This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a trip to Byron Bay? You’re in the right place.
This coastal town is known for its golden beaches and lush hinterland, and its laid-back vibe pulls you in from the moment you arrive! There are so many fantastic things to do here, but that can make planning a trip overwhelming, especially if you’ve only got a few days.
That’s where our insider guide comes in. After exploring the region’s best spots and local favorites, we’ve put together a clear and easy itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Byron Bay. From sand and surfing to kayaking with dolphins, we’ve covered it all, and included plenty of time to relax along the way. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this glow-worm and waterfall experience! Seeing glow-worms illuminate the rainforest was nothing short of magical, and we loved chasing waterfalls, learning about the hinterland, and enjoying a tasty meal.
Itinerary Overview
Byron Bay’s town center is compact and walkable, but there’s not much here in the way of public transport. We definitely recommend renting a car as it will make life so much easier. We always use Discover Cars to compare providers and find the most affordable rental vehicles, and we’ve always had good experiences with them!
Day 1: Start your Byron Bay getaway by Cape Byron Walking Track, home to Australia’s easternmost point, then head out for an afternoon paddle through Cape Byron Marine Park. Wrap up the day with sunset at Main Beach and dinner nearby.
Day 2: Head out on a dolphin-spotting kayak adventure, then take a few hours to explore town or check out one of the nearby beaches. In the evening, head into the rainforest for a magical glow-worm and waterfall experience.
Day 3: Learn how to surf with a morning lesson or take it slow at one of Byron’s calmer spots. After lunch in town, spend the afternoon tasting local brews and spirits on a brewery and distillery tour. End your final night with a relaxed seafood dinner in the heart of Byron Bay.
Day 1
Breakfast – Bayleaf Cafe
The Bayleaf Cafe is one of Byron Bay’s quintessential hip coffee spots, so head here for breakfast this morning. I think that their avocado toast is the best in town, and their drink specials are always worth trying. Plus, this place is just an 8-minute drive from the walking track, so if you aim to get here for 8 am, you should be at the track by 9 am.
Morning – Cape Byron Walking Track
The Cape Byron Walking Track is a beautiful way to ease into your first morning in Byron Bay. It’s only a quick 10-minute drive from downtown, and once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with coastal views right from the start. This is the easternmost point in Australia, so it’s a real must-do while you’re here!
The loop takes about two hours at a relaxed pace, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the cliffs, beaches, and lighthouse viewpoints along the way. It’s an easy walk, so go slow and take the time to soak it all in. I’m sure you’ll want to snap lots of photos as you make your way around.
Lunch – Slice Pizzeria Byron Bay
Slice Pizzeria is an easy and tasty stop after your morning on the Cape Byron Walking Track. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from the lighthouse area, so you can head straight here once you’ve finished the walk. It’s a casual spot, so it’s an ideal place to refuel with some quick comfort food. The slices are generous, and the toppings are always fresh.
If you have extra time after lunch, take a wander through downtown Byron Bay. The area has a fun, boho feel with plenty of little boutiques and surf shops to poke around in before continuing your day.
Afternoon – Stand Up Paddleboard in Cape Byron Marine Park
This stand-up paddleboarding tour is such a peaceful way to experience the Brunswick River. The exact start time is set when you book, since the tour runs with the tides, and the operator is a small local business, so you may need to swap this activity around with this morning’s walk.
You’ll meet in Brunswick Heads, about a 20-minute drive north of Byron Bay. Once you arrive, the tour begins with a short SUP lesson on land, which is ideal if you’re new to stand-up paddleboarding. From there, you’ll step onto the river and start gliding through the calm water of Cape Byron Marine Park. You’ll go at a pretty relaxed pace, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and feel completely immersed in nature.
One thing we like about this tour is that group sizes are capped at eight people, so the guide can point out wildlife and help you feel confident on the board. But to be honest, since the water is calm, you shouldn’t have any problems staying upright. This is such a lovely way to experience the Brunswick River, and you’ll even be sent some free digital photos afterwards, so you don’t need to worry about trying to snap pictures yourself.
Read 350+ 5-star reviews and book this paddleboarding tour here!
Sunset – Main Beach
Catching sunset at Main Beach is one of the best ways to wrap up your first day in Byron Bay. The sun drops behind the lush hinterland here, and it just looks incredible. However, this is a popular sunset spot, so we definitely recommend double-checking the sunset time in advance and arriving early to snag a good spot.
And if you have extra time in your schedule, I definitely recommend using it to enjoy Main Beach. It’s such a gorgeous beach and a classic Byron Bay hangout spot!
Dinner – The Mez Club
The Mez Club is a great spot for dinner after your relaxed evening at Main Beach. It’s only an 8-minute walk from the sand, so you can head over without needing to jump in the car. The restaurant has a stylish, Mediterranean feel, with a laid-back vibe and elegant decor.
We love the menu here because it mixes fresh, modern dishes with plenty of sharing plates. It’s easy to try a few different things without overdoing it. It’s a nice shift from a beachy afternoon into something a little more refined, but still very Byron. Reservations are a good idea, especially in busier months, so check the sunset time and book for roughly 45 minutes later.
Day 2
Breakfast – Byron Drift Cafe
Byron Drift Cafe is a great spot to start your morning before your sea kayaking tour. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the meeting point, so you can enjoy breakfast without feeling rushed. The menu has all the classics, and the coffee is reliably good – what more could you want?
The owner, Ben, is so friendly and makes everyone feel really welcome. Plus, I always enjoy sitting outside in the sun! The shakshuka is so good, or go for the French toast if you prefer a sweet breakfast.
Morning – Sea kayak and dolphin spotting adventure
This sea kayaking tour is one of the most memorable ways to experience Byron Bay’s coastline, and it fits perfectly into your morning. The tour departs at 9:30 am, but you’ll want to arrive about 20 minutes early to check in and get set up with your gear. You’ll be back at the meeting point around 12:30 pm, which gives you the whole afternoon to relax or explore more of the town.
The adventure starts at Clarkes Beach, where the guides give you a quick lesson on steering your tandem kayak. From there, you’ll paddle out into the Pacific and follow the curve of the bay, taking in some of Byron’s most iconic landmarks from the water. You’ll cruise past the Cape Byron Lighthouse, glide alongside scenic Wategos Beach, and get a close look at Julian Rocks.
This is a beautiful stretch of coastline, and kayaking along it is a cool way to see the area from a different perspective! But of course, one of the main highlights of this tour is the wildlife. Byron Bay is home to three species of sea turtles, and the guides help you keep an eye out for them as you paddle. There’s also a resident dolphin population that often swims right alongside the kayaks, and if you’re visiting during migration season, you may even spot humpback whales in the distance – how cool is that?
The tour is family-friendly, good value, and run by a born-and-bred local who really knows the area. But don’t just take our word for it because you can read over 200 glowing reviews right here!
You can book this kayak tour here, with free cancellation!
Lunch – Little Byronian
After your morning sea kayaking adventure, Little Byronian is the perfect spot to refuel with a relaxed lunch. It’s just a short drive or a 15-minute walk from the end of the tour, so it’s an easy lunch stop before you continue your day.
This place is a local favorite. They serve pita pockets, and the menu is small, but everything is freshly made. The chicken schnitzel filling is my favorite! There are also both sweet and savory pastries on offer at the counter, and if you need a pick-me-up, the coffee here is also really good
Afternoon – Your Choice!
You’ve got about three hours of downtime this afternoon, so it’s the perfect chance to take a breather before tonight’s tour. If your morning of kayaking has left you feeling a bit tired, consider heading back to your hotel for a rest or a quick nap.
If you’re still full of energy, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the coast. Tallow Beach and Belongil Beach are just outside downtown and offer a quieter vibe, while Main Beach, Byron Beach, and Clarkes Beach are all within easy reach and perfect for a short stroll or a quick swim.
Alternatively, you can spend this time wandering through the heart of Byron Bay. The town is full of little boutiques, artisanal shops, and local cafes, so it’s a lot of fun to browse at your own pace and soak up the laid-back boho atmosphere that Byron is famous for.
Evening – See glow-worms and waterfalls in the rainforest
The Gondwana Rainforests around Byron Bay are absolutely magical, so you just can’t pass up the chance to explore them for yourself while you’re here. These UNESCO-listed rainforests are actually one of the few places in Australia where you can see glow-worms in their natural habitat! We love this top-rated evening tour because it shows you the rainforest, the waterfalls, and the glow-worms in one magical evening!
The tour meets at the William Henry Clifford Monument at 4:30 pm and wraps up around 10:30 pm. You start with a drive through the countryside into the rainforest, then head to waterfalls where you might even take a quick swim if the conditions are right. Along the way, your guide will teach you all about the local flora and fauna, and even the area’s hippie history which I find so interesting!
As it gets dark, you’ll head towards a hidden glow-worm spot that would be very tricky to locate on your own. This is where you’ll see thousands of these tiny critters twinkling among the stalactites and stalagmites. I promise you that it’s way more magical in person than any photo can show. These glow-worm caves absolutely took my breath away.
Best of all, this tour includes dinner! As a group, you’ll enjoy an organic vegan or vegetarian dinner right in the forest – this is Byron Bay, after all. It’s such a wholesome way to experience one of the region’s most incredible natural phenomena, so it’s no wonder that this tour has over 450 rave reviews!
Book your spot on this top-rated tour here with free cancellation, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 3
Morning – Learn how to surf
If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, now’s your chance! Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most iconic surfer towns, and this half-day lesson will have you riding the waves in no time.
The lesson starts at 8:30 am and wraps up around 11:30 am, with hotel pickup included, so you don’t need to worry about getting to and from the beach yourself. It’s a relaxed, small-group experience designed to get you out on the waves quickly while making sure you stay safe and have fun.
One of the best things about this tour is that the instructors pick the surf spot based on current conditions. That means you’ll be at the best beaches for the day, whether that’s somewhere local or a bit further along the coast. Plus all the necessary gear is included, so you can just focus on learning to surf and don’t have to arrange rentals beforehand.
The half-day format gives you plenty of time to practice your skills without feeling rushed or exhausted. You’ll get personal guidance from experienced instructors who are great at helping beginners stand up and catch their first waves. But you don’t have to be a beginner to get a lot out of this lesson, as you’ll get tips tailored to your level. Plus, at $79 AUD per person, we think this 3-hour class is really well priced!
Book this small group surf lesson here, with all equipment included!
Alternate option: Relax on the beach
If surfing isn’t your thing, then you can always take this time to just kick back and enjoy the beach instead! Byron Bay has plenty of spots with calmer waves where you can swim or sunbathe. Wategos Beach, Clarkes Beach, and Tallow Beach are all great choices!
I love these spots because they’re quieter than the main beaches, so you can spread out a towel and read a book, or just watch the waves roll in without feeling crowded. This is also a good time to take a slow breakfast or grab a coffee nearby and truly embrace the relaxed pace of life in Byron Bay.
Lunch – Chihuahua Taqueria
After some beach time, head into town for a chilled out lunch. We love Chihuahua Taqueria because it does the most delicious tacos with super fresh ingredients. In fact, I would probably eat here every day if I lived in Byron Bay!
Be sure to fill your belly here, because we’ve got a distillery tour this afternoon with lots of drinks involved. As that’s not the perfect excuse to order an extra taco or two, then I don’t know what is.
Afternoon – Check out Byron Bay’s breweries and distilleries
This brewery and distillery tour promises a fun, relaxed afternoon in the Bay. Plus, it’s a super efficient way of sampling some of the best local beers and spirits – what’s not to love?
The tour starts at 2 pm, and hotel pick-up is included, so there’s no driving involved. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride! You’ll get back at around 6:30 pm, leaving you time to either call it a night or continue exploring Byron Bay on your own afterwards. One thing to note is that this tour is not available on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday, so you can swap days around or use the extra time to relax on the beach.
Your local guide will take you to a selection of local breweries and distilleries. This changes daily, so we can’t tell you exactly where you go but local favorites like Stone & Wood, Common People Brewing, and Husk Distillery are often on the itinerary. At each stop, you’ll get generous tasting paddles and learn how your favorite drinks are made.
And if you don’t drink beer, no worries! There will also be wine, cider, seltzer, and ginger beer available at no extra cost.
The best thing about the tour is the small group sizes, as it just feels like going out with friends! It’s a lively and social experience, as well as a great way to discover unique favorites that you wouldn’t otherwise come across, and take a peek behind the scenes.
Book this fun distillery tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
Dinner – The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co
The distillery tour will drop you off back at your hotel at around 6:30 pm. From there, head to The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co for dinner! It should be less than a 10-minute walk from your hotel (we’ve got our top recommendations coming up in just a moment).
As the name suggests, this restaurant focuses on fresh seafood, from oysters to grilled fish. However, there are also plenty of other options if you’re not in the mood for that! In true Byron Bay style, this place is stylish without trying too hard, and the food here is so delicious. I love the oyster chowder, but the miso-glazed eggplant is also really good, and the Byron Bay burrata is always a winner if you feel like sharing something.
This spot also offers great cocktails, so you can stay here for a drink or two after dinner and toast to the end of a fantastic few days in Byron Bay. Cheers!
Where to Stay in Byron Bay
Now that you’ve got the perfect three days in Byron Bay planned, you need a great place to stay. When you’re only staying somewhere for a short time, we always recommend choosing a central hotel as it saves so much travel time. With that in mind, we’ve chosen three hotels that will allow you to get around Byron Bay on foot as much as possible, and we’ve listed our top pick for every budget below.
Luxury – $$$
Hotel Marvell Byron Bay is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a 5-star stay. It’s a chic hotel with touches of the Bay’s signature boho charm, and it boasts a rooftop pool and terrace with lovely views of the area.
And in terms of location, it couldn’t be better! This hotel is super central, and most of the restaurants and cafes we’ve mentioned throughout this post are just a short walk away. Meanwhile, Main Beach is under a kilometer away!
Rooms here cost between $500 and $1,200 AUD per night. Read the glowing reviews and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Waves Byron Bay is a fantastic choice if you want a stylish, beachside base just steps from Main Beach. It’s literally only 60 metres away!
The property offers spacious suites and luxurious rooftop penthouses, some with private terraces and BBQ facilities, which are perfect for relaxing or entertaining. All rooms come with king-size beds, flat-screen TVs, minibars, air conditioning, and marble or granite bathrooms, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
In the mornings you’ll find complimentary muffins, juice, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit in the hotel foyer, and there’s free secure covered parking which is a big bonus around here! The hotel also provides beach chairs, towels, and boogie boards. What more could you want?
Suites here cost between $375 and $600 AUD per night. Book your stay here!
Budget – $
Wollongbar Motel is a great choice for travelers looking for a budget-friendly, central base in Byron Bay. It’s simple, but super clean and comfortable with a good reputation. The rooms are modern and air-conditioned, and each one has a TV, a refrigerator, microwave, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Each one also has its own seating and dining area, so you’ll have plenty of space.
There’s also a saltwater swimming pool on site, as well as a barbecue area and free parking. Location-wise, it’s close to the beach and all that the town has to offer, so we think it’s a really smart choice for travelers on a budget.
Rooms here typically cost between $200 and $250 AUD per night, while a 3-bed, 2-bath apartment costs around $600 AUD. It’s a great choice for groups! See all prices and book your stay here.
For more options, see all of the hotels available in Byron Bay here!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: We’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for our readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”
What’s an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.
In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.
We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
🔥 Hot Tip: Choose the Oceania-wide eSIM! It works across 8 countries, so you can hop from New Zealand to Australia to Fiji without ever losing connection. One download, endless adventures.
Bonus: We’ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:
Thanks for reading!
We love visiting Byron Bay – it is a quintessential Aussie getaway! Beach, outdoors, and a relaxed vibe, what more could you want!? This itinerary hits the highlights, and you can follow it whether it’s your first trip or your fifth.
Need help planning the rest of your trip? See all of our Australia blogs here! We have lived in various parts of the country and traveled even further, so we have lots of resources to help you plan a memorable trip. Here are a few related blogs to get you started – cheers!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Hobart, Australia: 3-Day Itinerary
How to Spend 3 DAYS in Gold Coast, Australia: 3-Day Itinerary
How to Spend THREE Days in Cairns, Australia: 3-Day Itinerary