2 Days of Beachside Bliss: Things to Do in Byron Bay
LAST UPDATED: MARCH 19, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: FEBRUARY 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 14 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Longing to tan on the laid-back shores of Australia’s bohemian surfing haven?
Byron Bay is the epitome of a stereotypical Australian surf town—the turquoise water consistently crashes onto the sandy shore to a rhythmic tune that’s ideal whether you’re shredding on a board or sea kayak! Locally sourced Northern Rivers produce makes up truly artistic brunch plates that are one of many colorful aspects reflecting the vibrant community spirit found all around bohemian Byron. Embrace the beach culture and bike around barefoot whether you’re hitting a sheltered cove or continuing up the lush hillside to the Cape Byron lookout—no matter where you journey, the serene natural beauty will not disappoint.
When considering coastal things to do in Byron Bay, look to build a carefree itinerary that allows for plenty of lounging followed by airy bites and beachy brews. Embracing the liberty of being a free spirited soul is the Byron way, so there’s truly no wrong way to spend the day as long as you’re relaxing!
2 Days in Byron Bay Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed what to do in Byron Bay for 2 days travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
8:00 - 8:30 AM: 🥑 Fuel up with a locally sourced breakfast under the pink umbrellas at Combi (30 min)
8:40 AM - 12:00 PM: 🐬 Spot dolphins and turtles riding waves with Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay (3 hr 20 min)
12:00 - 1:00 PM: 🦪 Dive into a fresh seaside lunch at Beach Byron Bay looking out over the bay (1 hr)
1:30 - 3:30 PM: 🏄 Tan at The Pass while watching professionals shred this famous surf spot (2 hr)
3:30 - 5:00 PM: 🛀 Return to your lodging to shower and get ready for the rest of the night (1 hr 30 min)
5:00 - 6:30 PM: 🌇 Take the Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk before sunset (1 hr 30 min)
6:45 - 7:25 PM: 🖌️ Shop around the Byron Twilight Market boutique vendors for artisanal souvenirs (40 min)
7:30 - 9:00 PM: 🍔 Share elevated small plates from breezy Loft Byron Bay (1 hr 30 min)
Day 2
8:45 - 10:00 AM: ☕ Delight in the gourmet tropical brunch served at casually cool Bayleaf Cafe (1hr 15 min)
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 🐚 Shop around the Lawson Street boutiques to find the perfect coastal clothes (2 hr)
12:00 - 1:00 PM: 🥭 Dig into colorful fresh fruit bowls from mermaid-inspired Roca Byron Bay (1 hr)
1:00 - 4:00 PM: 🌊 Lounge around Main Beach to soak in some final Byron sunshine (3 hr)
4:00 - 6:00 PM: 👙 Return to your lodging once more and hang by the pool in the fading evening light (2 hr)
6:10 - 7:30 PM: 🍣 Grab traveling sushi plates off the train and pair with a side of sake at Kinoko (1 hr 20 min)
How to Get Around Byron Bay?
While Byron Bay is quite walkable, the town is just spread out enough that you may want to consider an alternate means of travel. It takes about an hour to walk across the entire length of town from Belongil Beach to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, with the latter situated atop a steep headland which makes climbing a bit difficult.
Bike rentals are offered across the bay for as little as A$35 per day, which is an ideal form of transportation if you plan to visit more remote sheltered coves like The Pass or Wategos Beach.
Otherwise, Uber offers rideshare services within town but the app can be a bit spotty with extended wait times—although there is enough signal to call a car from the elevated Cape Byron Lighthouse! As such, it’s common for Uber drivers to hand out their personal cards during a pickup facilitated through the app, allowing you to schedule transportation services with them directly for a set fee. This is a particularly convenient way to get to the airport and is typically cheaper than the fluctuating Uber rate, so consider carrying cash for this purpose!
How to Get from Sydney to Byron Bay?
FROM: Sydney Airport (Mascot NSW 2020, Australia)
TO: Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (210 Southern Cross Dr, Ballina NSW 2478, Australia)
If you’re wondering how far is Byron Bay from Sydney, it depends on the way you plan to arrive! The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is the closest regional airport to town being only 30 minutes away by car, with Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia servicing 1 hour and 15 minute flights between Sydney and this destination. The Gold Coast Airport is the next closest with a slightly longer 45 - 60 minute commute once you arrive off the 1 hour and 20 minute flight.
Driving from Sydney to Byron Bay is more hassle than it’s worth, especially for a short 2-day trip. If you’re on an Australia road trip, however, buckle up for a solid 8 hours of driving on the left side of the road up the coast to reach this laid back beach town.
Where to Stay in Byron Bay?
RECLUSIVE RESORT: Azur Byron Bay (Sea Breeze Villa, $442.00 for 2 nights split among 2 people)
Private poolside villas with a hint of Southeast Asian flair, boutique Azur Byron Byron offers everyday luxury for reasonable rates. Set slightly away from the central streets of town with a reclusive resort-feel, this is the ideal Byron Bay accommodation for those seeking tranquil relaxation. Recline under the shade of a gazebo, glide through the outdoor pool, and end each day drifting off to sleep under an airy canopy bed.
Skip the Byron Bay hotels and instead enjoy the comforts of home in a relaxed Bali-style oasis.
-
After booking this accommodation with a Travel Tuesday deal, I could not have been more thrilled with our Azur Byron Bay villa experience. The property is spacious and luxurious, with fresh linens and beach towels provided in each room alongside a flat screen TV and small desk for getting some work done.
I couldn’t tell you the last time I’ve slept under a canopy bed, but this dreamy feature was the cherry on top that made getting under the covers at the end of each day extra cozy.
I’d especially recommend the Sea Breeze villa, featuring a swinging wicker chair on the porch perfect for getting a tropical vacation shot.
The A/C in the room was cool and crisp—a must for Australian summers—and the small nature of the property made this stay feel like our personal hideaway.
Things to Do in Byron Bay?
Day 1
Breakfast - Combi
Begin day one in Byron Bay with a quintessential Australian activity—brunch! The pink umbrellas and rattan fixtures around Combi curate a bright beachy vibe permeating this family-owned joint. Serving up locally sourced Northern Rivers produce, their artful, imaginative breakfast plates taste as good as they look!
I was intrigued by the pesto crumpets—having never seen those two words together on a menu before—which ended up entailing sourdough topped with a cashew and sunflower seed spread, poached eggs, crispy kale, and vegan parmesan. Fusing English and Australian attributes, this colorful creation certainly tops my all-time brunch list! Counter-service Combi opens at 7:00 AM daily, with no advance reservations needed.
Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Head down Lawson Street for 10 minutes straight to the next activity after breakfast to ensure you arrive 20 minutes before your reservation, which in this case entails kayaking with marine wildlife courtesy of Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay! You’re pretty much guaranteed to see bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and maybe even humpback whales from June through October, since this operator includes a free retry tour if you don’t!
After donning a life jacket and helmet while safely storing your valuables, head to the beach for a kayaking lesson before hitting the open ocean. The 2-hour scenic paddle through Byron Bay’s marine reserve—which is undeniably an active effort on the way out as you push against incoming waves—glides over volcanic reefs along the east coast. See the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, the Cape Byron lighthouse, and world renowned surfing spot The Pass from the comfort of your kayak. At the end of the tour catch a wave back to shore, which creates the feeling of surfing without ever having to stand up on a board!
This active excursion makes it quite difficult to capture action shots on the water with a handheld device, so if you’d like to leave with documented memories like I did, purchase a waterproof action camera ($69.99, paid link) ahead of time or buy a waterproof cellphone pouch from the guides.
Arrive with a towel, wearing a swimsuit, and with a fair amount of sunscreen applied since you’ll be exposed to the sun for 2+ hours. If prone to nausea, take Dramamine ($5.99, paid link) beforehand as the hot, rocking boats can easily induce seasickness.
Pro Tip:
If you’d prefer a closer interaction with sea life, consider snorkeling with turtles, manta rays, and harmless leopard sharks at the "Nuthungulli" Julian Rocks marine sanctuary! While I can’t speak to this experience personally since my tour was cancelled due to poor ocean conditions, I had booked kayaking in Byron Bay and snorkeling out of northern Brunswick back-to-back—in retrospect, we wouldn’t have made it to snorkeling on time. Since sea kayaking is quite an active endeavor by itself, book these experiences on separate days for a more well-rounded itinerary.
Lunch - Beach Byron Bay
For a refreshing beachside lunch, head 5 minutes down the street to Beach Byron Bay. This light, whitewashed restaurant is the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch, featuring fresh, hyper seasonal seafood on the modern Australian menu. Take in the unparalleled ocean views overlooking Clarkes Beach and watch the next group of kayakers brave the waves.
-
At several Byron Bay cafes you’ll notice sourdough on the menu, which should always be included in your order since it’s typically elevated by a generous helping of smoked butter.
The cucumber, green apple, and sorrel oysters were a crisp, refreshing starter topped with icy granita that hit the spot after spending the morning under the sun.
The yellow fin tuna carpaccio and ricotta with local figs scooped up with thin fried sourdough crackers were additional light entrées producing the perfect elevated beach bites.
The Pass
Continue another 20 minutes down the beach towards The Pass, which should be fairly recognizable since flocks of surfers will be lined up waiting for the perfect wave. An iconic surf break, it’s renowned for long, peeling right-hand waves that offer smooth, consistent rides attracting local enthusiasts and international surfers from around the world.
Work on your tan along the shore, admire expert surfers from the tide pools, or overlook the whole scene by climbing the Fisherman’s Lookout wooden viewing platform with elevated views over this carefree coastal landscape.
Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk
Cap off your first day with a quintessential Byron Bay activity—traversing the Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk around dusk to see the sun set from the highest point in town. The route entails 1 - 2.5 miles of walking depending on whether you head straight from The Pass or return to your lodging first; either way, reach the peak by sunset.
Stroll through the lush coastal bushland reminiscent of a subtropical rainforest, keeping an eye on the canopies overhead to spot camouflaged koalas hanging onto eucalyptus trees. After embarking on multiple Australian “walks” that were longer and more strenuous than expected, I’d consider this a hike by American standards—especially since there are extended uphill portions as you near the active, heritage-listed lighthouse by ascending the hinterland.
Join the crowd of locals and tourists gathering at the Cape Byron Lighthouse to watch the sky burst with color before the final daylight fades away. The easternmost points on the Australian mainland are visible from this attraction in addition to panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rugged headlands, and sweeping views that capture the essence of Byron Bay. After walking for about an hour from Azur Byron Bay, we called an Uber for our return into town to avoid walking through remote stretches of the trail in the dark.
Byron Twilight Market
If visiting on a Saturday, head to the Byron Twilight Market open weekly from 4:00 - 9:00 PM to peruse an array of bohemian boutique stands under the stars. Support local makers by taking home creative crafts as souvenirs, listen to live music, and enjoy delicious street food amongst the vibrant coastal community.
Dinner - Loft Byron Bay
Elevated above bustling Jonson Street, lively Loft Byron Bay has an airy ambiance perfect for a light summer dinner after a sun-soaked day at the beach. Open daily from 4:00 PM until late, this relaxed seaside terrace is one of those rare restaurants where the cocktails may be even better than the small plates of local produce made for sharing and snacking!
-
Similar to Beach Byron Bay, the organic sourdough with smoked butter is a must at Loft. The Australian salami with peppercorn mortadella and whipped ricotta is a shareable source of protein, and the blue swimmer crab on toasted Japanese milk bread is a luxuriously creamy bite if you’re feeling like seafood.
The slightly sweet salted caramel espresso martini is truly the best I’ve ever had, and the lychee chili coconut martini is just as crisp with a cool foam on top. Assuming you’re ordering drinks with dinner, consider the Japanese chicken sliders for a bit more sustenance!
If a sweet treat is calling your name after dinner, grab a scoop from Bella Rosa Gelateria across the street. Otherwise, the Great Northern Hotel dueling piano bar down Jonson Street is arguably Byron Bay’s most famous place to keep the night going, with melodic live music streaming out of this 2-story tavern every night of the week.
Day 2
Breakfast - Bayleaf Cafe
Begin day 2 in Byron Bay at Bayleaf Cafe, which arguably serves up the best breakfast in the whole town. Reservations aren’t available, so arrive early to secure a seat whether you’re interested in traditional dishes like eggs Florentine or the more adventurous chili scram. The seasonal menu is jam packed with fresh, local Northern Rivers ingredients while the artisanal coffee is a tried and true blend of ethically sourced beans.
The pistachio French toast topped with lychee may genuinely be the best sweet brunch I’ve ever tasted, and for a refreshing summer kick jumpstart your day with an espresso spritz!
Lawson Street
Head straight out of Bayleaf Cafe down Jonson Street before turning right onto Lawson Street to shop around the beach-inspired boutiques of this coastal town.
Pop into any storefront that piques your interest, but for some general guidance Mister Zimi is great for bright, bold maximalist pieces, Summi Summi plays around with abstract prints, By Frankie Clothing has spunky summer graphics, and Trinkets The Bead Shop allows you to craft a custom charm bracelet or necklace.
Lunch - Roca Byron Bay
Refuel after shopping with lunch from mermaid-themed Roca Byron Bay at the end of Lawson Street, which plays into the H2O: Just Add Water television series’s association with Australia. Aside from the dreamy undersea decor, look to arrive at Roca before 1:00 PM to taste the mouthwateringly fresh fruit in their açai bowls and breakfast fruit plates. If you arrive later, enjoy the Latina fusion lunch menu!
Main Beach
Spend the afternoon lounging at Main Beach straight out from Roca—walk 3 minutes towards the ocean and you’re there! Colorful sun shades dot the sandy shore with the Cape Byron Lighthouse visible from high atop the forested headland in the distance. Tan, read a book, or play amongst the waves as you soak up a final day of sun in Byron Bay.
If a post-beach brew is calling your name, pop into the Beach Hotel beer garden to soak in a few more hours of ocean views while sipping on signature sips salted with ocean breeze—the lychee martini was my favorite!
Dinner - Kinoko
For dinner, grab rotating plates of nigiri off the Japanese fusion sushi train at Kinoko. This casual yet trendy eatery offers a bit of foodie fun, carrying different covered rolls around the moving conveyor belt which you can grab at your leisure. If nothing on the current lineup looks particularly appetizing, order from their menu instead and have your preferred plates brought directly to the table!
How Much Do Two Days in Byron Bay Cost?
Following the above Byron Bay itinerary totaled $946.90, costing me $473.45 per day as a 20-something on a girls trip:
Transportation
$81.70 - Uber rides around Byron Bay, split between 2 people
Food and Drink
$23.33 - turmeric poached egg crumpets from Combi
$40.85 - oysters, sourdough, ceviche, and ricotta spread from Beach Byron Bay
$55.65 - shared small plates and two artisanal cocktails from Loft Byron Bay
$23.24 - espresso spritz and French toast from Bayleaf Cafe
$15.56 - seasonal fruit salad from Roca Byron Bay
$4.54 - scoop of gelato from Bella Rosa Gelateria
$35.81 - sushi train plates and sparkling sake from Kinoko
Activities
$54.98 - 2-hour kayak excursion with Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay
Souvenirs
$163.00 - summer patterned dress, halter top, and scarf from By Frankie Clothing on Lawson Street
$6.24 - TimTams from the gas station in Byron Bay
Lodging
$442.00 - two nights in the Azur Byron Bay, split amongst two people
I found Byron Bay to be quite reasonably priced considering the high quality of the extremely fresh, locally sourced cuisine. I had a similar sentiment throughout my entire Australia trip given the strength of the US dollar in comparison, but as a community that generally caters to the beach bum lifestyle, much more affordable food options than where I dined can be found throughout town as well.
I did a fair amount of damage shopping—but you won’t blame me once you see these boutiques yourself—which inherently skewed my overall spend. Expect transportation to and from the airport to be your biggest unavoidable expense, but acommodation-wise many affordable hostel options cater to backpackers unlike the more expensive resort I opted for.
What to Wear in Byron Bay?
Relaxed Byron Bay naturally exudes a carefree style as a laid back surf town, but the vibrant liveliness of the local community also encourages a bit of colorful eccentricity.
Blend the best of beach and jungle with bold tropical prints that feature fruity and fishy motifs you may just find on your plate at lunch. For a slightly more toned down approach that makes getting dressed as easy as possible, a monochrome set in a bright warm shade is an airy way to embody the sunny disposition of Byron. Micro shorts are even more casual when paired with a bohemian tee and straw sun hat, keeping you cool yet covered under the harsh summer sun. A crochet beach bag should be your staple accessory for any of these outfits, incorporating a funky woven print that can easily filter out any sand that makes its way inside your tote.
Tropical Maximalism
embody the colorful, bold, and beach-inspired spirit of Byron Bay with maximalist prints featuring tropical motifs
Monochrome Sets
make styling carefree with a breezy matching co-ord in a bright summer hue that automatically goes together
Micro Shorts
beat the heat in easygoing micro shorts perfect as a casual beach cover-up that doesn’t seem too serious or stuffy
Bohemian Tees
keep things fun and fresh with bohemian graphic tees for an easy coastal-inspired look during sun-drenched days
Straw Sun Hat
avoid a wicked burn from the harsh sun with a floppy straw sun hat that’s as loose as your plans for the day
Crochet Beach Bag
add a funky pop of color to your oceanfront ensemble with a sturdy yet flexible crochet beach bag
Is 2 Days in Byron Bay Enough?
Byron Bay is so popular due to its carefree, beach-living vibe, which makes 2 days a reasonable amount of time to spend there assuming your primary goal is to lounge around. The beaches and surf scene are famous around the world, so there’s no need to rush through your two days when that goes against the entire ethos of the town!
That said, if you are interested in booking more than one excursion—like sea kayaking and snorkeling at Julian rocks, or even taking a day trip to Nimbin—you need at least one day per excursion and another day just to relax on the beach. I attempted to book back-to-back experiences and one thankfully got cancelled in the morning, because there’s no way we would’ve made it from Byron to Brunswick in time!
I had almost over-planned this stop during my Australian adventure and originally left no time for lounging—what a mistake that would have been! Luckily the Uber driver who grabbed me from the airport talked me out of wasting a whole day trekking out to Nimbin and then spending the next day busy with timed activities, as this kind of crammed itinerary would’ve caused me to miss out on the true blissful beauty that is Byron Bay.
Instead, use whatever time you have in Byron Bay to eat, drink, and be merry. You’re guaranteed to taste some of the freshest, most interesting Australian ocean cuisine along with a world-famous coffee culture that’s propelled the notoriety of all the quaint brunch spots scattered around town. A simple formula for your time in Byron should be brunch, beach, repeat—that’s the guaranteed way to have an amazing 2 days if you don’t have any more time to spare!
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
Byron Bay Customized Map (Google Maps)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
✺ READ MORE ON THE BLOG ✺
![How to Drive Moonview Highway IRL: Mario Kart Japan [2025]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/652732149424c20baf5e26c9/1738472940390-H4PXMWODU3MAQVIIOJ8I/IMG_1412+copy+%281%29.jpg)
![Tokyo’s Top Sites – How to Buy Shibuya Sky Tickets [2025]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/652732149424c20baf5e26c9/1736655941250-HONDE4J7JOOEN5NJNNLJ/IMG_8461+copy+%281%29.JPG)
