Byron Bay
A surf town on the far north-east coast of New South Wales, beside the most easterly point of mainland Australia.
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Byron Bay is a beach town on the far north-east coast of New South Wales, on Bundjalung Country. Cape Byron, next to the town, is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, and the Cape Byron Lighthouse there dates from 1901. Lieutenant James Cook anchored safely nearby in 1770 and named the cape for Vice Admiral John Byron. The town is about 772 km north of Sydney and 165 km south of Brisbane.
Go for the surf and the coast. The Pass, Wategos and Cosy Corner are popular surf beaches, and Julian Rocks, about 2.5 km from town inside Cape Byron Marine Park, is the main dive site. Nightcap National Park and Minyon Falls are within easy reach, with subtropical rainforest nearby. The Aquarius Festival in nearby Nimbin in 1973 helped establish the town's alternative reputation, and it now also has upmarket homes and wellness retreats. The climate is humid subtropical: summer days average about 27 °C and summer evenings can be wet, while winter days usually reach about 19.4 °C.
Byron Bay in five
- Walk the Cape Byron track at a quiet hourNSW National Parks describes the Walgun Cape Byron walking track as a 3.7 km loop through rainforest, beach, grassland and clifftop to the lighthouse, needing a good two hours. Weekends are busy and parking can be limited.NSW National Parks track page
- Bring binoculars for whales in seasonThe park lists Cape Byron as a brilliant place for whale watching, and the walking track passes clifftops with ocean views. Turtles, dolphins and stingrays can show in the water below.
- Choose a beach by the surf, not the postcardThe park names The Pass, Wategos and Tallows as beaches for the afternoon. Swim between the red-and-yellow flags at patrolled beaches and ask lifesavers about rips.
- Arrive by road via the Gold Coast or BrisbaneMost visitors drive or take a coach from the Gold Coast or Brisbane airports. Compare the two airports and the cost of transfers before you book.Brisbane or the Gold Coast
- Book rooms early for weekends and holidaysByron fills quickly, and the lighthouse area is one of the busiest spots. Midweek stays give quieter walks and easier parking.
Things to do in Byron Bay
See all attractions in Byron Bay
Need to know
- Airport
- Nearest major airports are Gold Coast and Brisbane
- Getting there
- Drive or coach from the Gold Coast or Brisbane airports
- Getting around
- Walk or cycle in town; parking at the lighthouse is limited
- Best base
- Byron town, or Wategos Beach for the lighthouse side
- Time needed
- 2 nights; 3 with the hinterland
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryRain17 rainy daysHigh27°Low21°Hot, busyJanuaryRain
Good
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 160 mm
- Rainy days
- 17
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot, busy
- FebruaryRain17 rainy daysHigh26°Low21°Warm, humidFebruaryRain
Good
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 226 mm
- Rainy days
- 17
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, humid
- MarchRain22 rainy daysHigh25°Low21°Warm, showersMarchRain
Mixed
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 288 mm
- Rainy days
- 22
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, showers
- AprilRain16 rainy daysHigh23°Low18°Mild, clearAprilRain
Best
- High
- 23°
- Low
- 18°
- Precipitation
- 124 mm
- Rainy days
- 16
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, clear
- MayPartly cloudy12 rainy daysHigh21°Low15°Mild, quieterMayPartly cloudy
Good
- High
- 21°
- Low
- 15°
- Precipitation
- 113 mm
- Rainy days
- 12
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, quieter
- JunePartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh19°Low13°Cool, clearJunePartly cloudy
Good
- High
- 19°
- Low
- 13°
- Precipitation
- 97 mm
- Rainy days
- 10
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Cool, clear
- JulyPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh19°Low12°Cool, clearJulyPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 19°
- Low
- 12°
- Precipitation
- 60 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Cool, clear
- AugustPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh20°Low13°Cool, dryAugustPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 20°
- Low
- 13°
- Precipitation
- 64 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Cool, dry
- SeptemberPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh22°Low15°Warm, drySeptemberPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 22°
- Low
- 15°
- Precipitation
- 73 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, dry
- OctoberRain13 rainy daysHigh23°Low17°Warm, springOctoberRain
Best
- High
- 23°
- Low
- 17°
- Precipitation
- 136 mm
- Rainy days
- 13
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, spring
- NovemberRain14 rainy daysHigh25°Low18°Warm, quietNovemberRain
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 18°
- Precipitation
- 123 mm
- Rainy days
- 14
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, quiet
- DecemberRain15 rainy daysHigh26°Low20°Hot, busyDecemberRain
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 20°
- Precipitation
- 162 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot, busy
Average daily high and low in Byron Bay, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Byron Bay
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
17
- Feels like
- 19°
- Humidity
- 99%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 98%
Byron Bay
07:37 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today26°18°98%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 26°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Wed30°19°18%Wednesday: Clear. High 30°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 18%.
- Thu32°18°0%Thursday: Fog. High 32°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri24°18°27%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 24°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 27%.
- Sat26°17°34%Saturday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 34%.
- Sun22°17°35%Sunday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 35%.
- Mon21°15°35%Monday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 35%.
Updated 03:19 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.423 AUD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Gold Coastsouth, by roadSurf beaches, theme parks and a tram line along the coast.Read the guide
- Brisbanenorth, by roadRiver city with free galleries and plenty of rooms.Read the guide
- Byron hinterland villagesa short drive inlandMarkets, cafes and rainforest tracks away from the beach.
Before you go to Byron Bay
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Rules for Byron Bay, checked
- Walgun Cape Byron walking track: 3.7 km loop, about two hours; stay on the track and away from cliff edges; weekend parking can be limited.Checked Oct 2, 2026 · Source
Plan around Byron Bay
River city, free galleries and the Brisbane gateway
Read the guideGold CoastSurf beaches, theme parks and light rail
Read the guideBrisbane or the Gold Coast?Which base suits your trip
Read the guideNew South WalesWhere the north coast fits a state trip
Read the guideAll of AustraliaETA, regions, flights and money basics
Read the guideTravel insuranceCover for activities and cancellations
Read the guideByron Bay FAQ
How many days do you need in Byron Bay?
Two nights cover the lighthouse walk, a beach afternoon and the town. Add a third for the hinterland or a slower pace.
Is Byron Bay worth visiting?
Yes if you want beaches, a lighthouse walk and relaxed cafes rather than major sights. It is most rewarding midweek and outside school holidays.
How long is the Cape Byron walk?
NSW National Parks describes a 3.7 km loop that needs a good two hours. Shorter sections are possible because the track can be joined at several points.
How do you get to Byron Bay?
Most visitors drive or take a coach from the Gold Coast or Brisbane, whose airports are the nearest major ones. Plan the final leg before you book flights.
Where can you see whales at Byron Bay?
NSW National Parks lists Cape Byron as a brilliant whale-watching spot, with a clifftop track for views. Bring binoculars and check the season before you go.