Byron Bay is famous for its beaches, but some of the best things to do here are inland or just around the headland: waterfalls you can swim under, a lake stained the colour of tea, rainforest walks and small country villages. Here are the ones we recommend to guests, with tips on how to get to each.
Quick answer
Beyond the beach, the best things to do around Byron Bay are swimming at a hinterland waterfall such as Killen Falls, paddleboarding on Lake Ainsworth, walking to the hidden beaches of Broken Head, exploring villages like Bangalow, and snorkelling at Julian Rocks. Most of the nature spots are 20 to 45 minutes from town, so you’ll need a car or a tour to reach them.
1. Swim at a hinterland waterfall
Killen Falls, about 30 minutes from Byron, has a swimming hole and a rock overhang you can walk into behind the water. Further inland, Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park is one of the tallest in the region. Our guide to waterfalls near Byron Bay covers five of them, including which ones you can swim in.
2. Paddleboard on a tea tree lake
Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head is a freshwater lake coloured dark by the tea trees around it. It’s calm and sheltered, which makes it an easy place to try stand up paddleboarding, and the ocean beach is a short walk away if you want salt water too.
3. Walk to the hidden beaches of Broken Head
Broken Head Nature Reserve, south of Byron, has rainforest tracks that lead down to small, quiet beaches and up to the Three Sisters lookout. It feels a long way from the crowds on Main Beach, even though it’s only about 15 minutes away.
4. Explore the hinterland villages
Bangalow, about 15 minutes from Byron, is a historic village with cafes, boutiques and a monthly market. Federal and Mullumbimby are worth a wander too, and the drive through the green hills between them is part of the appeal.
5. Snorkel or dive at Julian Rocks
Julian Rocks, just off Byron Bay, is a marine reserve and one of the best-known dive and snorkel sites on the east coast. Local operators run trips from town, so this is one you can do without a car.
6. Get on the water in Cape Byron Marine Park
Sea kayak tours paddle out from Byron’s beaches into the marine park. Conditions change daily, so book with a local operator who knows the sea.
7. Taste local beer and gin
The Byron region has several craft breweries and distilleries, and some offer tastings or tours. A tour that includes transport is the easy option if you want to try a few.
8. Rainy day? Head to the Arts and Industry Estate
On the edge of town, the Byron Arts and Industry Estate is home to galleries, makers, cafes and small producers. It’s a good way to spend a wet morning, and you can walk or cycle there from the town centre.
See the best of the hinterland and coast in one day
If you don’t have a car, or want someone else to plan the day, our small-group tour picks you up from your Byron Bay accommodation at 11am. We swim at Killen Falls, paddleboard on Lake Ainsworth, stop for lunch in Lennox Head and walk through Broken Head Nature Reserve to secluded beaches and the Three Sisters lookout. The order of stops changes with the weather and tides, and you’re back by 5pm at the latest. For more ideas without a car, see things to do in Byron Bay without a car.
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Byron Bay on a rainy day?
Browse the galleries and makers at the Byron Arts and Industry Estate, head to a hinterland village like Bangalow for cafes and shops, or book a brewery or distillery tasting. Waterfalls are often at their best a day or two after rain.
Is Byron Bay worth visiting if you are not a beach person?
Yes. The hinterland behind Byron Bay has waterfalls, rainforest, tea tree lakes and small villages, most of them within an hour’s drive of town.
What are the best day trips from Byron Bay?
Popular day trips include Bangalow and the hinterland villages, Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park, and Lennox Head with Lake Ainsworth. Our small-group tour combines Killen Falls, Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head and Broken Head in one day.