Joey's Guide To Byron Bay
Byron Bay draws travellers chasing surf, sun, music, and adventure. This small coastal town has a big personality: buskers fill the streets, surfers line up at The Pass, and sunsets at Cape Byron Lighthouse are unforgettable. For a true local experience, grab a coffee or smoothie bowl at Bayleaf Café or Combi. Then surf the quieter breaks at Wategos Beach, or explore the hinterland trails for a peaceful escape. Markets, yoga studios, and casual live music add to the town’s charm. The cheap eats and buzzing nightlife make it easy to meet fellow travellers. Whether you’re here to surf, explore the artsy streets, or simply relax on the beaches, Byron has something for everyone. Byron is the kind of place you plan to stay for a couple of days… and end up discovering secret beaches, hidden trails, and a community you don’t want to leave
Stay Eat Explore
Where to stay
Our hand-picked stays hit the sweet spot of budget, vibe and all the little things that matter when you’re rolling into Byron Bay. Making it easy to settle in, chill out and dive straight into the good stuff.
Byron Bay, NSW
Aquarius Backpackers
A clean, friendly backpacker hostel in Surfers Paradise with dorms and privates, pool & spa, a licensed bar and free WiFi, designed to balance fun and budget.
Byron Bay, NSW
wake up! byron bay
Wake Up! Byron Bay is a vibrant, beachside hostel just steps from Belongil Beach, offering modern accommodation, daily activities, and a social atmosphere perfect for travellers looking to connect and experience Byron’s laid-back coastal lifestyle.
"Great place to stay and close to the beach" - Jamie
Byron Bay, NSW
The Surf House
Just 50 metres from Main Beach in Byron Bay, this design‑led hostel offers shared dorms and privates, complimentary surfboards and a rooftop bar for sociable, stylish stays.
Byron Bay, NSW
Drifter Byron Bay
A social and stylish backpacker hostel in the heart of Byron Bay known for its laid-back vibe, great common areas, and an easy way for travellers to meet other backpackers.
Where to eat & drink
Our favourite hospitality picks serve up Byron Bay's best flavours, local spots and budget-friendly bites. Keeping you fuelled for the ride.
Byron Bay, NSW
The Beach Hotel
A lively beachfront pub in Byron Bay serving cold drinks, casual meals, and live music with ocean views and a fun, social vibe.
"Always fun!" - Christine, Traveston, QLD
"Does an elite parmi!!" - Will, Noosa, QLD
"Love the Beach Hotel!" - Mitch, Melbourne, VIC
"A nice pub feed and couple of beers" - Tim, Sunshine Coast, QLD
"Nice cold schooner of draught, anytime is a good time" - Declan, Noosa, NSW
"I love this pub." - Robby, Noosa, NSW
"Come for drinks." - Murphy, Curramulka, SA
"This is the best spot. Good time is midday to arvo to get a good sunset." - Cooper, Noosa, QLD
Byron Bay, NSW
Bayleaf Cafe
A cozy, laid-back café serving hearty breakfast, fresh coffee, and wholesome, flavourful meals in a friendly atmosphere.
"Scrambled spesh hand down best brekie I have had. Epic buzz to start the day, coffee amazing 👌👌👌" - Rob, Geelong
"Breakfast is elite, honey chilli eggs are spot on !!!" - Jarryd, NZ
"Best juice in town" - Harry, Noosa, QLD
"Best breakfast in South East QLD" - Harrion, Noosa, QLD
"Great breakfast options." - Josh, Noosa, NSW
Byron Bay, NSW
The Railway Hotel
A vibrant, iconic live music venue and pub offering drinks, casual dining, and a buzzing nightlife atmosphere in the heart of Byron Bay.
"Great place for a beer" - Joshua, Barwon Heads, VIC
"Live music on Friday nights and awesome vibes." - Levi, Noosa, NSW
"Old school pub. Old school characters. Old school pub meals. Simple and filling. Many characters Very laid back Great service. Tip: Run from backpackers to the railway hotel. Walk home from railway hotel to back packers" - Troy, Noosa, NSW
"It has beer it has steak what more could you ask for?" - Connor, Noosa, QLD
"Come past in the evening for live music, pool table, good vibe" - Josh, Noosa, NSW
Byron Bay, NSW
Balcony Bar & Oyster Co.
A chic, casual spot serving fresh oysters, seafood dishes, and crisp drinks with a relaxed beachfront vibe.
"Fantastic outdoor veranda. Food is beautiful staff friendly and has great happy hour with cocktails and oysters." - Christine, Traveston, QLD
"Elite view of the town and surrounding beaches" - Murphy, Curramulka, SA
"Best oysters In town" - Harry, Noosa, QLD
"Beautiful place for a sunset drink also got happy hour" - Harrison, Noosa, QLD
Byron Bay, NSW
Stone & Wood Brewery
A popular brewery known for its craft beers, relaxed vibe, and tours that showcase their brewing process in a fun, community-focused setting.
"Come for a pacific ale off the timber." - Joshua, Barwon Heads, VIC
"Great for arvo beers" - Josh, Noosa, QLD
Byron Bay & Broadbeach
Costa Taco
A lively taco bar known for cheap margaritas, casual street-food style tacos, and a fun social vibe that’s perfect for backpackers.
"Love costa taco, well priced feed cold beers !!" - Jimmy, New Jersey
Byron Bay, NSW
Main Street Burger Bar
A popular Byron burger joint serving big loaded burgers and fries at good prices, making it a favourite stop for backpackers looking for a filling, casual meal.
Byron Bay, NSW
Japonaise Kitchen
A popular Byron Bay Japanese eatery known for fresh sushi, rice bowls, and affordable meals, making it a great quick and healthy option for backpackers.
Where to explore
From sunrise lighthouse walks to world-class surf breaks. Byron Bay is all about outdoor adventure and laid-back exploration.
Kayak Brunswick River
Gentle, guided kayak tours along the Brunswick River where you’ll paddle past dunes, quiet nature and even wildlife; perfect for a relaxed but scenic outing.
"Absolutely loved this experience we had so much fun!!!" - Jarryd & Em, France
"We absolutely loved our experience do this really enjoyable !!" - Jarryd & Em, 🇫🇷 France
Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk
A scenic coastal walk leading to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, offering panoramic ocean views, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking sunsets.
"Beautiful" - Robby, Noosa, QLD
"Beautiful walk/run with amazing views of the beach- you can see dolphins, whales and turtles and is voted the best sunrise in Australia" - Morgan, Noosa Heads, QLD
"Walking up to the Lighthouse is a good experience and provides an excellent view" - Christine, Traveston, QLD
"So good" - Mitch, Melbourne, VIC
"Great views the whole way." - Levi, Noosa, NSW
"I love this run, although its damn hilly!" - Joshua, Barwon Heads, VIC
