Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

Not only will you be able to see a dreamy sunset at Main Beach, you may also have the bonus of musical accompaniment – depending on whether there are any lingering guitarists.

Arts and culture

Check out what local artists and makers produce at the Byron Artisan Market (www.byronmarkets.com.au), 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 encompassing everything from painting to jewellery and homewares.

Something for nothing

You’ve got seven beaches including beautiful Wategos to choose from. Grab a book, a towel and soak it up. Even when it’s cold, it’s divine. Peckish? Swing by Byron Farmers Market (Thursdays 8am–11am at Butler Street Reserve; www.byronfarmersmarket.com.au), where you can taste local produce for free.

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 (www.pompidou.com.au). Sample hot local surfing label 2FOUR8ONE (www.2481.com.au), named after the town’s postcode. Looking for a special piece of handcrafted jewellery? Ixtlan (www.ixtlan.com.au) has bold, contemporary accessories featuring semi-precious stones. For something a bit more girly, try on Nicole Sharratt’s designs at Sweet Papillon (www.sweetpapillon.com.au).

Daytripper

Head inland to the sleepy, picture-perfect town of Bangalow, 14 kilometres from Byron Bay. You’ll see every shade of green on the drive through the hinterland, before hitting the main drag, Byron Street, where old buildings have been converted into chic shops and cafés. Shop at Little Peach (02 6687 1415) for Japanese-inspired clothes and collectables; Island Luxe (02 6687 1605) for beach and holiday wear by Australian and European designers; and Wax Jambu Emporium (www.waxjambu.com.au).

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, make for the north end and Cosy Corner, which is more sheltered.

Perfect picnic

Score 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 ideal way to watch the sun go down.

Walks

On the weekend, the traffic jam going up to Cape Byron Lighthouse is as bad as any you’ll see in a big-city rush hour, so take the walking track instead. It’s about four kilometres if you trek up from Clarkes Beach, around the lighthouse and through the conservation park back into town. When you’re at the peak, you’ll be glad you made the effort.

Children

If your kids are born entertainers, they’ll love 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, and there are adult sessions, too.

Activities

Just off the coast is Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, considered one of the best dive sites in Australia. For an unforgettable underwater experience you can glide with manta rays, as 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 around 400 different species of fish. Byron Bay Dive Centre (www.byronbaydivecentre.com.au) offers introductory courses that take five hours.

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 a pro photographer to capture the moment when you catch your first wave.