Top Byron Bay Outdoor Activities

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without having to head north with a 3-hour snorkeling experience at the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve in Byron Bay. Practice your snorkeling skills in the training pool, cruise out to Julian Rocks, then dive in to swim and snorkel amid colorful corals, tropical fish, manta rays, wobbegong sharks, and sea turtles.

Kayak alongside a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in beautiful Byron Bay! Led by expert guides, this sea kayak adventure takes you through the calm waters of Cape Byron Marine Park. Learn about the protected aquatic environment along the way, see Cape Byron lighthouse and refresh with a tea and Tim Tam biscuit break on the beach. All equipment is provided, and no kayaking experience is necessary.

Paddle your way to Australia’s easternmost point on this 3-hour sea kayaking adventure from Byron Bay, including hotel pick-up. After learning to steer your tandem kayak, set out from Clarkes Beach and enjoy waterside views of landmarks like the Byron Bay lighthouse, the Julian Rocks, Wategos millionaire row and Cape Byron. Keep a look out for dolphins, sea turtles and whales as you cruise around the bay, then cool off with a swim before heading back to shore.

Take a break from the stresses of the urban environment with this tranquil nature escape into the Byron Bay hinterland. Take a journey into the Nightcap National Park to visit grand waterfalls, swim in hidden lakes and meditate in the midst of a lush and ancient rainforest. As the night closes in, enjoy live flute music and the luminescent glow-worms at Nightcap’s well-hidden ‘Magic Forest’.

Lose yourself in the mesmerizing landscapes of the Nightcap National Park on this half-day tour from Byron Bay. Hike through the UNESCO-listed rainforest, then cool off with a swim beneath the beautiful Minyon Falls. After refueling with a hearty BBQ lunch, get a taste of local life in the Byron Bay Hinterlands as you stop by towns and villages, including the legendary market town of Bangalow.

Visit three different habitats (a eucalypt forest, rainforest, and grassland) to observe Australian wildlife in its natural habitat. Spot koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, flying foxes, birds, and more with the help of a guide. Depending on conditions, you may also see other mammals such as pademelons. Plus, the tour Includes a locally sourced picnic in the rainforest.

Hone your surf skills with this half-day lesson in beautiful Byron Bay. Head to a beach that suits your skill level, throw on your gear—included in the lesson price—and learn basic techniques from an expert coach. Then, continue your lesson in a small-group setting with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 7. If you don’t stand up by the end of the session, receive a free class.

Learn to surf on Main Beach Byron Bay, one of Australia's best places to practice the art of surfing. Guided by a qualified instructor, in a small group of maximum 6 guests to one Instructor, learn how to 'hang ten' at a less-crowded location on Byron Bay's central Main Beach, where the waves are manageable and the water is calmer. The relaxed lessons are perfect for beginners or for surfers who want to take their skills to the next level. Gain insider tips about Byron Bay and its surf culture from your friendly local instructor.

Come look for Unicorns in the heart of Mount Jerusalem National Park. Hidden away in the Rainforest is the enchanting pool and series of waterfalls that make up Unicorn Falls. Seeing a Unicorn is not guaranteed, but it would not be a surprise! Leaving from Mullumbimby we cruise out to the National Park through the beautiful hinterland of The Pocket and Main Arm, stopping for coffee at locals favourite, The Main Arm Store. Getting there has never been easier on one of our state of the art FOCUS Electric Mountain Bikes. Be amazed at how easy it is to cycle up hills, though you still have to put in some effort so will feel like you have had some exercise at the end of the day. Rediscover the joy of cycling in nature, the fun, freedom, fresh air. Beware, once you try an E bike you will want to buy one (and we can help you with that too!). All the fun of a cycling adventure without the strain. You will be in a small group, maximum 8 people, with an experienced local guide.

Beginner surfers often have to fumble through surf shops to find the right rental equipment—and then fumble through their first waves. This private surf lesson helps you find the right equipment and hit the waves with a surf instructor, who gives you and your group lessons and undivided attention for several hours.

Explore Byron Bay by land and by sea on this action-packed full-day tour. Start your adventure hiking through the UNESCO-listed Nightcap National Park, exploring the lush rainforest trails and cooling off with a swim by the Minyon Falls. After tucking into a BBQ lunch by the waterside, return to Byron Bay for a kayaking tour along the coast. Paddle your way around the bay; spot dolphins, sea turtles and humpback whales (depending on the season); and enjoy free time for swimming and snorkeling.

Get your adrenaline pumping on an action-packed overnight adventure from Byron Bay. Kick things off with a 3-hour afternoon kayaking excursion and spot dolphins, sea turtles and migrating whales (depending on the season) in their natural environment. Then, journey to the foot of Mount Warning to set up camp and tuck into a campfire dinner, before sleeping beneath the stars. Make an early start the next morning for a 2-hour self-guided hike to the 3,802-foot (1,159-meter) summit and be the first to watch the glorious sunrise over Australia’s east coast.

Nocturnal animals are fascinating to watch, but, as they appear under the cover of darkness, they can be tricky to spot. Vastly increase your chances on this night vision guided walk from Byron Bay. By wearing night vision goggles, you can explore the rainforest at night and easily find such nocturnal animals as possum, pademelon, bandicoot and tawny frogmouth in their natural habitat. After your walk, ensure a warming cup of hot chocolate under the starry night sky.

Skip the driving and hassle of waiting for public transport on this guided tour through the Northern Rivers hinterland. Enjoy pickup and drop-off from your Byron Bay accommodation and relax in a comfortable vehicle as you explore. Check out the markets (farmers or arts and crafts, depending on the day), and explore the hippy towns of Nimbin and Mullumimby, as well as the small settlements of Main Arm and Uki. Includes a locally sourced picnic lunch at Crams Farm next to Mount Warning.

If you’re looking for a unique tour with a sense of fun: look no further than this tour of Byron Bay and Nimbin. Kick back in a custom-build retro coach, with awesome beats to match the day. Your local, fun-loving guides care about giving you an original experience. Visit an incredible national park, waterfall, rainforest, and traditional Aussie pub. Stop at the historical village of Nimbin, visit a hemp museum and discover local stores. Try your hand at cooking a delicious BBQ lunch on this truly local experience.

A short scenic journey into Byron Bay’s hinterland lies a magical sanctuary. Stand between two of the tallest crystals on earth. Sit in an ancient amethyst cave. Wander through the tranquil Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. Indulge in a delicious lunch and homemade desserts.

Experience the Brunswick River the way nature intended—with only the noise of paddles gently sweeping the water—on a stand-up paddleboard tour in a group of maximum eight people. After a short introduction to the art of SUP, head out into the wilds with a guide to point out wildlife and capture digital photos, then return for water and home-made snacks. Tour includes pickup from Byron Bay, if required.

Embark on the only whale-watching cruise to depart from The Pass beach in Byron Bay, offering the fastest route to the path of migrating humpback whales, plus dolphins, turtles, and sea birds. Travel with a small group of no more than 12 on a vessel specially designed for marine life spotting, equipped with underwater viewing devices and a hydrophone to listen to whale songs. Whale sighting is guaranteed—if you don’t see one, take another cruise for free!

Byron Bay is a year-round travel destination with gorgeous beaches, amazing hinterland, superb weather and a wonderful laid-back vibe. Located on the New South Wales Far North Coast, just under an hour south of the Gold Coast airport, the region offers some of the best hot air balloon flights in the country. As Australia's most easterly point and the first place on the Australian mainland to see the sunrise each morning, a Byron Bay ballooning experience offers a unique experience and a spectacular visual diversity of both coast & country.

Take a break from the beach and discover two of Byron Bay’s most popular attractions – Cape Bryon Lighthouse and Crystal Castle – on this half-day tour. First, climb to the top of the Cape Bryon Lighthouse, where you can take in magnificent views from Australia’s easternmost point and spot humpback whales along the coast (depending on the season). Then, be dazzled by the exquisite gardens and gigantic crystals on display at the Crystal Castle, before continuing to lively Bangalow for lunch (included).

Surfing can be a great way to get to know a new area, but it can be a challenge to find the right beaches in unfamiliar territory. The instructors on this surf lesson take care of finding surf spots for you, taking you to the best beaches depending on the weather conditions. That means you can spend more time enjoying yourself and improving your surfing.

Try scuba diving while in Byron Bay with a 5-hour class that includes a diving session at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve. Your diving course includes equipment hire, one lesson in the swimming pool, and a guided dive at Julian Rocks—where you can see tropical species found on the Great Barrier Reef along with marine life from the depths of Australia's Southern Ocean. Species often encountered include manta rays, turtles, blue gropers, and wobbegongs, along with an assortment of hard and soft corals.

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without having to head north with a 3-hour scuba diving experience at the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve in Byron Bay. Suitable only for certified divers, this diving adventure will bring you closer to the reserve’s vibrant corals and marine life, with the chance to spot manta rays, wobbegong sharks, sea turtles, and over 400 species of fish.

If you've always wanted to surf, a long weekend or mid-week break in Byron Bay offers the perfect opportunity to learn to master the waves. Avoid the stress of learning on your own, or from an exasperated friend; with these progressive classes, go from success to success with the help of a patient tutor.