Golden sand beaches, epic surf breaks, and laid-back bohemian vibes define life in eastern Australia’s most famous beach town, Byron Bay. If beach attire is your vacation outfit of choice and you don’t mind a bit of salt in your hair during brunch, this relaxed, luxe seaside town will capture your heart.
Add this 24-hour Byron Bay itinerary to your next Australian adventure (spoiler: you’ll likely want to stay forever).
Afternoon: Arrival and Hike to Cape Byron
Drop your bags off and head out to stretch your legs on a hike to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. This 3.7 km loop takes you through lush rainforests, over coastal headlands, and past white sand beaches, with the lighthouse at its midpoint.
After your hike, relax on Clarke’s Beach as surfers ride rolling right-hand point breaks against a dreamy pastel backdrop as the sun sets. Continue down the sand towards Main Beach and chill out at Apex Park for sunset.
The sounds of acoustic street buskers and flocks of lorikeets in the nearby Norfolk Island pines fill the air as twenty-somethings hunker down on picnic blankets to watch the sunset. You may even catch the massive swarm of bats out for their evening feed.
Evening: Dinner at Casa Luna
Trade your swim cossie (swimsuit) for evening wear and head to Casa Luna. Enjoy sharable plates inspired by the Mediterranean in an intimate Southwestern-style dining room adorned with cacti. The menu and cocktails change seasonally, so check out their website for the latest offerings and to make a booking.
Morning: Sunrise at Cape Byron and Tallow Beach
The next morning, head back to the lighthouse for a spectacular sunrise. If you’re not keen to hike again, there’s parking at the Cape. Make sure to pay at the machines (or the attendant if you’re parking at the lighthouse) as the city liberally doles out parking fines.
Following sunrise, head into town to treat yourself to a coffee or brunch at one of the many cafes in town. The lighthouse also has a cafe that serves beverages and light snacks with killer coastal views of surfers down at Wategos Beach.
After brunch, venture down to the expansive golden sands of Tallow Beach. This area is popular for surfing and swimming, although the swell can get unruly, so always swim between the flags to avoid riptides.
The 2.5 km expanse of sand is much quieter than the main beach, making it the perfect spot to sunbathe or stroll the sprawling coast away from the crowds.
Afternoon: The Farm and lunch at Three Blue Ducks
Head out of town for an authentic farm-to-table dining experience at The Farm. This 80-acre working farm is home to livestock, crop fields, and a stunning restaurant, Three Blue Ducks.
Follow the farm walk for a self-guided tour and experience The Farm’s motto, Grow, Feed, Educate. This short 1 km walk guides you past pens with pigs and cattle, free-range chickens, apiaries, a macadamia orchard, and crop fields.
After exploring the property, sit down for lunch at Three Blue Ducks to experience the flavors of The Farm. The restaurant sources as much as possible from the property, resulting in fresh, high-quality plates in a laid-back atmosphere.
Sip cocktails on the open-air terrace overlooking the lush rolling hills while sampling succulent Kingfish ceviche, tender polenta gnocchi with zucchini, and more from the menu’s seasonal offerings.