Byron Bay marks the easternmost point of the Australian mainland, and its combination of reliable surf breaks, a genuinely bohemian small-town character, and lush hinterland just inland has made it one of the country's most beloved, if increasingly busy, coastal escapes.
The Lighthouse Walk
The walk out to Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia's easternmost point, passes several beaches and frequently offers whale sightings during the migration season (June to November), go at sunrise to watch the first light hit the mainland before the crowds arrive.
The Pass and Wategos Beach, on the walk's route, are among the more reliable and picturesque surf spots in the area, with surf schools operating for beginners most mornings.
The Hinterland
The hinterland towns of Bangalow and Nimbin, a short drive inland, offer a very different experience from the beach, Bangalow for boutique shopping and cafés, Nimbin for its distinctive counterculture history dating to the 1970s.
Minyon Falls and the rainforest walks within Nightcap National Park give a green, waterfall-filled contrast to the coast, worth a half-day trip if you have a car.
Recommended Stay · Byron Bay · Wategos Beach
Rae's on Wategos
A small Mediterranean-style boutique hotel directly on Wategos Beach, a short walk to the lighthouse trail and The Pass surf break.
