If you’re heading down under, you’re probably imagining beautiful beaches, surfing, and the famous laid-back Aussie lifestyle. Well, nowhere in Australia better encapsulates the Aussie beach town better than Byron Bay.
This small surf town, about a nine-hour drive from Sydney, should be on the radar of every tourist planning an Australian vacation.
Are you ready to learn more about the best Byron Bay hotels and attractions? If so, keep reading to find everything you need to know to plan your trip.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Byron Bay?
If you’re heading to Byron Bay, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do! For a small town, Byron packs in plenty of excitement, whether you want to enjoy the beach, chill out to live music at sunset, or get out and explore.
Here are some of the best things to do in town.
Visit the Lighthouse
Perhaps Byron’s most iconic attraction is the Cape Byron lighthouse, which sits on Australia’s most easterly point. You can easily walk from town to the lighthouse and back within about two hours, with spectacular coastal views along the way.
Parking is available if you’d rather not drive, but be aware that the parking lot is small and can get full quickly.
For the best views and photography, aim to visit at sunrise or sunset.
Try Out Surfing
There’s no getting around the fact that Byron is a surf town, so if you’ve ever wanted to try it, now is your chance! There are plenty of surf schools that cater to complete beginners, teaching you the basics so that you can catch your first wave.
Or, if you’re more experienced, the Byron coastline has plenty of famous surf spots, such as The Pass. Even if surfing isn’t for you, it’s a lot of fun to watch the surfers paddle out each morning, eager to catch the perfect wave.
Visit the Hinterland
Need a break from the beaches? If so, it’s only a short drive into the Byron Hinterland, an inland area full of rainforests, valleys, and gorgeous hiking spots.
You’ll find plenty of cute small towns, markets, cafes, and parks where you can get lost in nature.
Enjoy the Beaches
Byron is full of gorgeous beaches, such as Main Beach and Wategos Beach. Both are patrolled and safe for swimming, so pack a picnic and enjoy a day out.
If you prefer to be more active, you can kayak with wild dolphins, which are plentiful in the waters of Byron. In the winter months, you’re likely to see whales as well.
What to Look for in Byron Bay Hotels
Now that you’re convinced Byron is the place to be, where will you stay? The good news is that Byron has a huge range of hotels, but the bad news is that Byron is incredibly popular, so they can get booked months in advance.
Make a hotel reservation as soon as possible, so that you don’t miss out. Here are a few more key factors to consider when booking a Byron hotel.
Location
Location is key in Byron! Many guests prefer to be within walking distance from the city center and Main Beach, so always check out a hotel’s location before booking.
Having waterfront views is amazing too, so the closer you can get to the beach, the happier you’ll be—just know that waterfront accommodation tends to be more expensive.
In Byron, you’ll also find resorts outside of town, so before booking, make sure you’re ok with having to drive or get a bus into town.
Parking
Does your accommodation have parking? If you’re driving to Byron, or you’ve rented a car, then you’ll want to be sure parking is available.
However, note that traffic in Byron can get pretty heavy, with expensive parking, so you’ll probably want to drive as little as possible.
If the hotel you book does have parking, check if it’s complimentary or not.
Swimming Pools
Swimming pools are tons of fun, especially for kids. They also make for a nice break from the ocean and are a safer alternative on days when the waves are too big.
Check if your hotel has a swimming pool before booking, because you’re sure to appreciate it on a hot Byron day.
Kitchenette Facilities
Another top tip is to look for a resort that offers kitchen facilities, like The Crest Apartments Byron Bay. Eating out for every meal can get very expensive, so having the ability to prepare meals like breakfast or lunch can save you tons of money.
Plus, popular restaurants can get booked out weeks in advance. There are plenty of grocery stores in town, so it’s easy to pick up anything you need at the local shops.
They also give you more space than a normal hotel room, which is much better for spreading out, relaxing, or doing some work.
Plan Your Trip to Byron Bay With These Tips
Is Byron calling your name? If you can’t wait to visit one of Australia’s most famous towns, use these tips to learn more about Byron Bay hotels and attractions.
Start researching online to find the best hotel for your budget and preferences, taking time to read reviews as well. The right hotel can make or break a vacation, so you want to be sure to find a place you love.
Just be warned—Byron is so lovely, you might never want to leave!
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