Visit Byron Bay
What to do and Where to Stay in Byron Bay, New South Wales
Byron Bay is a stunning, coastal town in northern New South Wales, Australia. Home to endless beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant community, seaside villages, world-class festivals and unique dining experiences, Byron Bay is an irresistible getaway destination.
Crystalbrook Byron is just a short drive from the iconic town of Byron Bay in New South Wales. The resort offers the perfect blend of intuitive service, impeccable detail and stunning natural surroundings in an idyllic Australian destination.
What to do in Byron Bay
Take a Whale Watching Cruise
Byron Bay is one of the best places in the world to observe the yearly migration of humpback whales. These magnificent ocean mammals pass by from May to November and there is no better place to catch a glimpse than from the most easterly point of New South Wale, Byron Bay. You can settle in at the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse in the Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Or, if getting in amongst the action is for you, you can join whale watching cruises that will take you on the water with experienced marine biologists. Some cruise boats even have hydrophones that allow you to hear the humpback whales singing to each other. If that’s still not enough, you can get even closer with Kayak tours that will have you brushing up against these gentle giants.
Explore these whale-watching cruises and tours:
- Blue Bay Whale Watching
- Byron Bay Eco Charter
- Whale Watching Byron Bay
- Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay
- Cape Byron Kayaks
If you’re visiting Byron Bay out of whale-watching season, there are still plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with the local Byron wildlife. You can also paddle right in amongst dolphins in the Cape Byron Marine Park. Or get a close view of whales while snorkelling at Julian Rocks with Sundive Byron Bay.
Adventure in Arakwal National Park
Arakwal National Park thrums with life. Just a short 20 minute drive from the centre of Byron, you’ll spend the day immersed in a beautiful, natural beach retreat. The park offers birdwatching, swimming, surfing, fishing and picnicing—all activities that will help you to unwind. Co-managed by the NSW government and traditional owners, Arakwal exists in the custodial boundaries of the Bundjalung nation and is an important part of Bundjalung heritage. The park’s 3km of pristine beach and flourishing coastal heath is also a haven for several threatened and endangered native plants and animals.
Relax on Tallow Beach
Tallow Beach is a stunning 6.5km beach between the Cape Byron Conservation Area and Broken Head Nature Reserve. Its waters are perfect for swimming, surfing, and fishing. Likewise, the shore is an idyllic place to relax on the sand and watch for osprey and white-bellied sea eagles as they scour the coast in search of food. For the brave, there is a secluded nature track which leads onto a stunning nudist beach. Spend a fun-filled day in an untouched setting of rugged beauty with views of the vast Pacific Ocean and return to Byron rejuvenated.
Wander Through the Rainforest
Backing onto rolling, ancient rainforests, Byron Bay’s hinterland boasts a disproportionate amount of exquisite landscapes, abundant wildlife and rainforest walks. Visit Tyagarah Nature Reserve, one of Byron’s most popular national parks, for walking trails that explore the park’s 6 endangered ecological systems including coastal saltmarsh and oak floodplain forest. If you’re after breathtaking waterfalls, head inland. Nightcap National Park is home to a natural freshwater river system with panoramic views of the 100m high waterfall, Minyon Falls. The lookout at Minyon Falls presents the best views of the world-heritage listed rainforest and offers shaded picnic benches and BBQs. Be dazzled by spectacular waterfalls and take a dip in natural, freshwater pools.
Catch the Sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse
A visit to Byron Bay is not complete without exploring the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Perched on top of Cape Bryon’s rocky headland, the lighthouse marks the most easterly point in mainland Australia. Its unique position makes early morning visitors the first in the country to catch the sunrise as it sweeps over the Pacific Ocean. The walk to the lighthouse is a 2 hour trek that offers unforgettable views, particularly if there are dolphins slipping through the gentle waves below. If early mornings aren’t for you, visit later on and explore the Cape Byron Lighthouse Maritime Museum. Situated at the base of the Byron Bay lighthouse—in what was once the head lightkeepers office—the museum is open 7 days, 10am to 4pm.
Feast on Byron’s harvest
Affectionately known as ‘Australia’s hippie heartland’, the communities of Byron Bay and its surrounding towns are renowned for their laid-back, alternative lifestyle. One perk of this wholesome way of living is all the best cafés and restaurants in Byron pride themselves on serving local produce. If you really want to get a taste of the Byron hinterland’s organic produce, head 20kms southwest from Byron Bay to the village of Newrybar. Here you'll find Harvest restaurant, deli and bakery, which serves up delicious, organic meals from breakfast until dinner. Work up an appetite before you eat by browsing through the Newrybar’s eclectic art galleries and clothing shops. And it’s not just food to be thankful for! Byron is by no means lacking in cheers-worthy bars and breweries. Stone and Wood Brewing Company offer a range of ales and lagers from their Northern River brewery in Bryon. Visit for tours and tastings and taste the Bryon difference.
Find your bliss
Create your own bespoke wellness retreat in Byron Bay, an area renowned for its restorative and healing energy. The purity of the ocean air and symphony of nature will help you find a whole new level of inner peace. Rise with the sun for morning yoga at the Resort or work up a salty sweat on the tennis court before diving into the cooling depths of the infinity pool, extra laps optional.
What better way to follow a morning of discovery and delight in Byron Bay than to decompress and relax in Eléme Day Spa. Turn up the heat on your health with an infrared sauna session and then follow with a Well-Tuned Chakra Healing – a fluid combination of massage, essential oils and healing crystals.
Shop up a storm at local Byron labels
It wouldn’t be a trip to Byron Bay without a spot of shopping and there are so many awesome local, sustainable brands to check out. We recommend heading to the Industrial Estate where you will find local labels such as Naganta, Rowie The Label, Tigmi Trading, and, of course, sustainable St. Agni (our personal favourite) among others. We love St. Agni so much we’ve dressed our entire Experience Curator team in their clothing. Pop past the front desk for some outfit inspo.
Where to Stay in Byron Bay
Meet Crystalbrook Byron
Crystalbrook Byron is just a short drive from the iconic town of Byron Bay in New South Wales. The resort offers the perfect blend of intuitive service, impeccable detail and stunning natural surroundings in an idyllic Australian destination.
