Wish you were here

There are few places more perfect for 'an early' than The Pass or Wategos Beach nestled beneath the legendary Cape Byron Lighthouse. An early start improves your chances of nabbing a car park, and your share of the waves these spots are famous for. When you emerge from the sea refreshed, grab a coffee or breakfast at The Pass Cafe. A very simple pleasure or two in this stunningly beautiful place.

Beach Byron Bay is just one of those places. Located right on the dune overlooking Clarkes Beach, this restaurant-slash-kiosk-slash-fancy-wedding-venue enjoys to-die-for views and a barefoot luxury vibe — perfect for a very long lunch or unforgettable dinner. #Swoon

A few kilometres off Cape Byron, and visible to all who gaze out to sea from Byron's beaches sits the Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve. This rocky outcrop is barren and rugged above the water, but beneath the ocean's surface it brims with life. Local operators take snorkellers and divers out daily.

The rocks were sighted by Captain Cook when he passed by in 1770. However, he did not name them. They are referred to as the 'Juan and Julia Rocks' in Staff Commander Howard’s 1883 survey report and sketch of Cape Byron Bay. Curiously, the origin of this name is unknown.

Always vibing up near the Top Pub [The Beach Hotel], a stone's throw from Main Beach, Miss Margarita tops the must-eat-at lists of many visitors to Byron. Stroll by, sniff the breeze, peek inside and you'll understand why. Grab a seat outside, order a chilled bottle or glass of something nice and plates of zingy this-and-that, and soak up the Margy magic.

This is pretty much compulsory. Set off from Main Beach, The Pass or Wategos Beach and walk the sturdy path that hugs the stunning coastline and clifftops. It can be quite steep and challenging at times, so you'll feel the burn as you ascend the hundreds of steps up Cape Byron. If you came to Byron without making your way up to the lighthouse, did you even really come?

The office tucked away behind the enormous roller door at the rear of 66 Centennial Circuit in the Byron Bay Industrial Estate played a momentous part in the Zepto story. It was there that we rebranded from Split Payments to Zepto, where we scaled, and celebrated some incredible milestones including becoming a Connected Institution on the NPP for PayTo, gaining our Accredited Data Recipient status on the Consumer Data Right, landing our Series A raise, and signing the customer contracts [and banging the gong] that forever changed the trajectory of the Zepto rocket ship.

We loved it there. If you're ever cruising through the 'Induzzy' and happen to roll past 66 Centennial, slow down, peer in and wonder how on earth such a consequential business could emerge from such an unremarkable location. True story.

The 'Byron Bay Stingrays' swim the Bay everyday, whatever the weather. Blow-ins are always welcome. Meet them at Byron Bay SLSC weekdays at 8.00am.

You'll find the spectacular Minyon Falls lookout in Nightcap National Park roughly 45-mins drive from Byron Bay. Well worth the drive, especially after the rain. There are some fabulous, well-marked bushwalks here, too.

An easy and picturesque 25-minute drive from Byron Bay, Killen Falls is up there with the most accessible and photogenic falls in the region.

This is pretty much compulsory. Set off from Main Beach, The Pass or Wategos Beach and walk the sturdy path that hugs the stunning coastline and clifftops. This can be quite challenging at times, and you'll feel the burn as you ascend the hundreds of steps up Cape Byron. If you came to Byron without making your way up to the lighthouse, did you even come to Byron?

Just 5km south of Byron town on Broken Head Road [opposite the Crystalbrook Byron Bay Resort] the course at Byron Bay Golf Club offers 18-holes of manicured, undulating and challenging golf. You might even catch a view of the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse from the fairways and elevated tees. And the clubhouse is the perfect spot to relive the best moments of your round. Fore!

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail, while not exactly operating in the Byron Shire, is but a short drive from Byron and surrounds. The 24-kilometre long Tweed section from Crabbes Creek to Murwillumbah is easily accessible and super fun. Bring your own bikes and equipment, or rent and ride when you get here. The trail runs along the old railway corridor, connects a series of wonderful small towns, and even snakes through old tunnels with glow worms. A fabulous piece of tourism infrastructure, the Rail Trail will very likely extend deep into the Byron Shire all the way through Bangalow to Bexhill, Lismore and Casino.

Directly across the road from the iconic Spell Byron Bay store, Bay Grocer brims with fresh local produce, premium imported delicacies, ready-made gourmet meals [try the fish pie], and has a happening cafe counter, too. Keep an eye out for the themed evening pop-ups. #Delish

About 20-minutes north from Byron in gorgeous Brunswick Heads, you'll find the legendary Bruns Bakery. And in the spirit of the Michelin Guide, it's absolutely 'worth a drive'. Peer into the open, theatre-style kitchen a watch the magic happen. Get there early for a morning coffee and marvel at the cabinets full to the brim with baked sweet and savoury goodies.

Doma in Federal — nestled in the hinterland about 35 minutes from Byron Bay — is absolutely, indubitably worth the drive. There's not much to Federal — a general store, a coffee roastery, an antiques-y barn, a tennis court and — of all things — the cutest, most delicious and unexpected gem: exquisite, unfussy Japanese food from Doma. Do it. Jump in the car, head for the hills, arrive hungry. You won't regret it.

Was there ever a prettier bakery? Masa Bakehouse is seriously 'grammable and delicious. It's also just up the road from the old Zepto HQ on centennial Drive in the Byron Industrial Estate which is well worth a wander.

Mullumbimby is having a moment right now, and this is no more evident than at the Euro bistro and wine bar, Mullumbimby Continental. Open 7 days, the menu at 'Mullum Continental' changes with the seasons but has a strong set of regular fave dishes that are always on. Fabulous wines, cocktails and a rotating tap of local beers rounds the offering out.

Located in quirky coastal Brunswick Heads, Saint Maries is your down-to-earth neighbourhood pizzeria & wine bar, situated in the restored and retro Sails Motel. Go for the incredible pizza and stay for the vibe. Saint Maries is open every day from mid afternoon till late. Yum.

A super popular local bakery, Sunday Sustainable serves all the delicious things you'd expect made from some of the best produce in the northern rivers. There are two locations: one on Jonson Street in downtown Byron, and one out beside the IGA near Elements resort — defo worth the effort of the trip on the solar train.

If you head west from Byron, up into the hinterland and out past Bangalow towards the Eltham Pub or Lismore, you'll find yourself in the tiny but charming Clunes. You really can't miss the Clunes Store on the main road through town as there's not much else there.

It's anything but a 'general' store. It's more a collection of businesses: a grocery-deli-bakery full of good things for the pantry, a boutique bottle-o, a fab cafe and a post office. And if you're lucky, you might just catch a Shoza Gyoza pop-up when you're there.

The Farm is an 80 acre working farm that's home to a community of growers, producers, eateries [notably Three Blue Ducks], and educators who share a passion for growing food sustainably and 100% spray and chemical free. You'll find The Farm just off the highway into town from the north. Follow the signs — you can't miss it!

Pro tip: Bring a picnic rug and collect a Three Blue Ducks hamper — that you ordered 48-hours prior — and wander along The Farm trail past the pigs in their mud bath, the 700 Bond Brown layers [chooks], past the macadamia orchard and the fields brimming with produce that ends up in the resto. Find a good spot, plonk down, and tuck into your Three Blue Ducks bag filled with house-made goods, locally sourced cheeses, charcuterie, parfait, dips, fruit, sweets, dried fruits, nuts, berries, and bread from The Bread Social.

The Farm is open every day of the year except for Christmas Day.

Known until 2017 as Macs Milk Bar, Byron Bay General Store is the brainchild of Ben Gordon — drummer for local metalcore band, Parkway Drive. It inhabits one of the Shire’s oldest, still-standing commercial buildings located on approach to Byron from the south. The General Store is now a popular place for locals and visitors to hang out, and grab some tasty and refreshing things. We think its breakie bowls and burgers are a bit legendary.

The Top Shop is a renovated 1950’s milk bar at the corner of Massinger and Carlyle Street just up from Clarkes Beach. It now does a roaring trade slinging burgers, hot chips, sandwiches and salads, smoothies, shakes and coffee. Customers spill out onto the grass, sun-kissed on their towels. #Compulsory

Woods is a gorgeous [seriously cute] cafe/resto in Bangalow — in the hinterland about 20 minutes from Byron. It's surrounded by an eclectic set of tiny shops, boutiques and Pack Gallery in the boho chic Art Precinct at 10 Station St near Bangalow's historic A&I Hall.

Walk with an Arakwal Elder and hear the true history of Country learning Arakwal customs, knowledge, ceremonies and stories.

Just up the coast a little, you'll find the cute-as-a-button and quirky-as-all-get-out Brunswick Picture House. After sitting empty for decades, the Picture House burst back to life in 2016 after a refurbishment par excellence by the creative team behind the award-winning, internationally-acclaimed circus/cabaret sensation “La Soirée”. The Picture House serves up a quirk (sometimes racy) mix of film, circus, cabaret, comedy, live music and family-friendly entertainment.

In October each year Australian and International film talent joins thousands of film lovers at 'BBFF'. Known for delivering a dynamic and distinctive film festival experience in our beautiful beachside hometown, the festival is renowned the quality of its program and its laid-back, friendly vibe.

A relative newcomer to the region's cultural scene, 'BFF' punches well above its weight. Delivering a seductive combination of world-class films, special events and small town charm, the festival typically runs for 10 days in March each year.

https://www.bangalowfilmfestival.com.au/

Lone Goat Gallery is a contemporary art space in the Byron Bay Library building in downtown Byron Bay. Showing works by emerging and established artists from the Northern Rivers region and beyond, the gallery is a cultural haven among the hubbub of town, and just a short walk from Main Beach.

Located in Bangalow — just 20 minutes from Byron — Ninbella hosts a superb collection of award-winning, contemporary art, and specialises in ethical and fair trade Authentic Australian First Nation's Aboriginal Art from Far North Queensland, the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land & the Western and Central Desert regions of Australia. The gallery is also home to a collection of alternative local artists.

Iconic.

A regular bearer of Good Food Guide hats, Raes Dining Room serves modern Australian with a Mediterranean influence beside the idyllic surrounds of Wategos beach.

This fine diner is housed in the legendary Raes hotel where past guests have included Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Keith Richards, Pink and Sir Richard Branson. #Fancy

Beach Byron Bay is just one of those places. Located right on the dune overlooking Clarkes Beach, this restaurant-slash-kiosk-slash-fancy-venue enjoys to-die-for views and a barefoot luxury vibe — perfect for a very long lunch or unforgettable dinner. #Swoon

Beach is known for incredible local produce, cooked with imagination and flare.

Located within the very stylish Hotel Marvell, Byron Bay Oyster Bay & Seafood offers a sublime line-up of, well, mostly oysters and seasonal seafood. Oysters are kept in optimum conditions in state-of-the-art oyster tank that uses carefully filtered water collected on a king tide from nearby Brunswick Heads. There's a drinks list designed to complement your dining experience, and it's even open for breakfast serving Bangalow bacon and coffee from the Zentvelds roastery.

Now something of an empire, the Light Years story started in a small dining room in the lane behind the Beach Hotel in 2017. Quickly becoming a fave with the locals, Light Years is regularly at the top of every visitor's must-dine-at list. And for good reason — it's bloody delicious, and oozes good vibes.

Very cool corner bar & dining room, You Beauty Bangalow, sits right at the intersection in the middle of pretty-much-a-one-street-town, Bangalow — about 15-20 minutes from downtown Byron Bay. Sit inside or out, and graze on the ever-changing menu of small plates and matched refreshments. Open Wednesday to Sunday. #DefinitelyWorthTheDrive

Tucked in behind the popular Light Years, Bar Heather's website states pretty simply that it's A Place to Drink Wine. But with a lively menu of good things to eat, it's clearly more than that. Think mood lighting and a sultry vibe. Bar Heather is open Tuesday to Saturday from 1700 till late.

Take a step back in time, but also into the future, aboard the Byron Solar Train. Operated by the not-for-profit Byron Bay Railroad Company, this quick, quirky experience connects Byron town with the North Byron end of the Byron Industrial Estate. A fun thing to with kids or the train spotters in your family, the train rattles slowly along a remnant stretch of functioning tracks, over the Belongil Creek rail bridge, and gets so close to the beach at times you can see and hear the waves breaking. There's a great value 'Ride in Style' deal that includes return fares and a select choice of main meals at the North Byron Hotel a short walk from the North Beach station. Fun

Brunswick Heads is seriously chill. Even by Byron's standards it feels like a gently soothing place far from the rat race. Fairies love to come here too. If you would like to see their fairy houses, follow the Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail.

The BellaRosa team has been making small batch gelato with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients in the heart of Byron Bay since 1999. Hard to go past without snaffling a sweet something-something. #NotJustForKids

Torakina is a sheltered, picturesque beach in Brunswick Heads nestled between the two break walls at the mouth of the beautiful Brunswick River just 20-minutes from Byron Bay. Shallow and calm, it's almost always crystal-clear and swell-free, providing picture perfect swimming conditions. Definitely loading the kids in the car and making the trip.

If your kid has packed a skateboard, hitting Byron Bay's epic new skate park, Jarjumirr Park, is simply compulsory. No ifs or buts. Grown-ups are welcome, too.

A bit of a local institution, Circus Arts' massive 1200 sqm indoor HQ has been promoting fun and fitness through flying trapeze and circus classes since 1999. Suitable for beginners through to professional performers, Circus Arts offers a range of circus classes for all ages – literally from toddlers through to adults.

Held each May in picturesque Bangalow since 1995, the billycart derby is a day of thrills and spills down the town's main street. There are more cart and age categories than you might think possible, ensuring there's a race for just about everyone. Pro tip: Get there early to secure a prime spot on the 'safety' hay bales, and brace yourself for imminent mayhem.

Home of some of the biggest crystals in the world, Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens offers a pretty divine day out for kids and their grown-ups alike. Located between Byron and Federal, the gardens and grounds at Crystal Castle are beautiful, there's a playground for kids, and such curious attractions as The Dragon Egg, The Enchanted cave, The Crystal Guardians, Wings to Eternity Mural, and the Buddha Walk. If you're looking for something different, a trip to Crystal Castle might be just the ticket.

Really put on the map by 'Hoges' and John 'Strop' Cornell in the early '90s, The Beachy — AKA The Top Pub — is the big daddy of the local pub scene. Incredible location across the road from the beach, The Beachy dominates — a true Byron icon. With a massive outdoor beer garden, regular gigs, good food, it's a total scene for locals and visitors alike. You will, however, very likely pay a premium for your drinks. After all, it last changed hands for $100 million.

Set right beside [and inside] the old Byron Bay train station just off Jonson Street, 'The Rails' has a laid-back, old-timey, good-timey vibe. A cracking free, live music venue with its famous open beer garden, the Friendly Bar is a great place to stop, soak in the Byron vibe, meet some colourful local characters, grab a bite to eat and ponder what on earth you've been doing all your life.

Head north out of town a few kilometres, turn right at the industrial estate, push on out just past the brilliant Habitat precinct and you'll reach the North Byron. This pub has a friendly locals vibe, great food and lovely outdoor seating under brollies and on sculpted grassy knolls. It's dog-friendly too which is a plus for us!

The Northern is renowned for its live music credentials, its back room being a regular stop on the national tours of renowned bands and performers like Paul Kelly, Fat Freddies Drop & Ocean Alley. More recently, the pub has become famous for the duelling pianos in its cocktail bar delivering late-night singalong fun galore.

Not technically a pub, but a local icon nonetheless. The brewery and tasting room is the spiritual home of a very famous local brew. Located in the industrial estate, it's home to 31 brewing tanks, a canteen run by the local foodie legends 100 Mile Table and Bay Grocer, Stone & Wood also has a leafy, covered, doggo-friendly beer garden. Sample the core range of S&W beers and a rotating series of one-off Pilot Batch beers, plus limited releases from the brand's eclectic Counter Culture series.

Located 20-mins up the highway in Brunswick Heads, the 'Bruns' is a destination pub par excellence. With great food and drinks, multiple bars, and a beautiful Poinciana-bedecked beer garden overlooking the Brunswick River, this place is worth the drive. Another easy-going, gigging hot-spot, the pub is kid-friendly with a dedicated 'Kids back Yard' play area.

Head into the hinterland, through Bangalow and out towards Lismore and — just after Clunes — you'll see the turn-off to Eltham. Take it. Not too long ago, The Eltham was a little known watering hole patronised by a handful of locals. It's now a genuine, destination pub serving up tasty meals, fab live music, and a cool country vibe that draws people from far and wide. There's not much else to Eltham itself, and don't let the pub's simple website fool you. Get out there, book one of the pub's five quirkily named [but wonderfully styled] rooms for an overnight stay, and immerse yourself in the whole situation. #Recommended

A proper historic pub, The Billinudgel is also a bit of a local secret. Think sloping, creaking floorboards, gorgeous timber bars and verandah seating in the town's main street. This is great spot for a pub lunch, but don't let its old-world charms fool you, it's also home to the legendary Nudge Nudge Wink Wink dance party events that have have raised over $380k for local Northern Rivers charities, covering homeless, women's support, domestic violence, youth, LGBTIQ+ and local community centres. A real surprise packet.