The Ultimate Byron Bay Bucket List – Top Experiences & Hidden Gems

Welcome to Byron Bay

Where surf, soul, and sunshine collide — Byron Bay is Australia’s east-coast dream destination. Known for its laid-back lifestyle, creative energy, and jaw-dropping coastal beauty, Byron attracts free spirits, surfers, foodies, and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re chasing waves, hiking hinterland trails, exploring artisan markets, or indulging in organic cuisine, this coastal haven has something magical for everyone.

Use this Ultimate Byron Bay Bucket List as your go-to guide for the region’s top experiences — from iconic must-dos to secret local gems only the Aussie Bucket List crew would know.

1. Explore Byron’s World-Class Beaches

• Main Beach: Byron’s social and surf centre. Just steps from town, Main Beach is patrolled, family-friendly, and home to postcard-perfect sunrise views. Our favourite afternoon family activity is to get local fish and chips, throw a picnic rug down on the hill overlooking Byron Bay Main Beach, and watching the sunset while watching all the interesting people walk by.

• Wategos Beach: This is our favourite Byron Bay beach due to it being sheltered from the southerly winds, making it ideal for paddleboarding, swimming or dolphin-watching. Bring a picnic or book a table at Raes on Wategos for ocean-front dining. Parking is limited so we recommend getting in early.

• The Pass: Beloved by long-boarders and photographers alike, The Pass delivers rolling waves and golden-hour perfection. Climb the lookout stairs for panoramic views. This is our favourite family friendly beach at Byron Bay, with public amenities and a little cafe at The Pass. Again, parking is limited so best to get in early or later in the afternoon for your best chance to get a park.

2. Walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse

You can’t say you’ve done Byron without walking to its shining icon — the Cape Byron Lighthouse. The 3.7 km loop trail begins near Clarkes Beach and winds through rainforest and clifftops, with incredible panoramic coastal views.

• Distance: 3.7 km loop (2 hours return)
• Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for minimal crowds and jaw-dropping light
• Highlight: Whale watching (May–November) and watching the sunrise over Australia’s easternmost point.

3. Discover the Hinterland & Waterfalls

Image: Minyon Falls

Just minutes inland you’ll find a lush world of rainforest, waterfalls, and creative villages.

• Minyon Falls (Nightcap National Park): A spectacular 100 m waterfall with walking trails and an easily accessible lookout with incredible views out over the falls and the surrounding scenery. For all the details and to save Minyon Falls to your free Aussie Bucket List profile, see here.
• Protesters Falls (Nightcap National Park): See here for all the details on these spectacular falls, and to save to your Aussie Bucket List profile.

4. Stay Somewhere Spectacular

Image: DSTNTN Byron Bay Mirror House by Aussie Bucket List

From eco villas to hinterland hideaways, Byron Bay redefines luxury accommodation. See below our top recommended stays to book now or add to your free Aussie Bucket List:

• DSTNTN Byron Bay Mirror House – An off-grid architectural eco home surrounded by lush rainforest, featuring an outdoor bath to bask in the bubbles under the stars, plush bedding, fully self-contained kitchen and a fire pit. For further details and to save to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE. 
• Elements of Byron – Award-winning eco resort with beach access, luxury resort style pools, set amongst nature.
• Black Cockatoo Coorabell – A Luxury Retreat in the Byron Bay Hinterland, featuring an outdoor hot tub and fire pit.
• Crystalbrook Byron Bay - Nestled in 45 acres of subtropical rainforest just outside Byron Bay, Crystalbrook Byron (formerly Byron at Byron) is a standout five-star eco-luxury resort known for its sustainable design, refined amenities, and seamless connection to nature.

Key Facts

• Location: Byron Bay, Northern Rivers, NSW
• Closest Airport: Ballina Byron Gateway (35 min) / Gold Coast (1 hr 15 min)
• Best Time to Visit: September – April for beaches; May – August for whale watching
• Ideal Stay Length: 3–5 days
• Average Temperatures: 20 °C – 28 °C year-round

Why Byron Bay Deserves a Spot on Your Aussie Bucket List

Because Byron Bay is more than a holiday — it’s a state of mind. Here, you’ll find moments that slow you down, connect you to nature, and remind you how good life feels when you’re living it simply and authentically. Add Byron Bay to your Aussie Bucket List and see why this small coastal town has become a global symbol of freedom, wellbeing, and sunshine.