You’ve arrived in Byron surfboard under your arm and towel in hand. While your first inclination might be to hit the beach, you’ll find Byron Bay’s more than just the sun, sand and sea. In fact, away from the beach you’ll find plenty of other activities worth checking out.
For starters why not stretch your legs on the Cape Byron Walking Track? Starting at Watego’s Beach the well-worn track wends its way five kilometres up the headland reserve to the world famous Cape Byron Lighthouse. Alternatively you can go hiking or bush walking in one of the region’s many other parks and reserves such as Nightcap National Park and Broken Head Nature Reserve.
Fitness fanatics can bump along the forest tracks on a mountain bike or saddle up for some horse-riding – you can even get a taste for jumping, dressage or go for a sunset ride along the beach on horseback, now that’s a uniquely Byron experience.
Gym junkies have no fear – there are plenty of fully equipped gymnasiums for you to choose from and there’s even one open 24 hours! You’ll also find some accommodation provides guests with the use of a gym such as The Byron at Byron Fitness Centre, or the Evolution Concierge team can arrange a personal trainer or private lesson for you anywhere, anytime.
If you like your pace a little more leisurely you can leave the car behind and ride a bike along the beach, taking in the breathtaking scenery along the way and at low tide you can ride all the way north to Brunswick Heads or south to Broken Head.
Why not visit a skate park in Byron or Mullumbimby or take in a few rounds at the 18-hole Byron Bay Golf Club, perfect your serve at the Byron Bay Tennis Courts or join in the fun with barefoot bowls at the Byron Bay or Bangalow Bowling Clubs.
Byron hosts a range of top-notch sporting festivals and events including the Byron Bay Malibu Classic (May), Byron Bay Tri (May), Ocean Swim Classic (May), Byron Bay Ocean Paddle (July) and the inaugural Byron Bay Surf Festival (October).
For culture vultures there’s also much of interest in the Bay. As the creative mecca for artisans, painters, musicians, writers, poets, actors and filmmakers, Byron hosts a range of top-notch festivals and events including the Byron Bay Writers Festival and Bluesfest. You may also like to try your hand at circus acrobatics or become an artist for a day? No matter whether you’re into film, literature, music, art, dance or comedy you’ll find something to please.
Then of course there is our favourite land-lubbing sport – shopping. Thanks to a myriad of innovative local designers and boutiques, Byron’s fashion and design scene is flourishing. For the best buys, take a wander down Jonson, Lawson and Fletcher Streets where you’ll find an eclectic mix of fashions. If it's hidden local designers, unusual handmade items and unconventional treasures you're seeking then head north out of town to Byron Bay's Arts and Industry Park.
For local markets the biggest and most well-known is the Byron Bay Market, held on the first Sunday of every month, while the smaller Artisan Market is held every Saturday night during the Summer from 5pm to 9pm. For the best fresh produce, don’t miss the Byron Farmers’ Market held each Thursday morning on Butler Street Reserve; this is where the locals shop so you know you’re onto a good thing!
After all that shopping, you’re bound to need a little pampering. With numerous day spas, holistic centres, retreats and yoga studios to choose from, you’ll soon be hoping that all journeys end in Byron Bay.