Byron Bay is a long-time favourite with couples who love its tranquil rainforest hideaways, stunning mountain views, glorious white beaches and renowned surfing spots – just perfect for a honeymoon or romantic getaway holiday.
Byron Bay offers a range of adventure activities, from coastal walks, kayaking, snorkelling and diving to skydiving and hot-air ballooning.
Mix with the locals and discover some of the surf culture, alternative philosophies and hedonistic indulgences that make Byron so unique.
Whether it’s strolling hand-in-hand along idyllic Clarkes Beach, sunbathing at little Watego’s Beach or enjoying a long romantic dinner at a choice of great restaurants, Byron Bay offers a fabulous honeymoon experience.
Make the pilgrimage to surf the legendary right-hand point break at Lennox Head – the ‘surf capital of the far north coast’. While there, stroll the seven miles of pristine beach at Seven Mile Beach and watch the hang-gliders take off from Pat Morton Lookout.
From nearby Ballina, stroll along the forest boardwalk of the Victoria Park Nature Reserve, take a cruise along the Richmond River or paddle a kayak across the estuarine wetlands.
Discover a string of fine powder-like white sandy beaches that stretch for miles on either side of Cape Byron – perfect for honeymoon couples seeking a secluded beach.
To the east, Main Beach continues into Clarkes Beach, then to The Pass, Wategos Beach (photo) and Little Wategos Beach, with each of these three beaches separated by a rocky headland.
To the north, Main Beach continues into Belongil Beach, which continues into Sunrise Beach, then Tyagarah Beach and all the way to Brunswick Heads – a 14km stretch of unspoiled beach.
To the south of Cape Byron a series of beaches – Cosy Corner, Tallows Beach, Broken Head and Seven Mile Beach – stretch down the coast to Lennox Head.
Lying directly in front of the Surf Club and Byron Bay town, the beach continues eastward to merge with Clarkes Beach, and northward to merge with Belongil Beach.
From here you can snorkel out to the Tassie II, a wreck sitting off the coast. Main Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers in summer and, being close to town, offers lots of facilities, including showers.
Curving to face north, Clarkes Beach is idyllic most of the year, except for when the northerly winds blow, when it's best to move around the headland to Cosy Corner.
The beach is wide enough for ball games, while the bay is ideal for windsurfing, body boarding and paragliding.
A surf-lifesaving team patrols the beach during summer. In winter, humpback whales may be seen frolicking with their calves on their journey back to the Antarctic.
Lying in a gap between Fisherman's Lookout and the headland, The Pass is a popular surf break and launching point for kayakers.
Climb to Fisherman's Lookout for great views over Wategos. Relax with a café or enjoy a barbecue in the shade of nearby trees.
This sheltered north-facing beach is popular year around.
Long rolling northerly swells make the beach ideal for Malibu surfboards and longboards.
Access is from Lighthouse Road and Brooke Drive. Free electric barbecues and picnic tables overlook the beach.
This tiny beach is sheltered and ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Located at the end of the Cape, it’s also is a great spot for rock fishing.
Access is from Wategos Beach or the lighthouse. Overlooked by the lighthouse, Little Wategos is Australia’s most easterly beach.
This beach fronts the Beach Hotel and Byron Bay swimming pool and continues up to Belongil Creek, which is home a colony of rare Little Terns.
North of the rock wall at Byron Bay lies the wreck of the SS Wollongbar, a good place to snorkel when the sea is calm.
Beaches south of Cape Byron include…
Tucked under the south side of Cape Byron, this beach is a great sheltered spot during northerly winds.
Look out for strong rips and hang-gliders circling the lighthouse above.
The beach is part of the Arakwal National Park and is accessible from Tallow Beach Road on payment of a National Parks fee of AUD6 to park your car.
A wide beach perfect for long, uninterrupted walks, beach fishing and surfing. Swimming is not advised, as it can be dangerous. Access is from Cosy Corner or Suffolk Park.
Located at the southernmost end of Tallow Beach, Broken Head offers good surfing as well as walking tracks up around the rocky headland – the perfect spot to see birds roosting or whales frolicking in the seas below.
Byron Bay and it's immediate surrounds offer a choice of must-see natural attractions, including the following…
Enjoy a superb 5km coastal walk around Australia’s easternmost mainland. The track begins east of the town of Byron Bay on Lighthouse Road and circles the peninsula, taking you high above the coast for a sensational view of pristine beaches.
In the distance spot the dramatic peak of Mount Warning, part of the World Heritage-listed Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia.
Along the way watch for humpback whales – frequently seen from the headland on their annual migration along the coast from May to November, take a dip in the waves at sheltered Watego’s Beach and take a close-up look at the Heritage-listed lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s cottage at Cape Byron.
Explore the scenic sea cliffs, rare coastal vegetation and spectacular beaches on foot along a walking track that offers spectacular views of both the surrounding marine park and the hinterland.
Climb to the Cape Byron Lighthouse and light-keepers cottages, built in 1901 and perched 94m above sea level on the crest of the windswept headland.
Take the tour to get an insight into what life might have been like in the days of the lighthouse keepers and enjoy the panoramic views of the coast from the most easterly point of Australia.
Hunt for bargains at one of the best craft markets on the north coast of New South Wales. Be entertained by buskers performing original songs and street performers miming or juggling.
Indulge in a sanctuary of flowing waters and peaceful ambience. Don’t miss the Orchid Room, which features a spa bath set in natural rock, a waterfall, an open air shower and a Balinese day bed.
Explore the 75ha of sub-tropical rainforest that sweeps down to secluded beaches.
Follow the walking trail from Seven Mile Beach through the rainforest and along the dramatic cliff top track from Broken Head Caravan Park to Kings Beach.
Along the way spot a variety of bird life in the reserve or cast your line for bream, mulloway and tailor.
Dive or snorkel the 80ha of aquatic reserve that is home to many species of tropical and temperate fish as well as a variety of birds.
Spot gulls, terns, tattlers, cormorants and plovers. Get there at sunset for a spectacular sight of seabirds returning to the rocks – a great opportunity for the photographer or the romantic couple.
Laid-back Byron Bay is home to some of Australia’s most luxurious honeymoon accommodation from self-contained apartments to 4- and 5-star hotels.
For a secluded boutique-style retreat, try Rae’s on Watego’s, located on the absolute beachfront of Watego’s Beach or splash out at The Byron Resort & Spa.
Choose from 5-star hotels, villas or self-contained apartments, including the following…
Elements Of Byron - MGallery by Sofitel
Location: Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD710 per room
Description: Nestled on 50 acres of absolute beachfront, Elements Of Byron Resort & Spa features private beach villas. Each villa boasts modern beach architecture and interiors inspired by the natural beauty Byron Bay has to offer. Guests at the resort can take advantage of the exclusive beach club on Belongil Beach, or simply relax in the lagoon pool. Make the most of the outdoors and embark on the rainforest eco trail, or get active using the outdoor fitness circuit or tennis court facilities. Pamper yourself at the 5-room day spa, or chill out and enjoy time in the lounge areas or by the cosy fire pit. The property also offers a business centre, conference and function facilities and a library. Also available are currency exchange services, in-house movies, interconnecting rooms, wheelchair friendly rooms, There are 2 food and beverage options available. Guests enjoy free parking.
The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa
Location: Broken Head Road, Byron Bay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD400 per room
Description: Set within 45-acres of tropical rainforest and within 500 metres from Tallow beach, The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa offers luxurious accommodation with free WiFi and satellite TV. Facilities include a 25 m infinity pool and a fitness centre. The spacious air conditioned suites at the Byron at Byron Resort each feature a kitchen and a separate lounge and dining area. All have 2 enclosed balconies as well with unique views over the rainforest canopy. The Restaurant at The Byron at Byron showcases a seasonal menu of Northern River’s local produce and boasts a rainforest backdrop. Resort facilities include a spa and wellness centre, sauna and daily yoga sessions. The resort provides a free shuttle into Byron Bay 3 times a day.
Bluewater on the Beach
Location: Belongi Beach, Byron Bay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD580 per room
Description: Surrounded by tropical gardens, Bluewater on the Beach features self-contained villas with balconies and stunning ocean views. Some of the Villas boast an idyllic beachfront location, whilst some are just a 5-minute stroll away. Free WiFi and free parking are included. Blue Water Byron Bay is a 9-minute drive from both Tallow Beach and Arakwal National Park. Cape Byron Lighthouse is 11 minutes’ drive away. Each villa includes a modern fully equipped kitchen where guests can cook a hearty meal and enjoy it on the outdoor furniture. You can relax in the spacious seating area and watch a show on the cable flat-screen. Belongil Beach is a great choice for travellers interested in beach walks, friendly people and surfing.
28 Degrees Byron Bay
Location: Marvell St, Byron Bay
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD460 per room
Description: 28 Degrees Byron Bay offers luxurious 5 star apartments with private gardens and heated outdoor plunge pools. One of the apartments also features views of the lighthouse. The property offers free WiFi, locally sourced organic breakfast, teas and coffees, and locally brewed beverages upon arrival. Each apartment has a private entrance, and stylish interiors with quality linens and free toiletries. The property has a no TV policy. Free on-site parking is provided. The property boasts idyllic location just 2 minutes' walk from the main centre of Byron Bay and 5 minutes' walk from the beachfront. Cape Byron Lighthouse is 2.3 km from 28 Degrees Byron Bay, and Tallow Beach is 1.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, 22.5 km from 28 Degrees Byron Bay.
Beach Suites
Location: Bay St, Byron Bay
Rating: 4.5-star
Prices: from AUD420 per room
Description: Overlooking Byron Bay’s Main Beach, these stylish boutique apartments and studios offer secure car parking and free Wi-Fi. Penthouse apartments with private rooftop swimming pool and panoramic ocean views are available. The shops, restaurants, cafes and bars of Byron Bay town centre are on the doorstep of Beach Suites Byron Bay. Ballina Byron Airport is a 35-minute drive away. All accommodation include a flat-screen cable TV, DVD player, private bathroom, and a kitchenette or full kitchen. Some studios have a large wooden patio with private heated plunge pool and a spa bath. Penthouse Apartments feature modern designer kitchens, large living areas and spacious bedrooms. Beachfront Studios are located on the ground floor for direct private access to the beach and street. The modern Garden Suites, overlooking lush garden terraces, offer peaceful surroundings. Each has barbecue on the patio, plus a well-appointed kitchenette.
Waves Byron Bay
Location: Lawson St Park, Byron Bay
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD270 per room
Description: Situated just 60 metres from Main Beach, Waves Byron Bay offers spacious suites and luxurious rooftop penthouses. Guests have free use of beach chairs, beach towels and boogie boards. All accommodation features king-size beds, flat-screen TV, minibar and air conditioning. The penthouses feature a private outdoor terrace with BBQ facilities. One suite offers a Teppanaki BBQ. All accommodation features a granite and marble bathroom. Guests are invited to start each day with free muffins, juice, tea, coffee and fruit in the hotel foyer. Free secure covered parking is provided. WiFi access is available in all areas and charges may apply. Restaurants, shops and cafes are located within 100 m of Waves Byron Bay. Local activities include diving and snorkelling at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, surfing at Main Beach and when in-season, whale watching.
Anytime: Byron Bay is a year-round holiday destination.
For hot-weather activities on the beach or poolside the best time to visit Byron Bay is from late-December to early-March. However, anytime between mid-September and early-May is good for general outdoor activities.
Byron Bay has a temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters. You can expect rain showers at any time of the year but especially in summer.
More information about Byron Bay weather…
Byron Bay is Australia’s most easterly point and sits on the north coast of New South Wales, around 165km (103mi) south of Brisbane and 772km (480mi) north of Sydney.
The most convenient route to Byron Bay is to fly into Gold Coast Airport (OOL), formerly known as Coolangatta Airport, located at the southern end of the Gold Coast, around 68km (42mi) north of Byron Bay – a 50-minute drive.
Alternately, most international flights arrive at Brisbane Airport (BNE), located about 12km (7.4mi) northeast of Brisbane centre, and around 175km (108mi) north of Byron Bay.
Byron Easybus offers a transfer service from Brisbane Airport to Byron Bay 5 times daily, taking around 3 hours 15 minutes.
More information about how to get to Byron Bay…
Latest update: Byron Bay honeymoon: 14 September, 2022
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