Byron Bay Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Byron Bay, New South Wales - NSW, Australia)

Byron Bay has become famous for its surfing beaches and wealth of tourist attractions, as well as its superb scuba diving opportunities, relaxed lifestyle and general laid-back attitude. Outdoor activities comprise the main attractions of Byron Bay and include walking, cycling and a selection of adventure sports, ranging from skydiving and mountain biking, to hang-gliding and rock climbing.

Many tourists choose to hire a kayak and paddle around the bay, where you get the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in nature, encountering a host of marine wildlife and sea birds. Bottlenose dolphins are a common sight in the bay and these friendly creatures seem to enjoy swimming alongside kayaks. Other leading Byron Bay attractions include a plethora of native wildlife in the Arakwal National Park, flying tours high above the coastline and deep-sea fishing excursions.

Walking, Cycling and Adventure Sports

Outdoor activities are a mainstay for the tourist industry in this part of New South Wales, and those who love the great outdoors will be delighted to find a choice of walking and cycling trails. Visitors with stamina and good levels of fitness will enjoy the trek to the summit of Mount Warning, which takes between two and three hours. It is here where the first daylight in the whole of mainland Australia arrives. For cyclists, the Byron Bay Cycleway stretches alongside the beachfront, with bicycles readily available for hire close by. 'Mountain Bike Adventures' through areas of the rainforest are becoming increasingly popular, while for something a little out of the ordinary, you may like to consider abseiling, circus skills training, hang-gliding, helicopter tours, microlight flights or even tandem skydiving. Close by, the Tassiriki Ranch offers horse riding along South Ballina Beach, together with pony trekking for children.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for guide-lad treks

Whale Watching

Address: 9 Marvel Street, Byron Bay, New South Wales (NSW), 2481, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 02 6685 8333
If you time your visit well, you will be able to observe the migration of whales, as they pass by the Cape Byron Lighthouse during their seasonal migration from Antarctica (their summer feeding location), to their birthing grounds in the Tropics. Each year, literally thousands of giant Humpback whales swim along the eastern coastline of Australia, from May to December, with many passing so close to Byron Bay that they can be easily spotted from cliff-top vantage points. Professional tours are readily available throughout the 'official' whale watching season, which runs between June to November.
Open hours: June to November - daily
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Arakwal National Park

Various national parks and green spaces are located within close proximity to Byron Bay, such as the Cape Byron State Conservation Area and the Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. However, it is the award-winning Arakwal National Park that seems most worthy of a mention, lying just a short distance to the east of the town centre and being easy to reach by using Lawson Street / Tallow Beach Road. The park was officially established in 2001, after an amicable agreement was reached with the indigenous Arakwal people, who now help to co-manage this attraction. Visitors can expect to find a host of Australian flora and fauna, including some beautiful birds, echidna, wallabies and rare frogs, along with roughly 3 km / 2 miles of natural beachfront and large expanses of coastal clay heathland.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for car park, annual passes available

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Byron Bay Dive Centre
Address: 9 Marvel Street, Byron Bay, New South Wales (NSW), 2481, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 02 6685 8333
Sundive
Address: 8 Middleton Street, Byron Bay, New South Wales (NSW), 2481, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 02 6685 7755
One of the very best dive spots in the whole of New South Wales, the scuba diving available around Byron Bay has become almost legendary. Most tourists generally head to Julian Rocks, which is conveniently just 3 km / 2 miles from the shoreline and is also highly suitable for snorkelling, with depths ranging between 5 metres / 16 feet to 25 metres / 82 feet. Officially known as the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, this location can be reached in a matter of minutes and is where the cold waters from the south meet the warming northerly currents, resulting in a wealth of underwater marine attractions. A choice of dive operators are available in town, located on Marvel Street and Middleton Street.
Open hours: daily - 06:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge for tours and equipment hire

Flying Tours

Those looking for the ultimate way to sightsee may like to splash out on a flying tour high above the attractions of Byron Bay. Located at Tyagarah Airport, the Byron Gliding Club features regular 'joy flights' in their self-launching powered gliders, as well as instructional flights and various flying courses. Flying tours provide unique views of Mount Warning and the coastline surrounding the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Open hours: daily - weather dependent
Admission: charge

Sea Kayaking and Boating

Dolphin Kayaking
Address: 9 Marvel Street, Byron Bay, New South Wales (NSW), 2481, Australia, AU
Tel: +61 02 6685 8044
Cape Byron Marine Charters
Address: 4/75 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, AU
Tel: +61 02 6685 8323
As you paddle around the coastline in your kayak, you will often encounter dolphins, and may also spot turtles, pelicans and if you are very fortunate, sting rays and migrating humpback whales. Half-day tours include equipment, refreshments and return transport, departing from Marvell Street. Kayaking is also available at Coffs Harbour, Nelson Bay, Rainbow Beach and along the Richmond River. For deep-sea fishing and whale watching trips, Cape Byron Marine Charters on Jonson Street will likely meet your needs.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for equipment hire