Family holidays in Byron Bay are blessed with beautiful beaches, stunning nature, and great places to eat. And that’s before you consider all the fun family activities available right here at Elements of Byron.
But sometimes it’s great to get out and about to explore some other things to do in this region.
From drives through the hinterland to discover breathtaking nature to unique markets in picturesque towns, oh and some daredevil theme park rides too, there’s a whole host of fantastic family day trips easily accessed from Byron Bay.
Let’s discover great ways to spend your days in the Byron region.
It doesn’t take long to reach Byron Bay’s beautiful hinterland. Drive 10 minutes inland from the centre of town and the shimmering blue ocean is replaced with lush green fields, rolling hills and incredible views.
While spending a day exploring the winding roads of Byron’s hinterland is the simplest of freedoms, there are a few key highlights worth putting on your map. Some can be quick pit stops, while for others it’s best to allow a full day.
A 45 minute drive north west from Elements of Byron, Mount Jerusalem National Park is a haven of lush rainforests, great bushwalking trails and a coveted wild swimming watering hole at the base of Unicorn Falls.
Keep an eye and ear out for the beautiful and rare Albert’s lyrebird and red-legged pademelon.
Just another 30 minutes drive north, is a restaurant that serves paddock to plate style cuisine with country living flare. Stop in at Mavis’s Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or afternoon tea out on the grass around this beautiful former dairy farm (check which days sittings are served on website).
In the hinterland to the west of Byron Bay is Minyon Falls. It’s got an eye-popping 100m drop and yet more amazing hinterland hiking opportunities. It’s also just a 45-minute drive from Elements of Byron. To refuel on your way in or out, stop off at Federal’s Doma Cafe for incredible Japanese / Australian fusion food in the sweetest of one-road villages.
Another waterfall worth a visit is Killen Falls, accessed and viewed from a boardwalk, inland of Lennox Head. From here, head to the natural tea tree lake, Lake Ainsworth, then take a wander along the expansive beach with its impressive waves before stopping in at Williams St Kitchen for some great food. This venue, located directly opposite the beach, has plenty of outdoor seating and a casual vibe for all-day breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Another thing this region is spoiled with is fantastic markets, offering fresh produce and unique creations from local farmers and artisans.
There are a host of weekly farmers markets. Just eight minutes’ drive from Elements of Byron you’ll find the infamous Byron Farmers’ Market held every Thursday morning. A weekly pilgrimage for many locals, the market hosts stalls of fresh fruit, vegetables, artisan made gourmet food products, health and homewares and more.
The first Sunday of every month is an expanded Byron Bay Market that has been running since 1987. You’ll find it home to an eclectic mix of stalls, food, entertainment and an authentically Byron Bay attitude.
You’ll find a series of markets across the region, all within a 45-minute drive of Elements of Byron on weekday mornings as well as monthly weekend markets that alternate between locations. Here, you can taste the freshest produce from across this rich farming region, as well as meeting the farmers in-person. Each is set in a park, so grab some yummy snacks and enjoy an impromptu picnic! The perfect start to any family day trip!
If you’re looking for more creative inspiration and local crafts, head to one of the arts and crafts markets dotted throughout the Byron region.
To the north, Murwillumbah’s Makers & Finders Market is a hub for vintage wares and artisan produce, featuring live music and a plenty of mature trees to laze beneath. The focus is on arts, fashion and design, so it’s a great place to get creatively-minded kids’ inspiration flowing. It happens every third Saturday of the month and is a 45-minute drive from the resort.
Or visit one of the region’s oldest arts and crafts markets – it’s over 35-years-old! The Channon Market is held every second Sunday of the month and is a 45-minute drive for the resort. It’s retained its ‘Make it, Bake it, Grow it’ ethos as well as its laid-back, creative vibe. Expect to find some unique arts and crafts gems to take home, enjoy the quality live entertainment and generally let time slow down as the kids enjoy the space to run around in this idyllic hinterland village.
If so far you’ve thought, “that sounds nice, but the kids will never go along with it”, then perhaps it’s time to pull out a bargaining chip: the range of theme parks just up the road.
Twenty-two minutes west of Elements of Byron is a theme park that is intrinsically Byron Bay. Crystal Castle is a celebration of the beautiful crystals that naturally line the earth throughout the local region, showcasing both their beauty and powerful energy. Featuring the world’s largest geodes, this haven of calm is a beautiful place to unwind, featuring an enchanted cave and cafe as well as all those beautiful crystals.
The nearby village of Mullumbimby is another place to discover a slower pace of life. This small country town with its two main roads arranged in a cross, is filled with local artisanal stores and cafes. Head to Rock n’ Roll for fabulous Asian-inspired food or Pink Lotus for genuine Vietnamese (but make sure you book first – it’s very popular).
A little over an hour north you’ll find Australia’s biggest and best water park. Check out Wet’n’Wild’s thrill rides, family slides and the giant wave pool.
When you’ve satisfied your inner adventurer, head back to Elements of Byron to enjoy a lazy afternoon in a cabana or take a dip in the central lagoon pool. Don’t forget the Fairy Trail, which is a leisurely 1.5 stroll around the resort’s grounds. Begin by requesting a Fairy Trail Map from Reception then solve each clue to find fairy houses hanging on branches and colourful little doors on rainforest tree trunks. If you successfully solve an important clue on the Trail, you’ll receive a free slushie at Breeze at the completion. Suitable for all ages, pram friendly and open to resort guests only.
However you spend your time in Byron Bay, a family day trip or two is one way to make the most of your stay in this stunning region.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.
