So you’ve finally arrived in beautiful Byron Bay for your dream beach holiday and it’s raining.
You wonder if perhaps it will pass in a few hours, or by tomorrow. You decide to check the Bureau of Meteorology website and there’s a mighty low pressure system sitting off the coast that is set to pound the Cape until about the day you leave. At first you mope about your accommodation cursing your deity of choice and wondering why she hates you, but then you realise that it’s just water and check your friendly Byron Naturally website for some great wet weather ideas.
Here are ten to get you started:
1. Stay In
Not much imagination needed here! Isn’t that why you got away in the first place? Maybe you could buy yourself a new book (Byron Bay has three fantastic bookshops) and settle in for the day, or catch up on some hard-earned rest.
That said, if you have kids you might want to check out our Kids page for family-friendly wet weather ideas.
2. Eat Out
After your relaxing sleep-in listening to the soothing rain, head out for a lazy brunch or a cruisy lunch. Soak up Byron Bay’s laid-back atmosphere as the lively streets provide hours of relaxed ‘people-watching’ entertainment. Sit back and order a second coffee as you remember who your partner is and why you love spending time with them.
3. Go Shopping
There aren’t many towns in Australia that have retained as much retail diversity as Byron Bay. From world-class art galleries to unique boutiques and eclectic hippy shops, you’ll spend hours winding your way through the streets of Byron Bay discovering its hidden treasures.
Allow a day to explore the Byron Bay Arts and Industry Park, five minutes’ drive from the centre of town. You’ll find fascinating furniture, surfboards, jewellery, clothing, glass sculpture, crystals, an organic baby shop, the Byron Bay Cookie Company Factory Outlet, a fresh coffee roaster and more; there are several cafes here also, so you can take your time and enjoy experience.
4. Nurture Yourself
A yoga session is the perfect way to get your body moving despite the rain, while also treating your mind and spirit. Or for a little more indulgence get yourself a massage, beauty treatment, or haircut. Visit the Crystal Castle for an aura photo or tarot reading, or Madame Butterfly for a mini-makeover. For something altogether different, nurture your creativity at the Byron Bay Art Studio.
5. Check out the Hinterland
What better day to see the rolling green hills? Check out our Hinterland page to find out more about the many little hamlets and villages in the hinterland that give you a taste of the rural life. Go for coffee in Bangalow, drop into the Eltham pub, or take a visit to Nimbin.
6. See Live Music
Check out the local press to see what live music is on around town, or see if there are any other festivals, gatherings or protests you might like to join in.
7. Go Surfing
Bad weather can often mean great waves. If you don’t have your own gear (wetsuits, boards etc) you can hire it in town. And if you can’t surf, now is the perfect time to learn! Byron Bay’s surf schools operate in all weather conditions, provided they deem it safe, and they provide all your equipment. Wet weather means less people on the waves and plenty of room for practice. Swimming in the rain is also a fun option, provided conditions are safe and you aren’t doing it alone.
8. Go Walking
If it’s not too wet, but not quite a beach day, grab a light raincoat and go walking. Many walks are fine to do in damp weather – then if the next day is sunny you can get back to working on your tan. Check out our Walking Trails page for more information. Suitable walks around town include heading up to the lighthouse or just along the beach. And remember, there’s nothing quite like a warm shower back at your hotel after getting drenched through!
9. Go to the Movies
Byron Dendy Cinema (in town) and Pighouse Flicks (in the Byron Bay Brewery and Buddha Bar complex) both offer great film viewing experiences. Pighouse Flicks has unique, custom-made lounge-style seating and shows international, arthouse, and classic and blockbuster films.
10. Join the Circus!
Circus Arts at the Arts and Industry Park is open rain, hail or shine from Monday to Saturday. Test your nerves on the flying trapeze, learn to hula hoop, or wear out the kids with a circus skills class.