We moved to Byron Bay 5 years ago and of course, as all newcomers, we jumped straight into a marathon of exploring the area. I think sometimes when you live in a certain place for a long time it`s easy to slip into a routine and stop admiring the beauty in front of your eyes. I have tried not to lose the curiosity of a wanderer and even though I have been living in Byron for a while, I never stopped to admire, explore and soak up the sights and experiences of the beautiful Byron Bay area.
Also as you can see my whole business is inspired by the laid back Byron lifestyle – all of our Byron Snack Factory products are made to be the perfect souvenir to take home. The packaging is a styled as a vintage Byron Bay poster, so whether you choose from our range of Byron Balls or Byron Gourmet Granola, you will take home a slice of Byron Bay vibe in a pack. Plus you will get an all-natural nutritious snack made in Byron with love!
Here is my take on a 3 day itinerary if you are visiting Byron for the first time!
Day 1
1) Start the day with a slow breakfast at the famous The Byron Bay General Store. This place is a quintessential of the laid back Byron Bay vibe. Its cosy rustic interior makes you feel slightly hipster straight away, the food and coffee is fantastic and very vegan friendly. It is also perfect for people watching, you will see a mix of barefoot locals grabbing their coffees after surfing and tourists trying to get a table next to the sunflower painting to take the most instagrammable photo of the place.
P.S. Here is my attempt to look like an influencer and pretending my coffee just had told me a really funny joke
2) After brekkie get your runners ready, because you should be heading for a Lighthouse walk. Everyone who lives in Byron is trying to do this walk at least once a week (if not every day). It`s absolutely stunning, around every corner you will gasp at gorgeous ocean views and mountain silhouettes in the background. Be prepared for at least 1.5 walk/ hike, so I would recommend runners instead of sandals as the walk is pretty elevated and challenging.
3) After the Lighthouse walk, stop at the bottom to have some rest at the famous The Pass beach. It provides very safe sheltered swimming and the most beautiful view of the whole bay with Mt Warning in the background. You can also always watch surfers catching some of the most mesmerizing and consistent waves in the whole East Coast. There is a lovely lookout called Fisherman's lookout that offers great sights all around the place and also serves as a great picture spot for some Insta worthy shots.
4) For dinner and drinks we suggest you head over to the trendiest new spot in town – Lightyears. Is not actually that new, it has been locals favourite for a while, but lately they have moved to a newly renovated and very stylish venue in Johnsons Lane, so if you like to sip cocktails in an elegant atmosphere accompanied with great asian fusion food – this place is your best option.
Day 2
1) Start the day at breakfast at Bayleaf cafe – the most famous cafe in Byron Bay town. It`s cute interior, food and coffee won't disappoint.
2) Now that your coffee craving is satisfied, it`s time to go for an hour drive in the very scenic Byron Bay hinterland to the next destination – Minyon Falls. It`s the biggest and most beautiful waterfall in the whole area and you can admire it from the lookout at the top of the waterfall, but this way you will only get a glimpse of this majestic waterfall. To take in the whole picture you must take the hike to the bottom of the waterfall. If you are not reasonably physically fit I would not suggest the hike, but if you are – grab your fave hiking/walking shoes and prepare for around 13 km long 3.5 hour return hike. The hike is leading you through an ancient rainforest full of tall palm trees and ferns, but of course the highlight is the view of magnificent Minyon Falls from the bottom. In summer having a dip in the falls rockpool is such a treat after the long and sweaty hike.
3) After this half day adventure we have a strong suspicion you are exhausted and thirsty. You need beer. The best place to drink beer is Stone and Wood brewery at Byron Bay`s Industrial estate. It`s a laid back spot in artistic warehouse type of a venue that is actually functioning as a brewery. Food is great, vibe is great and most importantly – beer is great. We suggest you to grab a tasting platter and try out their whole beer selection and well…get tipsy!
4) Now when you are slightly tipsy already it`s time to wander through Byron town, get another beer, go watch the sunset at The Main Beach and listen to buskers.
5) The best way to finalise this fun day is to go a little wild at the Piano Duel at The Northern Hotel. It is the most fun nightlife activity in Byron. Everyone gathers around two dueling professional piano players that sing popular songs while the whole crowd is singing/screaming along.
Day 3
1) Start morning with a leisurely stroll in the streets of Byron. You can visit many cute boutique shops and stop at Sunday Sustainable Bakery for a coffee and a croissant. You won't find many pictures of this place on their social media because they are so good that they don`t even need it, locals storm this place every day! Choose from a delicious range of pastries and sandwiches accompanied with great coffee in the cutest Robert Gordon mugs and watch the life happening on the busy Jonson street.
2) Continue with a short drive out of town to The Farm. The Farm is a beautiful functioning sustainable farm where you can wander around to see the gardens and different animals. If you are there in the right season you can find some macadamia nuts in their plantation and crack them open with the cracking tools provided in the orchards. Three Blue Ducks restaurant is located at The Farm where you can have a lovely lunch overlooking hinterland or just have a pastry and coffee from their deli section. I have to warn you that their portugese tarts are criminally good!
3) Continue the drive to Mullumbimby – the biggest little town in Australia. It`s known for it`s hippy vibe, cute boutique shops, were you can browse crystals, esoteric books and organic treats. But the reason why we think you should visit Mullum is their two Spa`s. Go to Kiwa Spa for a more affordable relaxed Bali style bathhouse experience or Go to The Banya for a slightly more pricey elevated social bathhouse experience.
And so, your three days in Byron have passed by! Hopefully you have “Cheered up, slowed down and chilled out” as the famous Byron Bay sign says when you enter the town from The Gold Coast direction. Or maybe not exactly slowed down as our itinerary is pretty filled up – that is how we like to travel, but feel free to skip a thing or two to make more time for chilling on the beach and doing “Il dolce far niente”*
*Sweetness of doing nothing
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