Located in the northern reaches of New South Wales along Australia’s easternmost shores, Byron Bay is known for its sparkling blue waters, golden sand, and monster surf breaks. This coastal community has long been a destination for wave riders and, in the 1960s, people looking to explore alternative ways of living. Today, the area is more developed and attracts everyone from celebrities to families with its laid-back vibe and world-famous beaches. It’s also a popular weekend getaway for Brisbanites, who make the two-hour drive south. Explore miles of shoreline with dolphins frolicking off the coast or hike inland in the Whian Whian State Conservation Area with its tranquil waterfalls, towering cliffs, and dense forests. Back in town, the palm-lined streets host a weekly farmers market with local produce, regional coffee, and ready-to-eat meals.

The nearest airport to Byron Bay is the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK), just 30 minutes south of town. However, this regional airport is relatively small with limited service. Instead, most itineraries are likely to route through the Gold Coast Airport (OOL), about 45 minutes north of Byron Bay. Shuttle services, taxis, and ride-hailing services are readily available outside the terminal to transport you into town. Rental cars are also convenient, and if you plan to check out surrounding communities or explore the rural interior, having a personal vehicle could be helpful. The town is small and compact, making it easy to navigate on foot and get between your Byron Bay vacation rental, the beach, and the various shops and restaurants.

Keep in mind that seasonal weather patterns in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite those in North America. The warm summer months range from December through February, while the winters begin in June and run to August. However, subtropical weather patterns and seasonal variations in Byron Bay are incredibly mild, with warm, pleasant conditions for most of the year. Even at the height of winter, temperatures remain warm during the day — though they sometimes get brisk at night, so you’ll want to pack a few layers if visiting during this time. Rain is also a constant in the area — don't forget a light, waterproof shell — with the driest months coming in the winter and a moderate increase in precipitation during the summer. With the town attracting such a wide array of travelers and their varied interests, there are a plethora of festivals throughout the year, ranging from a music festival in April to the Latin Fiesta and surf festivals in February.

Tyagarah Nature Reserve

Rare and endangered ecologies ranging from inland rainforest floodplains to coastal saltmarshes and several miles of vast, golden beaches run through the Tyagarah Reserve. Located just a few minutes north of Byron Bay, this easily accessible park has several options for swimming, water sports, and hiking. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, ospreys, and wallabies in the dense tropical forests.

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Sitting on the easternmost prominence of the Australian continent, Byron Bay Lighthouse is more than 100 years old, and classified as a maritime heritage site. Take a ranger-guided walk of the grounds, check out the on-site museum, and climb the tower for some of eastern Australia's most spectacular ocean vistas.

Belongil Beach

One of the lesser-known strips of sand near Byron Bay, this 1.5-mile long beach has plenty of room for spreading out and taking in the sun. Its long easy breaks make this a popular attraction for surfers who want to get away from the busier beaches. Locals refer to the area as the Wreck, named for the half-submerged ship sunk off the coast that’s visible from shore. The wreck site is also a popular diving and snorkeling spot.