Hinterland hills, endless beaches and tranquil trails that reconnect you to yourself and nature all around – walking in Byron Bay is a year-round pleasure.
Whether you prefer a flat beach stroll or challenging rainforest summit climb, there’s a walk for everyone in and around Byron Bay. Each is accompanied with near faultless scenery that will have you stopping regularly to stare (and snap a few photos!)
Here are five of the best local Byron Bay walks to enjoy during your next visit.
5km – 1-2 hours – undulating paths, some steep
The Cape Byron Walking Track, known locally as the Lighthouse Walk, is by far Byron Bay’s most popular walk – and for good reason. It’s a loop trail that takes in beach, lighthouse and rainforest, as well as some of Byron’s most spectacular views. It involves a paved path, stairs, a stretch of sand and some trail.
There are many variations on this trail, but our recommended route begins and ends at Clarkes Beach car park (directions). Head down to the beach via the staircase alongside Beach Byron Bay, then turn right along the sand, away from the town centre. Walk to the Fisherman’s Lookout then head up to and through The Pass car park, up the stairs that lead over the cliff and down to Wategos Beach.
At the far end of this idyllic cove is a paved path rising to your left. These lead directly to the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse.
Take time to enjoy the views en route, including those from Australia’s most easterly point. After pausing at the top, continue past the cafe and toilets, and follow the curving road until the pavement’s end.
Disappear into the forest up the steep paved path, passing the hang gliding launch point, and follow this trail as it undulates to its end. You’ll re-emerge by Captain Cook’s car park. Turn left and wander back down the road to refind the trailhead.
13km (3-4 hour return trip) – dirt track, some basic scrambling and steep in sections
One of the Byron Hinterland’s real gems, Minyon Falls offers a range of trail options. From a short stroll connecting the car park (directions) to the viewing platform (about 15/20 mins return) to the longer hike we’ve featured below, there’s a whole host of ways to access these 100m waterfalls surrounded by stunning rainforest.
The longer hike begins at a trailhead located around one kilometre before the main viewing car park (directions). The road up to both is a well-maintained dirt road suitable for most cars.
Head down into the forest and descend via switchbacks for around one kilometre to reach Repentance Creek. Continue along this path which, with a short section of rock hopping, leads you directly to the foot of the falls. After a quick dip (no sunscreen, please), cross the creek and continue along the loop track as it climbs up towards the escarpment.
As you ascend, enjoy the views of Condong Falls. At the Quandong Falls fork, keep to the Minyon Falls Loop Track (on the right) and follow the escarpment to the top of Minyon Falls. This section is exposed, so ensure you have sunscreen ready-at-hand. After taking in the spectacular views about the falls, head back down the road to the trailhead.
You can read more about the falls and watch some gorgeous footage of this hidden gem in our Minyon Falls article.
Distance: approx 10 km there and back, 3 hours – flat all the way
If a beach stroll is what you’re seeking, you’re spoiled for choice around Byron Bay. There’s Byron’s Main beach and The Pass, Suffolk Park’s Tallows Beach and the (almost) unbroken stretches south to Ballina and north to the Gold Coast.
The beach walk from Elements of Byron to Brunswick Heads is a firm favourite.
Begin at the expansive Belongil Beach just minutes from your Elements of Byron villa. Cast your eye from Belongil estuary and you’ll likely spot a large array of seabirds.
Continue along this beautiful unspoilt coastline, walking on the beach until you reach Brunswick Heads. You’ll find breaking waves on one side and coastal bush land on the other most of the way with a creek crossing or two that is best timed for low tide. Please note that one small section of this beach is designated as ‘clothes optional’.
When you reach Brunswick Heads there is a great range of cafes, eateries, shops and plenty of grass areas perfect for a picnic in and simply laze under trees. The full walk is a little more than 10km but there are plenty of options to shorten it or break it down.
1.6km – 30-45 mins – gently undulating dirt track
The Three Sisters Walking Track gives quick access to spectacular ocean views and a non-challenging coastal bush trail to the south of Byron Bay. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some serenity.
The walk begins at Broken Head car park (directions). With the beach to your left, spot the trailhead tucked up a small grassy rise and under the canopy of coastal flora. Follow this track to its logical end, where it dives down steeply to the right to meet Kings Beach (this is the start of an alternative loop route that’s only available at low tide).
En route, take time to read the aboriginal history of the Three Sisters and enjoy a little picnic on the grass overlooking the ocean.
Walk in Arakwal Bundjalung Footsteps
Walks of various lengths – Aboriginal cultural activities and guide
Australia is home to the oldest culture in the world. Walk alongside local Arakwal Bundjalung elder Delta Kay through important cultural sites, taste bush food you’ve picked yourself or make your own ochre body paint.
Learn about the stories and traditions of the Arakwal Bundjalung people and connect with this truly unique place.
13km – 3-4 hours – undulating paths, some steep
This incredibly scenic path features a large diversity of landscapes from coastal views to lush rainforests. Much of the path is paved and easily accessible for bicycles, however there will be points where cyclists will need to traverse the grass in order to navigate steps.
Begin with a gradual climb to the beautiful Pat Morton Lookout. If you’re there between May and November, this is one of the best places to spot whales on their migratory journey.
You’ll then pass through a couple of kilometres of coastal vegetation and a detour around Skennars Head and its breath-taking vista of Sharpes Beach. Go for a quick dip if the weather’s favourable and then rejoin the rainforest section before the climb to Ballina Heads Lookout. This is one of this region’s most spectacular walks and highly recommended.
If you’re searching for a walk that even the smallest feet in your party will enjoy, you’ll need to look no further than the grounds of Elements of Byron resort. You see a community of fairies have hidden their homes amongst the trees, around the duckpond and along the edge of Belongil Beach. Request a self-guided Fairy Trail Map from Reception and follow the clues. The more you solve, the more houses you’ll find. If you’re successful at solving one important clue, you’ll be rewarded with a free slushie at Breeze, upon completion. Suitable for all ages, pram friendly and open to resort guests only.
Your reward for these Byron region walks? A host of cafes and restaurants ready for you to refuel, share and reflect all those views.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.
