Winter is a time when Byron Bay’s secrets are out on show ready to be discovered. In hotter months, we can be forgiven for spending all our time on its countless beaches. But you’re about to find out why Byron Bay is a true winter destination.
Without the summertime crowds you’ll find a destination of pleasant temperatures and relaxed vibes, warming winter dishes by cosy fires and the perfect weather to explore longer walks and winter wildlife.
You’ll still find plenty of people swimming and surfing this time of year, but just a little further out to sea you’ll spot an unforgettable stage show of dolphins and whales playing.
It’s also a wonderful time of year to explore the region’s unsurpassed culinary flavours. Savour the region’s sumptuous produce and premium hand-made food, along with delicious cocktails, beer and wine. Any over-indulgence can be sweated off during an energetic fitness session at one of Byron’s many health and wellness centres.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 things to do in Byron Bay for June.
1) Wine Bar Wonders
The recipe for a wine bar calls for an impeccable wine menu, delicious bites and an atmosphere that is as tangible as if you were meeting a living and breathing person.
Azure Bar and Grill is your holiday local. Right on resort, you’ll find The Lobby Bar to be a talented purveyor of creative cocktails and an award winning wine list. Sip a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar or step outside and clink wine glasses around the fire pit.
Bar Heather is a space of warm wood tones, metallic brass, soft lighting and wall upon wall of wine. Indulge in oysters with cucumber mignonette, pork rillettes or roasted quail with a perfectly matched drop from the ever-evolving wine menu.
Moonlight is a delightful chasm of dramatic black and white decor, wines cultivated in harmony with the lunar cycle and classical Japanese cuisine from the hibachi grill. The entire experience is modern and decadent.
You Beauty is a corner bar and dining room that will make you feel like you’ve found one of those bars in Melbourne that only the locals know about. This Bangalow dining room offers elevated bar food with an ever evolving list of wines, beers and cocktails.
Keep your taste buds satisfied with more local tips on Byron’s best restaurants and bars.
2) Microbreweries and Distilleries
Perhaps it is being so close to the ocean that has spawned a robust culture of born and raised beers and distilleries of artistry? Whatever the reason, you’ll find delicious ways to spend a day exploring.
Stone and Wood – The Stone and Wood Byron Bay Brewery is the heart of soul of this beloved local beer. Drop into the tasting room to taste the all-year range or one of the exclusive limited edition brews with a side of lunch! Or join the tour in an in-depth beer experience.
Cape Byron Distillery – Within the rainforest, there is an expansive family farm and a welcoming cellar door, only 10 minutes from the resort. Join the gin tasting tour to hear the stories of the Big Scrub, explore the native botanicals that go into their award-winning spirits.
Lord Byron Distillery – Choose any three products from the Lord Byron Distillery cellar door range and design your very own gin tasting flight. Then tour the facilities and get to the good stuff…the tasting!
All that’s left to say is, ‘Cheers!’
3) Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Get up close and personal with the beauty of Australian native wildlife at the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Once known as Macadamia Castle, the sanctuary is an experiential refuge that specialises in educating, protecting and rehabilitating native animals.
The Sanctuary offers enclosures informative displays, enclosures and experiences that allow you to learn about the distinct features and lifestyles of different animals in unforgettable experiences.
Wander through the kangaroo enclosure, patting their soft fur. Or book an interactive experience and find yourself feeding a sugar glider, holding a snake or learning the correct way to hold Socrates, the majestic barn owl.
Refuel with food and drinks at the sanctuary cafe. Owned and operated by Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, the sanctuary reinvests every dollar you’ve spent into rehabilitation and protection.
4) Go on a Whale Watching Cruise
Still on the theme of fascinating animal experiences, Out Of The Blue Adventures runs a unique whale watching cruise from June to October.
The whale cruise is offered from the comfort of a purpose-built eco vessel with a 360-degree viewing experience and has a qualified, highly experienced marine-biologist tour guide. Key to the popularity of the cruise is the ability to witness these magnificent giant creatures intimately in their environment during their annual migration.
5) Workout this winter
As residents in the southern parts of Australia pull out their winter knits and start hibernating, visitors to Byron can continue to enjoy an active pace, indoors and out. Keeping up with fitness training is one of the top things to do in Byron Bay in June, especially when surrounded by stunning coastlines or forest.
In recent years, the region has exploded with health and wellness venues such as boutique barre and pilates studio Bende and The Academy, which is devoted to a range of martial arts.
Don’t leave Byron without completing the compelling Cape Byron Walking Trail up to the lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point. One of Byron’s key attractions, it’s free and you can meander or hike at your own pace.
A good starting point is from Main Beach in central Byron. Follow the path heading east. You’ll get great beach views once you hit Lighthouse Road. Take a different route back by meandering along the Tallow Ridge Track forest trail. Then top off the experience with a well-earned coffee or meal at Beach Byron Bay, or one of our other great eateries.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.