What makes September such a special time to visit Byron Bay?
As the weather warms up—September averages between 22 – 24 degrees Celcius—with sea temperatures rising too, you can leave the wetsuit at home and enjoy what Byron Bay is best known for: pristine beaches, a local food experience, great yoga, and sunset drinks.
Spring officially arrives across the Southern Hemisphere in September, so this month is a great opportunity to revive after winter and prepare your body, mind and soul for a new, and warmer season. Where better to do it than right here in Byron Bay!
Discover our Top 5 Guide of things to do in Byron Bay in September.
1) Daily Yoga in Byron Bay
Available every day
There aren’t many things more invigorating and nourishing than a daily yoga class, and Byron Bay has some of the best yoga studios in Australia.
From hatha yoga to ashtanga and vinyasa, there’s a class and schedule to suit everyone. Start your day with complimentary sunrise yoga at Elements of Byron overlooking Belongil Beach. If you wish to extend your practice beyond the resort’s daily beachfront yoga, take a look at our guide to Yoga in Byron Bay and revitalise your body, mind and spirit in the yoga capital of Australia.
2) Sample Food Festival
Saturday 2 September 2023
Prepare your taste buds for one of the best food festivals of the year. For the ninth year running, Bangalow Showground will be home to the best chefs, farmers and food producers at the Sample Food Festival.
The festival comes to life with live cooking demonstrations on the main stage, more intimate masterclasses from some of the region’s most talented chefs, kids activities and live music.
Roll up your sleeves and turn master chef or simply spend the day sampling small plates with dishes that celebrate the finest local produce through elevated culinary technique.
Why not make it an annual event – held on the first Saturday in September every year the Sample Food Festival is not to be missed!
Why not try… heading out to Harvest in Newrybar before the festival begins and sample the freshest pastries from their 107-year-old wood-fired oven or grab an espresso from the coffee cart to start the day.
3) Take flight with Balloon Aloft
Every day (weather permitting)
While there’s plenty for adventure and adrenalin junkies to do in Byron Bay (surfing, kayaking, skydiving), for a gentler adventure choose a Hot Air Balloon Ride.
With views of Wollumbin (Mt Warning) to the north and an expansive stretch of pristine beaches to the east, taking to the air at sunrise in Byron Bay is nothing short of spectacular.
As the sun lifts over the horizon you might even spot a migrating humpback whale as they take their annual journey back home to Antarctica. Byron Bay in September is one of the best viewing spots for the migration of humpback whales.
With early sunrises throughout September, you can enjoy a hot air balloon experience and still have plenty of your day to enjoy all the gems Byron Bay has to offer.
4) Beach Horse Riding
If you love being in the great outdoors then Byron Bay has it all. With yoga, great food and hot air ballooning ticked off your list, you can feel the wind in your hair with horse riding at Elements of Byron.
September in Byron is traditionally dry and warm making it the perfect time to saddle up and take a leisurely horseback ride on the beach or a trail ride through the forest.
At Zephyr, all levels of experience are catered for and regular tours are capped at eight to 10 people. Custom rides for large groups can be arranged and ride times will vary depending on the weather so be sure to call ahead.
It’s a fantastic experience that’s perfect for a September trip to Byron.
5) Family Fun in Brunswick Heads
Just 15 minutes’ drive from Elements, Brunswick Heads is a family day out that promises good, clean fun, nature-based action and a little magic.
The riverside park
Build sandcastles or hunt for pippies on Torakina Beach, a gentle river beach that’s perfect for little ones, clock some wheel time at the skate park or enrol in the Brunswick Bush School to learn bush survival skills.
Pick up a trail map from the Visitors Centre and try to find Bruswick Heads’ tiniest and most magical inhabitants – the fairies! If you’re keen-of-eye, you’ll spot their colourful doors through town stores, up in the trees and even in a mailbox at the post office!
When grumbling bellies call for a break from the action there are plenty of kid-friendly places to feed the family.
Hotel Brunswick is a great choice with easy kids meals and a play area, or there’s delicious fish and chips from Starfish to take away and picnic in the park or enjoy a great brunch at Footbridge Cafe, which offers a friendly vintage atmosphere opposite the river and park, plus toys for the kids. Finish the day off with handmade gelato or sorbet made with old-school Sicilian techniques at Bernardi’s Artisanal Gelato and Cafe.
Check out these other great places to eat and drink in Byron Bay.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.