November is hands-down the best time of the year to visit Byron Bay. The humidity is yet to arrive, the days are bright and sunny, and the Christmas crowds are still holiday planning so the place is buzzy but not brimming. And just perfect for a short break before the end-of-year schedule goes crazy.
There’s an endless list of fun things to do in Byron Bay, however, while staying at Elements of Byron you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to just kick back and relax. Make sure you nab a hanging daybed at sunset or commandeer a private cabana at our adults-exclusive pool.
We’ve put together some of the best things to do in Byron Bay in November.
It’s not hard to see why Elements of Byron’s Adults Exclusive Pool was voted Australia’s Best Hotel Pool by Gourmet Traveller magazine. For a languid, undisturbed day tucked away from everything and everyone, it’s hard to beat.
Laze in shady comfort in your own private cabana with a good novel, or slip into an afternoon poolside snooze. The Adults Exclusive pool is the ideal spot for nothing to do aside from sunbake and swim – and sip a cocktail or two.
Your hardest choice will be whether to slide into the pool and glide up to the swim-up tequila bar, or to opt for the pool-side service direct to your cabana. It’s a tough choice.
Bar open daily from 10am – 6pm
Food service daily fro 12pm – 5.30pm
Summer Salt Bar serves a dazzlingly good array of agave spirits and signature cocktails as well as local beers, Australian and imported wines. A retro-styled food-van serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine made from the freshest local produce, locally sourced each day. Think fresh salads with leaves grown nearby, charred baby octopus and chickpea and turmeric falafels.
Byron Bay’s stunning hinterland is packed with lush landscapes, pretty villages, and plenty of hidden gems for food and drink pit-stops.
Exploring the region’s rolling hills and picturesque towns such as Bangalow and Newrybar and Federal, is a highlight of any visit to Byron Bay. It’s also hands-down one of the best things to do in Byron Bay for families.
From scenic day-long hikes in gorgeous natural surroundings to lazy mornings enjoying brunch with a view, the land beyond Byron Bay is the perfect place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and slow things right down.
Picture-perfect Bangalow is a good place to begin your hinterland adventure. Located within the Northern Rivers, this lovely little town is centred around one main street. Take a leisurely stroll, popping into stylish boutiques such as Assembly Label, ROWIE, and Island Luxe.
If you work up an appetite along the way, a fab spot to swing in for a bite to eat in Bangalow is Woods café. With a menu that celebrates clean, wholesome, tasty food sourced from the Byron Bay region, you’ll leave feeling happily nourished.
One of Byron’s Bay’s hinterland lesser-known gems, Newrybar, is quaint artisan village that over-delivers in terms of stylish boutiques, award-winning eateries, and friendly locals.
Harvest restaurant is a great place to dine, especially if you’re curious about foods made with foraged, locally sourced, indigenous ingredients. Located in a charmingly renovated old weatherboard house, Harvest Newrybar has a historic bakery, a private dining room and deli that’s perfect for stocking up on delicious seasonal, artisan picnic fare.
Just across the road, The Old Pacific is one emporium not to miss. It showcases vintage furniture, eclectic old wares, lighting as as well as beautiful local lifestyle fashion brands, ceramicist, clothing labels and more. Make sure you visit Our Little Flower Farm and Laneway Designs – unique, handcrafted timber furniture made from reclaimed wood. With new pop-up stores continually featured, a return visit never disappoints.
Set in a strikingly updated 1890s dwelling, Newrybar Merchants is a collective of creative local artisans and curators of fine goods. Honouring the essence and rugged beauty of Byron Bay’s hinterland, Newrybar Merchants blends rustic charm and modern style within a unique retail space. Definitely not one to miss.
Driving through the hinterland will reward you with breathtaking views of undulating green hills and the ocean in the distance. Make sure you stop at Federal, an attractive little village with some stand-out places to eat and drink.
Drop into Federal Doma Cafe, an excellent modern Japanese-Australian fusion cafe celebrating super fresh locally sourced food. While the food is exquisite, the vibe is low-key. Think rustic wooden share tables and pared-back Japanese style. Pop into Moonshine Coffee for amazing coffee and chai.
While in Federal, be sure to visit nearby Minyon Falls. These 100m-waterfalls have a viewing platform that’s easily accessible via an unsealed but well-maintained road. Alternatively, enjoy a range of bush walks that take in the creek, rainforest and escarpment landscapes.
For more things to do in Byron Bay’s hinterland, check out our Guide to Byron Bay hinterland. We’ve rounded-up some of the best day trips in Byron Bay for you too.
Extend your holiday adventure by trying something new and nurturing your creativity. Nothing helps you feel more grounded than spending a day with your hands kneading, sculpting and massaging a piece of clay into something special.
Located a mere eight-minute walk from Elements of Byron, Byron School of Clay is dedicated to teaching pottery and ceramic art in different class-type formats. Their one-day workshops and private wheel workshops teach you how to throw beautiful, sustainable pottery in a group or private setting. Workshops cater for all levels of experiences – from absolute beginners to well-seasoned potters.
Byron School of Clay was founded by artist and teacher Todd Beatson whose passion for ceramics inspired him to open a studio dedicated to give others the same opportunity to learn and fall in love with the craft as he had.
In its 19th year, the Byron Latin Fiesta is Australia’s longest running Latin dance festival. Whether you live life to a Latin beat or have never hit a dance floor, this festival is the opportunity for you to connect, celebrate and, most importantly, dance.
From October 31st – November 1st for four nights and three days the Byron Theatre and Community Centre becomes a hub of performances, workshops and dance parties, led by world class DJs and professional dancers and instructors. Its location in the center of Byron village allows the festival to weave Byron’s charming beaches into the mix. Book your Elements of Byron villa in early November and bring your dancing shoes.
Looking for fun things to do in Byron bay for families? Join Elements of Byron’s Naturalist and Land Manager for a guided tour of the littoral rainforest that backs onto Belongil Creek and estuary. By spotting tracks and wildlife you’ll gain an insight into the secret lives of our local animal neighbours. Or head down Ewingsdale Road for a Guided Farm Tour at The Farm at Byron. The one-hour tour celebrates many of the famous farm icons we’ve all grown to love.
From pink piggies to golden-haired chooks, this brand new tour allows visitors to meet their favourite farm friends, while learning the story behind each animal. Kids will love this fun interactive activity, and will leave with muddy boots, big smiles, and heads full of fun farm facts.
There’s plenty more to do at The Farm at Byron, so make sure you see what’s on offer. If it’s a Sunday, be sure to grab a picnic from the on-site providores and while away the afternoon hours listening to jazz.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.
