Hotels in Byron Bay

Exploring Byron Bay

One is unlikely to find a town or city more laid-back and downright rejuvenating than Byron Bay. Even though this coastal township has experienced a vast facelift over the last decade, tourists are still welcomed by an easy-going beach-resort ambience. Byron Bay is located on the northern coast of New South Wales, and though it only supports a small population of 30,000, a whopping two million tourists flock here throughout the year.

Interestingly, Cape Byron Lighthouse, which stands adjacent to downtown Byron Bay, is the eastern-most point of mainland Australia. It wasn’t until the 1960s that Australia saw Byron Bay as a relaxing getaway destination and impressive surfing spot. Since then, the town has continued to grow into one of the country’s finest holiday havens. With thousands of backpackers, families, and couples making their way to the town each year, Byron Bay offers a full range of accommodation options, from cheap lodgings to high-end hotels. Nevertheless, booking in advance is recommended.

Sights nearby

Even though Byron Bay is mostly known for its beaches, there are several other attractions that tourists will enjoy exploring. Hotels and other accommodation in Byron Bay are generally located close to the beach and downtown area.

- Main Beach

Byron Bay’s most popular strip of sand is known as Main Beach. Many hotels, such as Friday on the Beach, Waves Byron Bay, and Beach Suites, rest within a few hundred metres of the sand. Main Beach is patrolled during the summer months, but only irregularly during the colder winter months. With small waves on Main Beach and a lifeguard presence, swimming is common here. Surfing is more popular in spots further south, such as Watego’s Beach and The Pass. However, tourists can hire a surfboard along Main Beach and try their hand at this entertaining sport. Just stay clear of the cordoned swimming zone.

- Byron Bay Lighthouse

Sitting at the point of Australia’s eastern-most landmark, Byron Bay Lighthouse is an iconic structure. Built in 1901, the lighthouse is one of New South Wales’ more historic attractions, and its position at the top of Cape Byron adds to its splendour. It pulls in more than half a million visitors a year, with many visiting during the annual whale-watching season (June to November).

- Arakwal National Park

If tourists have enough time and can drag themselves away from the relaxing beaches of Byron Bay, visiting the nearby Arakwal National Park is recommended. It sits on the southern side of Cape Byron and is home to a range of interesting wildlife, such as the wallum froglet and several bird species. This is the perfect attraction for nature-lovers and hikers alike.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

Apart from the small shops within the town centre, Byron Bay is not renowned for its shopping facilities. Many of the shops in the downtown area provide beach wear and other beach accessories. When it comes to cuisine, Byron Bay is home to a wide range of culinary options, including local seafood and typical Western meals. The Beach Hotel Byron Bay is home to one of the best restaurants in town, which overlooks Main Beach and remains busy throughout the year. The downtown area of Byron Bay is home to excellent nightlife. Many of the more beautiful hotels and pubs in town play host to live bands, especially on weekends.

Public transport

The town centre and many of Byron Bay’s landmarks are within walking distance of each other. Nevertheless, the township operates a public bus network under Blanch’s Bus Company, yet there are only a limited number of routes.