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Picture of Byron Bay NSW, Australia

Travel Guide for
Byron Bay

Australia

Subtropical, warm summers, mild winters

Introduction

Byron Bay, located at Australia’s easternmost point in New South Wales, is famed for its stunning beaches, lush hinterland, and laid-back vibe. Historically a whaling station, it’s evolved into a chic destination blending surf culture, luxury retreats, and vibrant arts.

Visiting in late January, you’ll enjoy warm weather—think sunny days around 28°C, perfect for swimming, private surf lessons, and sunset yacht cruises with friends. The town’s thriving food scene, boutique shopping, and exclusive spas make it ideal for a luxury friend getaway. Byron’s rich Indigenous heritage and creative spirit ensure your stay is both enriching and unforgettable.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates23-30 January 2026

BudgetLuxury budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house, villa

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomysightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Byron Bay NSW, Australia

Key Facts

Location

Northern Rivers, NSW

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Religion

Christianity (dominant), secular

Population

9,600

Language

English (primary), some other languages

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type I plug

Time zone

UTCAEST (UTC+10)

Country code

+61

Internet access

Widespread, fast broadband and mobile

Climate

Subtropical, warm summers, mild winters

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Map

Logistics

Byron Bay is easily accessed by flying into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, just 35 minutes away, or Gold Coast Airport, about 50 minutes by car. From either airport, private luxury transfers or limousines can whisk your group directly to your accommodation in style. Charter flights in private aircraft are also available for those seeking the utmost convenience.

There are also luxury coach services and private hire vehicles from Brisbane or Sydney for a more scenic approach, though these take several hours. The region is known for summer rains but major weather disruptions are rare in late January; however, check for potential delays during cyclone season. Advance bookings are recommended for a seamless luxury experience.

Weather

Byron Bay has a subtropical climate, offering warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The weather is generally pleasant year-round, making it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor adventures, and exploring its vibrant arts and culture scene. Occasional rainfall is common in summer, but it rarely disrupts most activities.

From January 23 to January 30, Byron Bay experiences typical mid-summer weather. Expect warm days averaging 27–30°C (80–86°F), balmy nights, and a mix of sunshine with brief, possible afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Extreme weather events like cyclones are rare but possible in late January; always check local forecasts during your visit.

Food & Drink

Byron Bay’s local cuisine highlights fresh seafood, vibrant produce, and multicultural influences, with popular dishes such as barramundi, prawns, and avocado toast. Signature drinks include organic coffees, locally brewed beers, and craft cocktails. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are widely available, reflecting Byron’s wellness-focused culture.

For a luxury experience with friends, dine at Beach Byron Bay for oceanfront fine dining, Rae’s on Wategos for elegant seafood, and enjoy casual gourmet eats at The Farm. Start your morning at Top Shop café, and sip sunset cocktails at Balcony Bar & Oyster Co. Tipping isn’t obligatory but rounding up or leaving 10% is appreciated. Reservations are recommended, especially in peak season.

A picture of Pavlova

Pavlova

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, topped with whipped cream and...

Vegemite on toast with a flat white cofee

Vegemite on Toast

Vegemite on Toast is a classic Australian breakfast or snack, featuring toasted bread spread with a thin layer...

A picture of Meat Pie

Meat Pie

Meat Pie is a beloved savory pastry filled with minced meat, gravy, and often accompanied by onions, cooked...

A picture of Barramundi

Barramundi

Barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, is a delicious and versatile fish often grilled, barbecued, or pan-seared...

A picture of Lamington

Lamington

Lamington is a traditional Australian dessert made from squares of sponge cake coated in a layer of chocolate...

Accommodation

For a luxury stay with friends in Byron Bay, consider top hotels like Elements of Byron, an upscale beachfront resort, or Crystalbrook Byron, set in lush rainforest. For stylish apartment or villa options, Byron Luxury Beach Houses and East on Byron offer spacious, modern homes perfect for groups—ideal for socializing and relaxation.

Popular neighborhoods include Belongil Beach for a tranquil yet central vibe and Wategos for exclusive oceanfront villas. Use booking sites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Luxury Escapes to browse exclusive properties. January is peak summer season, so secure your accommodations early, especially for dates like January 23–30 when demand is exceptionally high.

Itinerary

Ease into the laid-back Byron lifestyle with upscale comforts, exploring the town’s vibrant energy and scenic coastline as you begin your luxurious friends’ escape.

Scenic Stroll Along Main Beach & The Foreshore

Ease into Byron’s laid-back atmosphere with a stylish walk along Main Beach. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze, lively people-watching, and ocean vistas. Spot surfers in action and take luxury selfies at the famous Byron Bay sign.

Boutique Shopping & Local Art Galleries

Discover Byron’s creative flair by browsing upscale boutiques and contemporary art galleries around Jonson Street. Look for chic resort wear and unique art pieces—perfect souvenirs for a stylish friends’ escape.

Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Paddle with dolphins and go kayaking with the experts on a Byron Bay sea kayak tour. See bottlenose dolphins and look out for whales and turtles as you paddle through Cape Byron Marine Park. Learn about the local environment from local sea and surf experts, and enjoy all-you-can-eat Tim Tam chocolate biscuits on the beach. All safety gear is included, and your kayaking with dolphins tour suits beginner and expert kayakers alike.

4.3 (356 reviews)

From $60 USD

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Attractions

4.3 (356 reviews)
Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

Kayaking with Dolphins in Byron Bay Guided Tour

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Paddle with dolphins and go kayaking with the experts on a Byron Bay sea kayak tour. See bottlenose dolphins and look out for whales and turtles as you paddle through Cape Byron Marine Park. Learn about the local environment from local sea and surf experts, and enjoy all-you-can-eat Tim Tam chocolate biscuits on the beach. All safety gear is included, and your kayaking with dolphins tour suits beginner and expert kayakers alike.

From $60 USD

View Details
4.7 (224 reviews)
The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

The Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Imagine yourself kayaking in the crystal blue waters surrounding the Most Easterly Point of Australia spotting dolphins, humpback whales (from May to Oct) and turtles. This kayak trip is suitable for most levels of fitness, is easy and it lots of fun! We embark on our ocean sea kayak tour from Clarke's Beach in Byron Bay paddling across the Bay towards Cape Byron. At Wategos Beach , situated just under the historic Cape Byron Lighthouse there is a residential pod of Pacific Bottle-nose Dolphins. We enter their habitat and usually have the privilege of seeing these beautiful marine mammals free from captivity in their own environment. Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay is owned and operated by long term local surf lifesaver and World Title Surf Ski Medallist Kurt Tutt. Our staff are all trained Surf Lifesavers and will take the best of care of you.

From $60 USD

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4.9 (74 reviews)
Byron Bay Wildlife Safari

Byron Bay Wildlife Safari

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Our Wildlife Safari takes you to three different habitats near Byron Bay. You’ll visit eucalyptus forest, rainforest and grassland to discover the animals that live there. We guarantee you’ll see a koala or two, a mob of kangaroo, and many species of bird. If conditions are right you may also see pademelon, echidna, tawny frogmouth and water dragons. Along the way you will be amazed at the abundant birdlife. On this tour we travel to where the animals live so it involves a bit of driving. We start with a 45-minute drive to our first stop and end the day with a 1-hour drive back to Byron Bay. In between there are short drives and walks. What's included: Return transport Environmental scientist as a guide Use of binoculars Access to photographs Picnic lunch Water refills What to bring: Water bottle Jacket (depending on weather) Covered Shoes Please wear dark clothes if possible

From $126 USD

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4.8 (139 reviews)
Half Day Guided Surf Lesson in Byron Bay

Half Day Guided Surf Lesson in Byron Bay

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Group lessons with Soul Surf School are a great way to experience surfing some of our world famous breaks in a group setting. We have a number of beaches to chose from in the Byron/Lennox/Ballina area, and our team are dedicated to finding the best, fun and safest waves every day. We run the lowest ratio of instructors to surfers in the area, at 1:7 for adults and from 1:4 for little ones. This ensures that all our surfers receive plenty of attention, individual feedback and all the groms are safe in the water. We have a great range of equipment, with over 80 fun safe soft surfboards and intermediate to advanced boards that will help you to learn faster and catch lots of waves. Minimum age 13yo.

From $57 USD

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5.0 (66 reviews)
Style Surfing Byron Bay

Style Surfing Byron Bay

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Gaz at Style Surfing Byron Bay operates Byron Bays' Original Surf School since 1999 which is a Family owned Surf School. I have been Surfing here in Byron Bay since the 1970s, I have been teaching surfing skills in Byron Bay since the 1980s, I have owned & operated Style Surfing Byron Bay since 1999. Style Surfing Byron Bay will always operate at Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay. Style Surfing Byron Bay is 1 of only 4 surf schools that can offer group lessons in the waves of Byron Bay. Look before you Book. It's Always Happy Days Surfing with Gaz @ StyleSurfingByronBay

From $64 USD

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5.0 (24 reviews)
 Byron Bay: Tandem Skydive Experience

Byron Bay: Tandem Skydive Experience

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Soar above Byron Bay on an exciting tandem sky dive! Enjoy a scenic flight over the beaches of Byron Bay, then experience the thrill of a 60-second free fall from a height of 15,000 feet (4,572 meters), followed by a spectacular five-minute descent by parachute. A highly trained, professional instructor will accompany you on your tandem sky dive.

From $280 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Byron Bay Dolphin Tour - Ocean Safari

Byron Bay Dolphin Tour - Ocean Safari

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Venture into Byron Bay’s Marine Park to encounter species such as dolphins, turtles and birdlife. Our friendly Marine Biologist will provide an interpretive talk of the encounters we experience and identify local points of interest. Our cruises explore the breathtaking coastline between Byron Bay & Ballina. Discover secluded beaches, rocky cliffs, world-famous surf breaks and Cape Byron Marine Park as you navigate Australia’s most Easterly point. Imagine viewing Cape Byron Lighthouse from a whole new perspective! • Regular departures • Locally made snacks, drinking water & weather jackets provided. • The vessel departs from Ballina at Lance Ferris Wharf • Due to the nature of our tours, we may have to cancel due to unpleasant or unsafe ocean and bar conditions. A selection of alternative arrangements are available.

From $64 USD

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