Byron Bay: Where Laid-Back Vibes Meet Stunning Natural Beauty

Fourteen beaches dot the Byron Bay Coastline, so every family member can find a favorite beach to visit. Some of the beaches, like Tyagarah Beach and Broken Head Beach, have clothing-optional areas, so be sure to research which beach you want to take young children to. Main Beach is directly across from the town of Byron Bay. This beach is very popular for those who want to snorkel since a shipwreck is located just off the coast teeming with marine life. Main Beach is also patrolled by lifeguards regularly, so this is a safer beach for those with small ones.

Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort is nestled between the water and the rainforest, providing an atmosphere found nowhere else on the planet.

77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-39-20-00, Map

At the Easternmost tip of the continent, Cape Byron Lighthouse sits proudly to remind Aussies of seafaring days past. Settled in Cape Byron State Conservation Area, this lighthouse and maritime museum is free for all who want to come. The lighthouse is still used with an automated light today, which replaced the need for a keeper in 1989. Tours are offered regularly that provide information about the history of the lighthouse and local shipwrecks. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars to watch for whales and marine life from the top of the lighthouse.

199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay SNW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-02-66-39-83-00, Map

Open seven days a week, The Farm is a commune-type setting where you can learn about farming, eat, socialize, and take part in community service. The restaurant on-site, Three Blue Ducks, uses all farm-grown ingredients and sources out other needed ingredients as close to The Farm as possible. The Bread Social is the bakery where guests can purchase fresh bread, pastries, and other goodies. And though food is the focus of The Farm, guests can also take part in workshops, spending time in one of the nurseries, keep the kids busy learning about farming, or just take a horseback ride through The Farm.

11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-84-78-88, Map

If you’re deciding on a place to stay while in Byron Bay, Elements of Byron is the Byron Bay luxury resort to check out. This intimate resort has eight freestanding villa styles to choose from for your vacationing needs. You’ll feel as if your villa is an oasis away from the bustle of Byron Bay. Once on the resort property, you’ll barely find a reason to leave. Restaurants and bars deliver to your room, poolside, or directly to a table at one of the fine dining restaurants. An on-site spa blends nature and relaxation with all-natural massages, facials, and spa treatments.

Elements of Byron, 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-39-15-65

Byron Bay is home to some of the most relaxing retreats in Australia. At Gaia Retreat and Spa, you’ll have more than a day experience, you can also book a retreat package, which includes your hotel room, all meals, and several spa and wellness treatments designed to rejuvenate, relax, and pamper you. You can also include specialty addons, such as detox and cleanse, weight loss, or mindfulness to give you a targeted spa experience. Many packages are built for couples or two people, but all packages can be upgraded for two people. If you plan to do ala carte, you’ll find yoga and fitness activities, as well as a naturopathic clinic.

933 Fernleigh Road, Brooklet NSW 2479, Australia, Phone: 61-2-66-87-12-16, Map

Australia knows how to do coffee right. Combi was once a café on wheels, has transformed into a regular shop, and once again opened a moving café van. You can find the traveling Combi van at festivals and events. More important than location is that Combi is dedicated to bringing you healthy, nutritious tea, coffee, and treat options. Combi uses only reusable mugs and asks patrons to bring their own travel mug if they prefer. They compost all coffee grounds in a local park and offer guests both dairy and non-dairy options. A popular option is coffee delivered in a fresh green coconut that has been just opened and drained.

5B 21-25 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Map

At Folk Byron Bay, you’ll find local, organic food and coffee. Following all ethical standards, Folk provides some of the best vegan food in the area. Try out one of the vegan burrito or nourish bowls that Folk is famous for with locals. You’ll never even notice that your food is lacking meat products when you dive into house-made naan bread, chili oil, and other chutneys to enjoy with your daily house special. Don’t be deterred by the long lines for a table, that’s just the locals letting you know it’s a favorite hot spot.

1/399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Map

Island Luxe is designed with traveling men and women in mind. Though most of the clothing and furniture is geared toward the nomadic lifestyle, these styles can be work in nearly any setting. Many of the furniture and accessory pieces are created by local artisans, providing unique and one-of-a-kind items for purchase. Patrons can look for clothing, accessories, shoes, boots, and hats while browsing through cultural and tribal items brought back from trips to foreign locales. Rather than bending to the expectations of society, guests are inspired to shop for themselves and their style.

62 Byron Street, Bangalow NSW 2479, Phone: 61-2-66-87-16-05, Map

Spell Boutique houses clothing from Spell & The Gypsy Collective. As the name implies, patrons will discover bohemian style apparel that is perfect for the Outback weather. Flowing and light, these women’s designs can make anyone look boho-chic while working with the Earth to provide gorgeous styles and comfortable clothes. Many styles revolve around lightweight dresses that are sure to dress you up or down, no matter the setting. Look like an Aussie native with this laidback and trendy collection. If you regret not grabbing that tunic while on holiday, most styles and prints are available online.

15 Browning Street Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia, Phone: 62-2-91-59-62-55, Map