Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Byron Bay?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 relaxed 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 one or two weeks 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 one week enough time in Byron Bay?
One week provides ample opportunity in Byron Bay to enjoy the beaches, the cuisine, the nightlife, and the beautiful scenery. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing into nearby destinations where you'll discover exciting day trip options. We have some suggestions below for your trip. Couples and backpackers enjoy the area for its activities, too.
How to spend a week 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)
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.
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.
After you've explored most of Byron Bay, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
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.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
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.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Byron Bay?
With two weeks you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Byron Bay has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Byron Bay as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the beaches, the cuisine, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
The Pass, Byron Bay, NSW (Tourism Australia)
How to spend 2 weeks in Byron Bay
With 2 weeks in Byron Bay, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay ($46)
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.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.