minutes to 40 minutes away from both markets. The markets organisers conduct an auditory program to ensure all members produce and products supplied to the markets are grown on their farm.

Being local, freshness is ensured and you’ll find an a sensational selection of local organic fruit and vegetables, Brunswick Oysters, artisan cheese, wild caught smoked fish from Bay Smokehouse, Byron Bay Pork, freshly baked bread, fresh juices and Bangalow coffee. All offered by passionate producers, farmers, willing to share their story and recipe tips, in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. At Byron Bay Adventure Tours we source all our salad ingredients weekly from the market that are provided on our delicious bbq lunches, included with every tour.

A school program operates, whereby schools supply a list of items their school garden needs and they fill it – including seedlings, equipment, farmer talks, excursions, fundraising at the markets and a school stall. What started as a vision, is now two very successful farmers markets in Byron Bay + Bangalow, inspired by local farmers, growers, environmentalists and families who all wanted the positive effects of a growers market in the area.

Note– Byron Bay markets now have ‘Byron Magic Bus’ running round trips from Jonson St bus shelter to Cavanbah centre every hour from 7.30am.

Want to know what you should be eating in Spring? Check out what’s in season.

Spring Produce

Courtesy Byron Farmers Markets

Spring Vegies

beans, beetroot, boc choy, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, chillies, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, leek, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, shallots, snow peas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, zucchini

Spring Fruit

bananas, blueberries, grapefruit, jaboticaba, nectarines, limes, watermelon, rockmelon, oranges, pineapple, strawberries

New Brighton Farmers Market

Every Tuesday, 8 – 11am

New Brighton Oval, River Street, New Brighton 2483

www.newbrightonfarmersmarket.org.au

Courtesy New Brighton Farmers Market

Combining a picturesque riverside location with over 30 farms and food producers was always going to provide the perfect meeting place for produce lovers. Live music, cooking demonstrations, regular workshops and a children’s activity area amongst the farmers + growers all add to the community vibe every Tuesday.

Mullumbimby Farmers Market

Every Friday 7 – 11am

51 Main Arm Rd, Mullumbimby 2482

Courtesy Mullumbimby Farmers Markets

Nestled under the foot of Mount Chincogan is the colourful Mullumbimby’s Farmers Markets. Worth the short drive to experience the vibrant community spirit and assortment of organic produce on offer. Special events, music, workshops, entertainers, activities for the kids and so many tastes of the hinterland region all come together to provide an eclectic experience.

MONTHLY Markets in the Byron region

Byron Bay Market

1st Sunday of the month, 8am – 3pm

9-minute drive from Elements

Butler Street Reserve, Byron Bay 2481

Brunswick Heads Markets

1st Saturday of the month, 7am – 1pm

18-minute drive from Elements

Fawcett St, Brunswick Heads 2483

Byron Flea Market

2nd Saturday of the month, 9am – 2pm

12-minute drive from Elements

Youth Activity Centre, 1 Gilmore Crescent, Byron Bay 2481

Lennox Head Community Market

2nd Sunday of the month, 8am – 2pm

28-minute drive from Elements

Mackney Lane, Lennox Head 2478

Mullumbimby Market

3rd Saturday of the month, 9am– 2pm

20-minute drive from Elements

Summers Park, cnr Stuart & Myocum St, Mullumbimby 2482

Bangalow Markets

4th Sunday of the month, 8 – 11am

18-minute drive from Elements

Bangalow Showground, 1 Market St, Bangalow 2479

All the markets in the region provide a perfect way to experience some of the unique offerings within the Northern Rivers ‘food bowl’. The richness of the soil, the region’s sub-tropical climate, the passionate producers and farmers all combine to offer an exceptional array of products and produce. Whether you’re spending a weekend, a week, a couple of days, there’s something on offer for all.

Why not tie it in with a Byron Bay Adventure Tour! It’s suffice to say all adventuring requires the appropriate refuelling!

How to Plan Your Perfect Christmas Party Adventure

Christmas. It’s really coming and those all-important end-of-year wrap ups are looming! We know what the gift of adventuring gives, so it’s time to snap out of that traditional party format, take them OUT- adventuring, touring, tasting and experiencing.

It’s time to inspire your team – create a memorable, bonding experience that will keep them talking, laughing and challenging themselves. At Byron Bay Adventure Tours we specialise in taking ordinary people and getting them to see and do extraordinary things. With the help of our local partners we not only showcase the incredible natural beauty of our region but also take people on a journey, helping to bring out the best in your team, which can unveil some amazing results.

Know Your Group

What’s your demographic? What ages to they vary? More sightseeing than adventure seeking? Our Big Day Out Tour explores the Nightcap National Park, including a rainforest walk to the base of spectacular Minyon Falls and visit to the charming village of Bangalow. More thrill seekers in your group? Try Earth to Surf Adventure Tour incorporating a Go Sea Kayak around the cape, sighting dolphins and the spectacular coastline before heading off to explore the beauty of Minyon Falls.

Unique Challenges

Why not incorporate some interesting and fun ways to challenge your team? Working in teams to get to the top with our Mt Warning Sunrise Tour? Which team will be the first to catch the last wave home on our kayak adventure – the Ocean to Summit Tour. Combine team building activities with a walk to the base of majestic Minyon Falls on our Waves to Waterfalls Adventure. The options are endless and the opportunities are a plenty! We can create something completely unique to your group.

The Benefits?

Find out what really motivates your crew. Healthy competition can be a great motivator! What will they learn that they can take home with them? Are there born leaders in the group? Team players? Ones that need to work on their communication skills? Make tangible rewards to give real incentives to inspire your group or just to say thanks! Maybe learn to surf, a kayak adventure, chasing waterfalls, or even a night under the Mt Warning stars.

Location

Byron Bay is the quintessential destination for a truly unforgettable team building Christmas experience. The magical region is bathed in natural beauty, sunshine for the soul, panoramic hinterland vistas, hikes and impressive waterfalls. We have all the elements for one truly amazing adventure! Invest in your people and the returns will be GREAT.

Let’s get the Adventure Started!

Yep. Talk to us! We really are the experts in adventure, team building and creating unique personalised group experiences. Make it fun, make action packed, make it memorable and engaging. We’ll set the backdrop, bring the gear, pack the tent, light the fire, and serve the delicious local food. Break the Christmas mould, try something new, exciting and let Byron Bay Adventure Tours do the rest!