Chill Out in Byron Bay, Australia

Need to relax? Get away from all? Or do you need a place to chill out? Then chill out in Byron Bay. To me, it’s like nowhere else in Australia and probably nowhere else in the world.

Known as a great place to learn to surf, it’s also home to Australia’s most easterly point.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links, I receive a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps me maintain this site. Thank you.

Subscribe to my blog to stay up to date as I share more about my travel experiences.

All prices and times were accurate when this information was written or updated; however, please verify the details on the websites before your visit.

Byron Bay Township

There are many places to eat on and off Jonson Street, the main street in Byron Bay. As a compact place, Byron Bay is so easy to walk around, and that is just what I did.

I stayed at the Cape Byron YHA in Byron Bay. It’s a 2-minute walk to the road leading to the lighthouse, making it an ideal spot to meet new friends and unwind. It’s two blocks back from Jonson Street and only a 5-minute walk to the beach.

Chill out on the Byron Bay Beaches

The first walk I took was to Byron Beach and Fisherman’s Lookout. This is approximately 2 km in length and makes for a great walk along the beach.

Surfers and Dolphins dot the sea, and this is also a great place to view the sunset.

Wategos Beach

Wategos and Little Wategos Beach are the next beaches heading around the headland. Not only are these beaches great, but they are also smaller and less crowded, although they remain popular.

Wategos Beach can be reached by either the road or the track. A popular place to eat, drink, and surf, it’s also a nice place to stop while you walk on the coastal track.

Tracks Around the Headland

You first walk up the road to the Fisherman’s Lookout, and then the path starts in the car park. This path has many steps up, and as I watched the locals run up, I realised how unfit I was.

Remember to apply sunscreen and bring it, and drink plenty of water.

The track will take you past Wategos Beach, and a turnoff, further along, will take you down to Little Wategos Beach.

From here, it’s up to the Most Easterly Point in Australia and its views over the ocean. From June to November, you may even be lucky enough to see Humpback Whales heading north or south on their journey.

The track then heads up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the area’s most iconic piece of architecture.

This is where you can see forever across the ocean, as well as look out over the other side to Tallow Beach. If the conditions are favourable, this is where the hang gliders take off from.

When heading back down to town, you can either walk down the road or take a track.

This track is sandier and less well-formed than the coastal track, so you need to be more cautious and wear suitable footwear.

This is a nearly 4 km loop walk that can be completed in as little or as much time as you like.

Sunrise & Sunset at the Most Easterly Point in Australia

It seems to be the thing to do while in Byron Bay is to go up to the lighthouse at sunrise and sunset.

The first time I went up for sunset, it was a Sunday night, and I learned my lesson very quickly. Everybody goes. For sunset, get there early.

I ended up back at Fisherman’s Lookout for sunset. There were still a few people around, but nothing compared to the lighthouse.

It is easy to walk up to the lighthouse from the town, especially at sunset, as it’s very hard to find a parking spot.

Sunrise isn’t as crowded as sunset, but it’s still a popular destination.

It took me 30-40 minutes to walk up the road. Take a torch, as there isn’t much light this time of day, and arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise.

This is a magical place to see the sunrise. As the sun rises over the sea, the sky turns to pastel shades.

When you’ve finished here, you can return to town via the coastal track, which isn’t so busy at this time.

Byron Farmers Market

The Byron Farmers Market offers local delicacies on Thursdays between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Whatever time of year you’re visiting, the Farmers Market will have the in-season local fare to tempt your taste buds.

From cakes to fruit and vegetables to honey to oysters, you’ll find them all here, as well as certified organic produce.

Where It Is

Butler Street Reserve between 7 am and 11 am.

Where I Stayed

I stayed at Cape Byron YHA. It’s a great place to base yourself and chill out in Byron Bay. From here, I could easily walk around the city, beaches, and up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. I had a private room with an ensuite, as I wanted time to myself and to get up extra early to see the sunrise at the lighthouse without disturbing anyone.

I also wanted accommodation with parking, as the Byron Bay Shire charges for parking everywhere. There is limited parking underneath the building, and overnight street parking is permitted; however, a fee is charged during the day.

Facilities

Where it is

Corner of Byron and Middleton Streets in Byron Bay.

How To Book

Conclusion

You’ll be surprised how great you feel when you chill out in Byron Bay. It’s a fantastic area to explore. You could learn to surf, relax on the beach or walk the many tracks around the headland.

Have You Found This Blog Helpful? Then, Why Not Buy Me a Coffee?

Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs about Australia, you can find them on the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. Alternatively, if you’re interested in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click the links for each.

Travel Resources

• All-in-One Travel App—Klook is for all your travel needs, from tickets to attractions to sim cards to fast-track through customs and immigration.
• Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using AviaSales, Booking.com, or Tripadvisor.
• Car Hire—In Australia, you can use Budget Car Rentals Australia or Avis Car Rentals Australia or in New Zealand, Budget Car Rentals New Zealand or Avis Car Rentals New Zealand.
• Camper & RV Rentals—Want a quieter pace exploring Australia and New Zealand in your own accommodation? Jucy Rentals and Star RV Rentals will give you an unforgettable travelling experience.
• Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels.
• Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• SIM cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
• Power Stations—Bluetti Australia Power Stations are your choices for sustainable, eco-friendly power on the road or at home.

• For more tips, try my Travel Links and Resources page.

Did You Like This Post? Then Pin It!