Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Byron Bay?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Byron Bay?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Byron Bay, Australia? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Byron Bay during their visit. After all, the carefree town will let you swim at the beach, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, dance the night away, and admire the wonderful scenery.

Byron Bay was once known as a hippie, surfer town, but today it has grown in popularity with the influencer crowd. You'll still find the laid back atmosphere and lively backpacker scene, but there are a growing number of luxury accommodation and restaurant options. The pristine beaches and beautiful coastal walks make this a place you'll never want to leave.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Byron Bay? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Byron Bay?

Three days is usually not enough time to experience the carefree town of Byron Bay, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the beaches, the cuisine, the nightlife, and the beautiful scenery. And you'll want even more time to just relax at the beach, too. So, you'll likely want more than three days, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.

How to spend 3 days in Byron Bay

The beautiful beaches await you in Byron Bay, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Style Surfing Byron Bay ($62)
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay ($46)
  • Small-Group Surfing Lessons in Byron Bay ($55)

You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Cape Byron Distillery: Rainforest & Distillery Tour and Tasting ($30)

Shopping in Byron Bay is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

This town is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

Perhaps the most famous place in Byron Bay is Cape Byron Lighthouse, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

Byron Bay is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's pristine beaches and laid back style make it a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay ($46)
  • Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket ($32)

Is 4 days enough time in Byron Bay?

The town of Byron Bay boasts plenty of sights and attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. So with four days, you'll probably feel rushed to swim at the beach, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, dance the night away, and admire the wonderful scenery. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the carefree town has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 7 days to enjoy the beach and other sights. If you have four days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're here.

The Pass, Byron Bay, NSW (Tourism Australia) The Pass, Byron Bay, NSW (Tourism Australia)

How to spend 4 days in Byron Bay

Having 4 days in Byron Bay will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.

Known for it's hiking, Byron Bay sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Byron Bay Wildlife Safari ($116)

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 5 days enough time in Byron Bay?

Five days is the perfect amount of time in Byron Bay, as many visitors like to spend around three to seven days here. You'll be able to swim at the beach, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, dance the night away, and admire the wonderful scenery. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.

How to spend 5 days in Byron Bay

With 5 days in Byron Bay, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

The small-town atmosphere of Byron Bay is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. It's a small town with more tourists than locals, but the charming atmosphere remains year round.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Byron Bay.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Byron Bay, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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