The locals have known it all along. But now the secret’s out – July is one of the best times to be in Byron Bay!
Pleasantly cool temperatures make winter in Byron delightful – and there’s a smorgasbord of activities, both indoors and out to suit everyone.
From one of the area’s greatest live music festivals and fine dining by the sea to exploring the hot spot that is North Beach, there’s plenty to see, smell, hear and taste in the Shire.
Discover our top things to do in Byron Bay in July.
1) North Beach Byron Bay
Nestled between the northern end of Belongil Beach and the Arts and Industrial Estate, North Beach used to be a fairly sleepy neck of the woods. Today, it’s transformed into a community bustling with colour and creativity.
North Beach is a great location to explore truly eclectic collections of local art, purveyors of homegrown wellness and beauty products and chic homewares in the Arts and Industrial Estate.
Another North Beach community that showcases local designers is Habitat. You’ll have the chance to speak with designers before trying on their fashion creations or create a space of Byron style at home by choosing locally-designed homewares.
Inside Shack Palace you’ll find crafted home decor, decor and wellness tools in the form of tea, skin care, candles and crystals and unique artisan jewellery and outerwear. For looks of effortless luxury that take you from the beach to cocktails, visit Lottie Hall. Habitat Collective brings iconic Byron style clothing, elevated beachwear and locally designed homewares and furniture together in a concept store of 100% local independent brands.
With some of our favourite Byron eateries close at hand, it’s easy to fuel up on delicious bites. For home-cooked Spanish styled cuisine in a neighbourhood setting, head to Barrio to feast on share plates of tapas. Or fuel your body with Vagabond’s guilt free vegan deliciousness in an intimate outdoor/indoor setting.
Take a step back in time and marvel at the technology of the future with a trip on the Byron Bay Solar Train. The lovingly restored 1949 train offers a sense of nostalgia, while 6.5 kilowatt solar power panels on its roof charge a big lithium battery for clean, green energy. The project was the culmination of eight years of hard work by a team of train historians and heritage engineers, environmental and clean energy experts and Elements of Byron owners Brian and Peggy Flannery. Today, the Byron Bay Solar Train offers a short 10 minute trip from ‘North Beach Station’, close-by Elements to the ‘Byron Beach’ platform, adjacent to the Shirley Street level crossing, around the corner from Main Beach.
2) The Fairies Have Arrived
Kind, shy and mischievous by nature, a colony of fairies have moved to Elements of Byron with our new Fairy Trail. Only those pure of heart, sharp of wit and keen of eye will be able to spot their tiny fairy houses.
Visit Reception to get your Fairy Trail Map. Together you’ll solve clues that will lead you through the gardens, over the bridges, around the ponds and along the edge of Belongil Beach. Hanging in the trees or snug against a trunk, you’ll find their brightly coloured tiny homes.
You’ll spot wildlife along the way and have time to play on the parkour inspired playground. The Fairy Trail is a perfect school holiday activity. Suitable for all ages and pram friendly.
3) Winter Botanicals at Cape Byron Distillery
Tours available
Did you know gin is made from juniper berries, a super berry high in antioxidants, and it’s a drink that helps you live longer, fight off coughs and has a heap of other health benefits? A fascinating way to learn more about this spirited alcohol is through the Cape Byron Distillery.
The family-owned distillery is a special place, set in the heart of a macadamia farm surrounded by subtropical rainforest in Byron’s verdant hinterland. Book into a Cellar Door Tour to learn about the art of distillation, take a guided tour through the rainforest and uncover which native fruit and botanical flavours make up the award-winning Brookie’s Gin (think delights such as aniseed myrtle and native ginger). Don’t forget to book.
4) See a film Palace Cinema
Throughout July
It’s time to ditch the little screen for the big screen. Head to Palace Byron Bay as a fun (and super cosy) winter outing. The cinema offers something for everyone, with a mix of blockbusters, international and Australian art-house films.
With nine screens, state-of-the-art digital sound and projection technology, a wine and coffee bar, and a central location in Jonson Street, the cinema is an essential winter’s night out.
Grab a delicious pre-show dinner at The Italian Byron Bay, just underneath the cinema, with glamorous gold-velvet booths. The food here is excellent, the service friendly and knowledgeable. Cinema patrons get three hours of free parking in the Mercato Centre parking station.
5) Visit Lennox Head for the Day
There’s plenty to explore in and around Byron Bay. Sneaking into our top 5 things to do in Byron Bay July guide is a captivating day trip to one of our nearby towns. It’s well worth it.
Spend the day in Lennox Head. Enjoy the wild coastline and the tea-stained waters of Lake Ainsworth where you’ll find a tranquil oasis perfect for stand up paddle boarding and wildlife spotting. After you’ve worked up an appetite indulge in a delicious meal. One of our top picks is Shelter.
Its flavour-packed menu revolves around fresh local, seasonal and sustainable produce. Shelter is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For an unforgettable twist on a traditional breakfast, sample the sourdough crumpets or halloumi saganaki. This chilled seaside venue also boasts lovely seafood dishes and a cast of intriguing native bush ingredients. It’s popular, deservedly so, ensure you make a booking!
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.