Need to relax? Get away from all? Or do you need a place to chill out? Then chill out in Byron Bay. To me, it’s like nowhere else in Australia and probably nowhere else in the world.
Known as a great place to learn to surf, it’s also home to Australia’s most easterly point.
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Contents
Byron Bay Township
There are many places to eat on and off Jonson Street, the main street in Byron Bay. As a compact place, Byron Bay is so easy to walk around, and that is just what I did.
I stayed at the Cape Byron YHA in Byron Bay. It is a 2-minute walk to the road to the lighthouse and a great place to make new friends and chill out. It’s two blocks back from Jonson Street and only a 5-minute walk to the beach.
Chill out in Byron Bay Beaches
The first walk I took was to Byron Beach and Fisherman’s Lookout. This is about 2km in length and a great walk along the beach.

Surfers and Dolphins dot the sea, and this is also a great place to view the sunset.

Wategos Beach
Wategos and Little Wategos Beach are the next beaches heading around the headland. Not only are these great beaches, but they are also smaller and less crowded, although they are still popular.

Wategos Beach can be reached by either the road or the track. A popular place to eat, drink, and surf, it’s also a nice place to stop while you walk on the coastal track.
Tracks Around the Headland
You first walk up the road to the Fisherman’s Lookout, and then the path starts in the car park. This path has a lot of steps going up, and as I watched the locals run up, I realised how unfit I was.
Remember to put on and bring your sunscreen as well as drink and bring plenty of water.
The track will take you past Wategos Beach, and a turnoff, further along, will take you down to Little Wategos Beach.

From here, it’s up to the Most Easterly Point in Australia and its views over the ocean. From June to November, you may even be lucky enough to see Humpback Whales heading north or south on their journey.

The track then heads up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most iconic piece of architecture here.
This is where you can see forever across the ocean as well as look out over the other side to Tallow Beach. If the conditions are good, this is where the hang-gliders take off from.

When heading back down to town, you can either walk down the road, or there is a track.
This track is sandier and not as popular or well-formed as the coastal track, so you have to be more careful and have suitable footwear.
This is a nearly 4km loop walk that can be completed in as long or as short a time as you like.
Sunrise & Sunset at the Most Easterly Point in Australia
It seems to be the thing to do while in Byron Bay is to go up to the lighthouse at sunrise and sunset.
The first time I went up for sunset, it was a Sunday night, and I learned my lesson very quickly, everybody goes. For sunset, get there early.
I ended up back at Fisherman’s Lookout for sunset. There were still a few people around, but nothing compared to the lighthouse.

It is easy to walk up to the lighthouse from the town, especially at sunset, as it’s very hard to find a parking spot.

Sunrise isn’t as crowded as sunset, but it’s still a popular place to go.
It took me 30-40 minutes to walk up using the road. Take a torch as there isn’t much light this time of day, and you should arrive at least half an hour before sunrise.

This is a magical place to see the sunrise. As the sun appears on the horizon over the sea, the sky changes to pastel shades.

When you’ve finished here, you can return to town via the coastal track, which isn’t so busy at this time.
Byron Farmers Market
The Byron Farmers Market offers local delicacies on Thursdays between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Whatever time of year you’re visiting, the Farmers Market will have the in-season local fare to tempt your taste buds.
From cakes to fruit and vegetables to honey to oysters, you’ll find them all here, as well as certified organic produce.
Where It Is
Butler Street Reserve between 7 am and 11 am.
Where I Stayed
I stayed at Cape Byron YHA. It’s a great place to base yourself and chill out in Byron Bay. From here, I could easily walk around the city, beaches, and up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. I had a private room with an ensuite, as I wanted time to myself and to be able to get up extra early to see the sunrise at the lighthouse without disturbing anyone.
I also wanted accommodation with parking as the Byron Bay Shire charges for parking everywhere. There is limited parking here underneath the building and street parking overnight, but you have to pay during the day.
Facilities
- Tours and Travel Desk.
- Free wifi and internet access.
- Free city maps.
- Linen included.
- Luggage storage.
- Fully-equipped kitchen.
- Common rooms with Book Exchange, DVDs and Board Games.
- Wheelchair friendly.
- Common room.
- Lockers.
- Towels for Hire.
- Swimming Pool.
- Laundry Facilities.
- Bicycle Hire and Parking for your own.
- Car Parking.
- Vending Machines.
Where it is
You’ll find Cape Byron YHA on the Corner of Byron and Middleton Streets in Byron Bay.
Conclusion
You’ll be surprised how great you feel when you chill out in Byron Bay. It’s an amazing area to explore. You could learn to surf, relax on the beach or walk the many tracks around the headland.
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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
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No wonder Byron is so popular, what a beautiful beach.
Thanks Joan. It truly is a magical place and the colours of the ocean have to be seen to be believed.
It looks lovely…enjoyed your pictures!
Thanks very much Kit.
Gosh you have brought back so many good memories …We often visited Byron when living in on the Gold Coast. Stayed a few times I always wanted to live there…seems I want to live in so many places lol.
I know what you mean, Bree. I would love to live there as well, so magical.
Sand drawing on the beach is so cool. And the thought of swimming with dolphins is really enticing. It’s going on my to visit list. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, Sana. I hope you get to visit one day.
I watched the sunset in Byron 2 years ago with my son during our road trip around Australia. Your photo of the lighthouse brought back happy memories
Thanks, Angela. It always seems to be happy memories are made in Byron.
You had me at chill out and dolphins. These images are right up my street and you transported me there in an instant.
I’m glad you liked it, Karen. It is a special place.
I have heard of Byron Bay so much that this post has just convinced me to add this destination to my must visit list when in Australia
That’s great, Georgina. I’m sure that you’ll enjoy it.
Loved Byron Bay in 1999 when I spent a while chilling out there. A lovely read. Thanks. Made me want to go back.
Thanks, Cassie. Hopefully, you’ll get back one day as it hasn’t changed too much.
It looks totally amazing!
But hey, is the water really that blue, or is the photo filtered? No disrespect, but nowadays its really hard to tell if theres filters of not, so sorry!
No filters, Ann, it really is that blue. It always takes my breath away the first time I see it.
We spent three weeks in Australia and we needed THREE MONTHS! Returning is high on my list and visiting Byron Bay looks amazing. Thanks for all the great info, particularly for walks in the area.
You’re welcome, Lauren. I hope you get back and are able to spend more time, you definitely need it.