Byron Bay Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do
The best things to do in Byron Bay — the lighthouse walk to Australia's most easterly point, learning to surf, skydiving over the coast and whale watching. When to go, what it costs and how to plan.
Byron Bay is Australia's laid-back surf and wellness town on the far north coast of NSW. The essentials are the Cape Byron lighthouse walk to the most easterly point of the mainland (great for dolphins and, in season, whales), learning to surf on the mellow beach breaks, skydiving over the coast, and the relaxed cafe and market scene. It's a highlight stop on any East Coast trip.
In This Guide
Dundee Picks in & Around Byron
Three of the trips our team books most for Byron visitors.
Best thrillByron Bay Tandem Skydive 15,000ft (Self-Drive)
A 15,000ft tandem skydive with the beach, the hinterland and the lighthouse laid out beneath you — Byron's signature adrenaline hit.
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Learn to surfByron Bay Surf & Stay (3D/2N)
A 3-day surf and stay with lessons, board, accommodation and the full Byron backpacker vibe.
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SeasonalWhale Watching Tour
Head out from Australia's most easterly point to see humpbacks on their migration (roughly June to November).
View & BookPlan Your Byron Bay Trip
When to go
Byron is good year-round. September to November and March to May bring warm water and fewer crowds. June to November is whale-watching season. Summer (Dec-Jan) is peak — beautiful but very busy, so book ahead.
How long to stay
Give Byron 2-3 days for the lighthouse walk, a surf lesson and a skydive, plus time to soak up the town and its beaches. Many travellers add nights either side as part of a longer East Coast run.
Getting there
Fly into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (about 30 minutes south) or Gold Coast Airport (about 50 minutes north), then transfer in. Many skydive and tour packages include transfers from Byron, the Gold Coast or Brisbane.
Getting around
The town centre and Main Beach are walkable. For the lighthouse, allow time for the loop walk; tour and skydive operators offer pick-ups from town and nearby transfer points.
Where to stay
Backpackers cluster in town near Main Beach; there are boutique stays in the hinterland and along the coast. Stay central to walk to the beach, cafes and the lighthouse trailhead.
What Does a Byron Bay Trip Cost?
Prices vary with season and inclusions, so we show live prices on each tour. As a planning guide:
| Tandem skydive | Live price | 15,000ft over the coast, transfers available |
| Surf lesson / surf & stay | Live price | Beginner-friendly beach breaks |
| Whale watching (Jun-Nov) | Live price | Seasonal — from Byron and Brunswick Heads |
| Cape Byron lighthouse walk | Free | The most easterly point of mainland Australia |
All tours booked through Dundee show live availability and a live price with instant confirmation and no hidden booking fees.
Dundee Local Tip
Do the lighthouse walk at sunrise — you'll have the most easterly point of Australia nearly to yourself, and dolphins are common in the bay below. Book skydives and surf lessons for the morning when the wind is usually lightest. [Dundee team: replace or add your own first-hand tip here.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Byron Bay?
Walk to the Cape Byron lighthouse and the most easterly point of the mainland, learn to surf on the beach breaks, skydive over the coast, watch whales (Jun-Nov) and enjoy the cafe and market scene.
Can you skydive over Byron Bay?
Yes — tandem skydives from up to 15,000ft land near the beach, with epic views over the bay, the hinterland and the lighthouse. Transfers from Byron, the Gold Coast and Brisbane are available.
When can you see whales in Byron Bay?
Roughly June to November, as humpback whales migrate past Cape Byron. Whale-watching cruises run from Byron and nearby Brunswick Heads in season.
How do you get to Byron Bay?
Fly into Ballina (about 30 minutes south) or Gold Coast Airport (about 50 minutes north), then transfer. Many tours and skydives include pick-ups from Byron, the Gold Coast or Brisbane.
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