Tag Archives: What to do in Byron Bay

Marine Life of Byron Bay: Up close and Personal

Looking for things to do in Byron Bay? A sea kayak is a great way to explore the Cape Byron Marine Reserve, which is a unique haven for local wildlife and marine creatures who thrive in our clean temperate waters. The area is home to over 500 species of fish, corals, sharks, rays and many marine birds. Many are permanent residents and can be found here year round, however between June and November each year the waters along the coast and in the Bay itself, play host to some of the ocean’s largest nomads the magnificent Humpback Whale.

For locals and visitors to Byron Bay the opportunity to have close encounters with most of these amazing creatures is simply a matter of having an adventurous spirit, a little curiosity and the right guide. Most people are surprised and delighted to find these creatures are just as curious to find out about us. Here are some of the most popular and the most interesting inhabitants of the Reserve:

Green Turtle
These endangered, mainly solitary ocean travellers graze on seagrass however the juvenile green turtles will eat jellyfish, crabs and sponges. They are marine reptiles and are often seen and encountered when coming up for air.

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White Spotted Eagle Ray

Graceful and elegant the White Spotted Eagle Rays glide through the water gently flapping their “wings” which can reach up to 3.5 metres across. Sifting through the sediment on the ocean floor they feed on crustaceans and molluscs.

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Sun Coral
Bringing a vibrant splash of colour to the ocean floor is the Sun Coral, which mostly extend their tentacles at night to capture phyto-plankton floating on the current. They will sometimes emerge during the day. This gorgeous soft coral is a favourite of aquarium enthusiasts.

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Humpback Whale
Once a commercial whaling port, Byron Bay now provides a refuge along the migration path of the Humpback Whale, from Antarctica to its breeding grounds further north and on the return trip. Luckily for us this allows close contact for those who get out on the water. Hauntingly beautiful, the song of these gentle giants is both loved and revered.

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Bottlenose Dolphin
Eternally popular, inquisitive, friendly and highly intelligent the Bottlenose Dolphin is probably the most commonly encountered ocean resident of the Bay. Dolphins have 100 teeth but after catching their fishy prey swallow them whole. The clicks, squeals and whistles can be heard under the water and above.

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It’s impossible to truly convey the wonder of the Cape Byron Marine Reserve and its diverse and unique inhabitants. Our ‘Earth to Surf’ full day Byron Bay tour or our overnight ‘Ocean to Summit Adventure’ Byron Bay tour, which both include a Byron hinterland tour plus a spectacular sea kayaking tour in Byron Bay, is a great way to get up close and personal with the local marine life!

Call us today or click here to book online. 

NEW Bike n’ Hike Adventure Tour

It’s exhilarating, it’s heart pounding, it’s inspirational and you’ll feel on top of the world after you’ve completed the latest must-do activity in Byron Bay – the brand new Bike n’ Hike Adventure Tour.

For anyone who loves the outdoors, the thrill and excitement of mountain biking and the overwhelming satisfaction of hiking up a mountain at dawn – then this tour is for you. Two of Byron’s most trusted adventure tour companies, Byron Bay Adventure Tours and Mountain Bike Tours Byron Bay, have joined forces to combine their skills and local knowledge to create this unique overnight adventure.

The Bike n’ Hike Adventure Tour kicks off with a 3 hour mountain bike ride through the secluded fire trails of The Nightcap Nation Park and Minyon Falls in the Byron Hinterland. Cycle through this ancient rainforest landscape experiencing single track trails, exhilarating downhills, log jumps and more. The ride finishes with a well-earned swim in the crystal clear waters of the falls and a delicious picnic lunch before heading off to your overnight camp site at the base ofMount Warning.

On arriving at base camp, you’ll really appreciate the chance to relax and take in the wildness surroundings, go for a swim or chat about the days adventures around the camp fire. After an evening of good food, then it’s off to bed in preparation for the early predawn climb to the summit of ‘Wollumbin the Cloud Catcher’, better known as Mount Warning. The quiet hush over the forest just before dawn will be your companion as you climb to the top of Mount Warning in time for the sunrise. And what an experience! But don’t take our word for it, here is just a sample of the enthusiastic responses we’ve received from customers:

“What can I say? One of the best tours yet. Our guide was super friendly and our summit walk to see the first sun light on the east coast was well worth the long track up Mount Warning. Highly recommended.”

“Climbing Mount Warning was such an experience. Armed with our flash lights we made our way to the top and what a gift to behold.” 

Once you’ve descended Mount Warning, our guides will return you to Byron Bay on a high that will stay with you long after you leave!

This is one of the best value, all-encompassing Byron Bay Hinterland tours available and is great for visitors and locals alike. With no need to pack up the car or unload masses of camping, hiking and biking gear, this tour offers all the adventure without any of the hassle.

All that’s left to do is have fun and enjoy the ride. Are you up for the challenge?

Mount Warning Reopens!

After 8 months of being closed to the public, the Mount Warning walking track was reopened last week. The summit track had to be rebuilt after being severely damaged by tropical cyclone Oswald in January this year.

Mount Warning really does have something for everyone, whether it’s getting out into the bush, the excitement of seeing a koala in the wild or the challenge of walking the 4.5km track to experience 360 degree panoramic views from the top! The walking track climbs through dense ancient rainforest and rewards hikers with a diverse range of flora and fauna. Every footstep on Mount Warning is like travelling back through hundreds of millions of years.

Byron Bay Adventure Tours provides full day or overnight Mount Warning experiences.

CLICK HERE to read more about our Mount Warning Sunrise Walk.

CLICK HERE to read more about our Mount Warning Day Walk. 

Take a walk on the wild side today!

You Haven’t Experienced Byron Until……

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have seen the Humpback whales migrating up the coast during our winter months! Each year, the Humpbacks make their yearly pilgrimage from their Antarctic feeding grounds to their breeding and birthing grounds in the tropics. The population migrating up the East Coast is estimated at well over 17,000! They then make the return journey and this majestic sight is available off land-based viewing positions between May and November. As a local Byron Bay Tour company, we know the best vantage points where you can marvel at this annual spectacle. Join us for our Byron Bay Big Day Out Tour and revel in this show of nature at its most spectacular. There is a short window of opportunity to view this and we highly recommend you get in touch to book your Byron Bay tour today.

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have spent a day on a secluded Byron Bay beach!! Leave the crowds at Main Beach and the Pass for a day. Byron is home to many out-of-the-way and private beaches where you may be the only one there. Lie back on hot rocks and swim in translucent clear water. Sheltered from wind, these beaches are the locals’ favourites. Contact us to learn more about these secret treasures.

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have soaked up the colourful atmosphere at the Byron Bay Markets!! Enjoy our fully guided tours of these vast and colourful markets. We will even hold your shopping for you as you find that perfect gift, eat a delectable organic curry or dance to one of the bands or musicians who are there to entertain you. Nothing beats insider knowledge, and this is one venue that you need guiding through the labyrinth of stalls and attractions.

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have ventured into the hinterland area!! World Heritage listed, enthralling to behold, the escarpment to the west of Byron Bay is one of the most beautiful in the world! Often down steep and slippery roads, the best sights are accessible only by 4 Wheel Drive. We have the vehicles, the expertise and the sense of adventure to get you to the best and most isolated spots. Get in touch with nature today and book either our Big Day Out Byron Hinterland Tour of our Weekend Escape Tour.

You haven’t experienced Byron until……you have gone shopping!! Byron is home to some of the best design houses in Australia. From custom-made surfboards, to handmade jewellery and locally crafted furniture using local woods, Byron is a haven for shopping. But, you have to know where to look. Join us as we venture into some of the shops, studios and workshops where you will definitely find that perfect surfboard, unique dress or Balinese statue. We will showcase for you the best that Byron has to offer.