The Australian Bucket List

New South Wales

Byron BayAn iconic and chilled beach resort in Northern NSW, Byron is known globally as a mecca for the ‘good life’ with people flocking to its beautiful beaches, top-notch cafes and cool outdoor lifestyle for decades.

Stay at one of the many beautiful accommodation retreats, indulge in a luxury spa treatment or visit one of the many therapeutic healing centres in Byron. Enjoy the rich variety of adventure sports, boutique shopping, fine dining and live entertainment. The popular art and craft market is held the first Sunday of every month. The Cape Byron Lighthouse dominates Australia's most easterly point and is a popular place to visit for its spectacular views. Surrounding towns include Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby (the biggest little town in NSW) and Bangalow (for antiques and crafts). Byron Bay is a short drive to Ballina, Lennox Head and the Tweed area.

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Things to do

Surf at Wategos Beach

Located just north-west of Cape Byron and the lighthouse, Wategos Beach is one of Byron’s best places to picnic, paddle and play. You’ll adore the peaceful beauty of this sheltered beach on the northern side of Cape Byron. Protected by the headland from the wilder waters beyond, it’s a fabulous spot to picnic and play. The local bottlenose dolphins use it for recreation as well, showing off their silky surfing skills on the incoming waves. You can cook up your lunch on one of the free beachside barbecues and enjoy your picnic on the beach or at one of the picnic tables. After you’ve cooled off and refuelled you’ll be ready to tackle the steep steps at the beach’s end up to Cape Byron and the lighthouse.

Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse

Spectacular sea cliffs and beaches, rare and beautiful coastal vegetation, and a high quality walking track system that offers spectacular views of both the surrounding Cape Byron Marine Park and the hinterland The Cape Byron Headland Reserve is a State Conservation Area managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. It comprises spectacular sea cliffs, rare and beautiful coastal vegetation, spectacular beaches and a high quality walking track system that offers spectacular views of both the surrounding Cape Byron Marine Park and the hinterland to the west. Situated on the most easterly point of mainland Australia, the reserve is a popular tourist destination. The Cape Byron Lighthouse and lighthouse keepers cottages, built in 1901, are an outstanding feature of the reserve. All the buildings are listed on the National Estate Register, and offer visitors an insight into what life was like in the days of the lighthouse keepers. Aboriginal culture is alive and well at Cape Byron. The Cape is very special to the Bundjalung of Byron Bay (Arakwal) Aboriginal people.

Cape Byron walking track

You’ll need a good two hours to properly experience the Cape Byron walking track – but it’s so rich in delights, so don’t be surprised if you reach the end and feel like doing it all again. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to spend a couple of hours on the state’s entire coast. The 3.7-kilometre loop leads you on a hike through the rainforest and across clifftops with stunning views of the ocean and hinterland. En route, you’ll wander through the shade of Bangalow palms and ancient burrawangs, across kangaroo grasslands, along picturesque beaches and up to Cape Byron Lighthouse. Remember to keep an eye out on the water for turtles, dolphins, stingrays and, in season, whales. If you’d prefer an easier walk, the track can be accessed at numerous points and walked in shorter sections.

The Farm Byron Bay

A destination, a working farm, eatery, seasonal produce market and much more The Farm is principally a working farm which houses a collection of micro-businesses all sharing in a common goal. You are invited to come and see for yourself how a farm operates, supports the environment and contributes to a healthier lifestyle. ‘Grow, Feed, Educate’ is the motto and inspiration for the farm and the community at large. It is the first-hand experience of seeing how food is grown and produced that makes eating it so much more pleasurable. From this simple pleasure sprouts a curiosity and desire to learn more. Enjoy your visit to The Farm and leave feeling inspired to make even the smallest change towards a healthier, more harmonious existence with their land, their animals and their communities. The Farm offers visitors an opportunity to meet our farmers and take an educational behind the scenes farm tour. Experience a guided walk around the grounds of The Farm and gain first-hand knowledge of their sustainable and ethical farming practices. They welcome large or school groups who are interested in agriculture, farming and livestock. Their farmers will designate a time to take groups around and show you what they are achieving here at The Farm.

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