Byron Bay Activities

Worth getting out of bed for

Viewpoint

On the rock wall at Main Beach at the end of the day, not only will you be able to see a great sunset, but there might also be a musical accompaniment depending on if there are any lingering guitarists.

Arts and culture

Check out what local artists and makers produce at the Byron Artisans Market (www.byronartisanmarket.com), held in Railway Park each Saturday night from 6pm. Craftspeople and fine artists from the surrounding area showcase their one-off and limited-edition pieces that encompass everything from painting to jewellery and homewares.

Something for nothing

Hello! You’ve got some of the most beautiful beaches right in front of you. Grab a book, a towel and a bottle of sunscreen and soak it up. Even when it’s cold, it’s divine – rug up and walk in splendid isolation for miles.

Shopping

While not the main reason people come to Byron, there’s still a little spending action to be had, particularly around Jonson and Fletcher Streets. Pick up designer gear by Ksubi, Alice McCall, Lover and Karen Walker at Pompidou (16 Fletcher Street, +61 (0)2 6680 7422; www.pompidou.com.au). Check out hot local surfing label 2FOUR8ONE (2/4 Cavanbah Arcade, Jonson Street, +61 (0)2 6680 8008; www.2481.com.au), named after the town’s postcode. Looking for a special piece of handcrafted jewellery? Ixtlan (7 Jonson Street, +61 (0)2 6685 6976; www.ixtlan.com.au) has bold, contemporary accessories featuring semi-precious stones. For something a bit more girlie, check out Nicole Sharratt’s designs at Sweet Papillon (31a Fletcher Street, +61 (0)2 6685 7700; www.sweetpapillon.com.au).

Daytripper

Head inland to the sleepy, picture-perfect town of Bangalow. You’ll see every shade of green on the drive through the hinterland, before hitting the main drag, called Byron Street, where old buildings have been converted into chi chi shops and cafes. Shop at Little Peach (No 17, +61 (0)2 6687 1415) for Japanese-inspired clothes and collectable, Island Luxe (No 62, +61 (0)2 6687 1605) for beach and holiday wear by Australian and European designers, and Wax Jambu Emporium (no 19b, +61 (0)2 6687 2788; www.waxjambu.com.au)in the old general store for super-cool clothes, books, CDs and kids’ toys. After all that energy expelled giving your credit card a work-out, stop for lunch at Fishheads (No 2, +61 (0)2 6687 2883; www.fishheadsbyron.com.au) and enjoy the fresh oysters, grilled scallops on the half shell or the ultimate seafood plate.

Best beach

Being slightly separated from the main part of town means that Tallow Beach (south of the lighthouse) is often a bit quieter. It helps that it’s also seven kilometres long, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. Locals walk their dogs along part of the beach and you’ll often see dolphins just beyond the break. If it’s really windy, head to the north end and Cosy Corner, which is more sheltered.

Perfect picnic

Grab some fish and chips from Fishmongers Café (in Bay Lane behind the Beach Hotel) – people swear it’s the best in Byron – then park yourself on the beach. It’s the perfect way to watch the sun go down.

Walks

On the weekend, the traffic jam going up to the lighthouse is as bad as any you’ll see in the peak hour in a big city. It’s about four kilometres in total if you trek the whole track from Clarkes Beach, around the lighthouse and through the conservation park back into town. When you’re at the peak, you’ll thank yourself that you made the effort.

Children

If they’re born entertainers, check out the timetable at Circus Arts (www.circusarts.com.au). There’s a full indoor trapeze at the centre, as well as activities for those littlies without a head for heights. The Circus class will teach them trampolining, juggling, hula-hooping and low trapeze. Just quietly, there’s also adult classes too.

Activities

Just off the coast is Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, considered one of the best dive sites in Australia. One of the greatest underwater experiences ever is gliding with manta rays, and the gentle giants congregate here during summer and early autumn. At other times, you’ll see the harmless leopard and wobbegong sharks, eagle rays, turtles, moray eels and 400 different species of fish. Byron Bay Dive Centre (www.byronbaydivecentre.com.au) offers introductory courses that take five hours and include one ocean dive – be warned: you may be hooked for life – or you can take the easy option and simply join them for a snorkel.

And...

Do as the locals do and learn to surf. Black Dog Surfing (www.blackdogsurfing.com) has small group lessons and provides all the gear, as well as pro photographer to capture the moment when you catch your first wave. George, the black dog of the name, is a kelpie/Jack Russell cross who does, indeed, surf!