Byron Bay is a coastal oasis that has been calling holidaymakers for decades thanks to its eclectic mix of bohemian vibes, untamed natural beauty, effortless style and diverse culinary culture. It’s a destination where the feeling of escape is around every corner.
Located outside the buzz of Byron village traffic, Elements of Byron is Byron Bay’s only beachfront resort. With a comprehensive collection of facilities, the resort is the perfect base to get out and explore the very best Byron Bay has to offer. This activity guide will keep you entertained.
Water-Based Byron Bay Fun
Whether you’re reconnecting as a couple or searching for things to do with kids Byron Bay, prepare to make a splash with an activity list full of aquatic fun. With 23 beaches in the Byron Bay Shire alone, rivers winding their way inland and a hinterland dotted with waterfalls, there is plenty of water-based fun to be had.
The stunning waters off the coastline of Byron Bay are part of the Cape Byron Marine Park. That means 37 km of coastline and approximately 220km2 of Pacific Ocean is protected, which is no doubt why it’s bursting with colourful reef fish and gentle marine mammals.
Wild Byron is a great place to start your aquatic exploration. Begin with Julian Rocks Byron Bay snorkelling. After a short boat trip, dive into the blue sea and discover the mystery of the Indigenous dreaming story of ‘Nguthungulli’ contrasted against the vibrant stage show of sea life constantly on display. On this Byron Bay snorkelling tour, you could spot manta rays, leopard sharks, turtles and colourful reef fish, uncovering their secrets thanks to your qualified Marine Biologist guide.
Also with the marine professionals at Out of the Blue Adventures, you’ll find the best whale watching opportunities in this Byron Bay region. Between the months of June and November humpback whales make an epic migration from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Whitsundays to birth their calves, taking the little ones home with them. Along the way they put on a circus-worthy acrobatic display. Find out why this has been voted the region’s number one tour experience.
Go Sea Kayaks offers guided river and Byron Bay sea kayaking tours to some of the region’s most popular natural hotspots. Rated the best eco tour in New South Wales, Go Sea Kayaks’ tour to Julian Rocks will awaken your sense of adventure as you paddle out to sea, look down at the underwater oasis below and then ride the surf breaks back to shore. For a slower paced paddle, glide along the top of the Brunswick River and let your qualified guide share some of the secrets of the local flora, fauna and Indigenous history. You might be lucky enough to meet the resident dolphin pod.
You really can’t holiday in Byron Bay without at least trying your hand at the sea sport that helped make this destination famous – surfing. With more than 20 beaches of varying orientation, there is always a wave to be found. If you’re searching for Byron Bay surfing for beginners contact Let’s Go Surfing. Byron Bay’s longest running surf school, it offers adult, children and family lessons that awaken inner balance and a soul quenching bond with the ocean. Why not book a private session a few days in a row and be amazed at how your inner surfer grows.
Nature and Adventure Activities in Byron Bay
Byron Bay hinterland walks are flush with ancient forests, iconic Australian wildlife and experiences that allow you to engage with them in a way you’ll never forget. Join Earthbound Tours’ passionate local guides as they point out koalas, rare Albert’s lyrebirds and more. Their tours include freshwater swims to the soundtrack of Minyon Falls. If you’d prefer to stay coast side, Earthbound Tours also offers a Coastal Nature Tour that encompasses surf beaches, a natural bee sanctuary and tea tree lake.
There are very few experiences that match the sense of old-world adventure felt when the rhythmic walk of your horse takes you from amongst the trees to the wide open space of Belongil Beach. Zephyr Horses provides guided horse ride tours through the woodlands and across the beach surrounding Elements of Byron resort. It is an unforgettable experience that you’ll be speaking about for years to come.
Put a little power behind your Byron Bay nature exploration thanks to our friends at Better by Bike. Exploring the entire 24km of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (or parts of it if you don’t feel like riding the whole distance) will seem like a breeze thanks to their electronic hire bicycles and you’ll discover forests, abandoned rail tunnels, historic bridges and an ancient volcano along the way. There are many places along the Trail where you can join it with ease.
Take the adrenalin factor up a few notches as you freefall 200km per hour with Skydive Australia. Once the freefall is suspended by your opening chute, you’ll have more time to soak in the stunning Byron coastline, crisp white sands and the turquoise tones that turn into the deep blue Pacific.
If Elements of Byron is your beach resort Byron Bay base, then you’ll find a serene nature experience right on your doorstep. Join our naturalist for a guided rainforest and estuary walk through the four separate ecologies that surround the resort. From rainforests to dunal and wetlands you’ll see the landscape change and introduce new collections of native bush food, animals and plants.
Byron Bay Family Activities
With such a unique collection of natural and activity based experiences, Byron Bay is a great holiday destination for families with children of all ages.
Discover a furry Australian icon in its natural habitat with a half day Koala Tour. Guides will take you on a walk into local koala habitats, discussing interesting aspects about the unique creatures and watching them participate in their daily habits. End the tour with Byron Bay cookies and tea.
Add a sense of magic with a half day trip to Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, the home of the biggest and most beautiful crystals in the world. Start with a walk through the rainforest, discover the Dragon Egg and sit in an ancient amethyst cave, relax your senses with a sound bath experience or have your aura imaging done and see your energy in art form.
Byron Bay is also home to a collection of mountain bike circuits for those who prefer dirt to bikeways. Hit 9km of cross-country bike trails for a mixture of technical and freestyle mountain bike riding at Duck Creek Mountain Bike Park.
Wellness at its Heart
Byron Bay is arguably one of Australia’s wellness capitals with countless day spas, yoga and pilates studios and innovative wellbeing experiences. Elements of Byron has wellbeing at its very core. Searching for best yoga Byron Bay? The First Light Club is Elements of Byron’s own daily yoga practice at the Heart of the Bay. On the very edge of Belongil Beach the Heart of the Bay provides an elevated wooden platform for stability and an incredible beachfront view.
Discover a sanctuary of natural colour palettes, serene lounging spaces and modern treatment rooms in Elements of Byron’s Osprey Spa. Beauty, body and massage treatments create ‘me time’ with wellbeing benefits or offer complete indulgence with multi-faceted wellbeing treatment packages.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.