Byron is about the outdoors. Walk the cape early in the morning, spend the middle of the day at the beach, and keep one day for the hinterland.
1 Cape Byron Lighthouse
Completed in 1901, this white lighthouse stands above the most easterly point of mainland Australia. The Cape Byron Walking Track loops from town past Wategos Beach, the lighthouse and The Pass, with frequent dolphin sightings and whales in season.
Practical: Free to walk. Paid parking at the top. Allow 2 hours for the loop.
2 The Pass and Clarkes Beach
The Pass is a famous surf break in the lee of the cape, and Clarkes Beach runs from there towards town. Beginners learn to surf here, and the views of the cape are lovely.
Practical: Free. Parking is very limited; walk or cycle.
3 Main Beach
The town’s central beach, patrolled in summer, with views towards the cape and Mount Warning (Wollumbin) inland.
Practical: Free. Patrolled in season.
4 Wategos Beach
A small, north-facing beach tucked under the cape, sheltered and beautiful, with gentle waves for longboarders.
Practical: Free. Very limited parking.
5 Minyon Falls
A waterfall dropping around 100 metres over a cliff of volcanic rock in Nightcap National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area. Lookouts are close to the car park; a longer walk leads to the base.
Practical: Free. About 50 minutes’ drive from Byron. Falls are best after rain.
6 Nimbin
A hinterland village famous since the 1973 Aquarius Festival for its counterculture, with colourful shopfronts and the dramatic Nimbin Rocks nearby.
Practical: About 1 hour by car from Byron. Tours run from town.
