Population
Byron Bay has a population of around 9,000, and the Byron Shire is home to almost 30,000 residents.
Indigenous culture
The Bundjalung of Byron Bay, Arakwal Bumberlin people, have lived in and around Byron Bay for over 22,000 years. They are recognised as the Aboriginal Traditional Custodians of the region extending from Seven Mile Beach in the south to the Brunswick River in the north.
Weather
Byron Bay offers a year-round warm climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain |
January | 28 | 21 | 9 days |
February | 28 | 21 | 11 days |
March | 27 | 20 | 11 days |
April | 24 | 18 | 11 days |
May | 21 | 15 | 9 days |
June | 19 | 13 | 11 days |
July | 19 | 12 | 7 days |
August | 20 | 13 | 5 days |
September | 22 | 15 | 5 days |
October | 24 | 17 | 9 days |
November | 25 | 19 | 8 days |
December | 27 | 20 | 10 days |
Getting to Byron Bay
More than two million Australian and international visitors flock to Byron Bay each year. Serviced by three airports, roads, and bus networks, the region is easily accessible to travellers from near and far.
Getting to Byron Bay by air
Visitors from Sydney, Melbourne, other Australian cities and regions, and international destinations can travel to Byron Bay via one of three nearby airports:
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK): Located in Ballina, NSW, this regional airport is a 30-minute drive from Byron Bay. Transportation to the Byron CBD includes transfer shuttles and car rentals.
Gold Coast Airport (OOL): Located in Coolangatta, QLD, this international airport is a 45-minute drive to Byron Bay. Transportation to the Byron CBD includes several transfer shuttle and car rentals.
Brisbane Airport (BNE): Located in Brisbane, QLD, this major international airport is a 2-hour drive to Byron Bay. Transportation to the Byron CBD includes several direct shuttle services and car rentals.
Getting to Byron Bay by road
Byron Bay is located on the north-east coast of New South Wales and is accessible by road from several Australian cities and regions:
Drive 35 km from Ballina to Byron Bay: 30 minutes
Drive 90 km from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay: 1 hour 20 minutes
Drive 165 km from Brisbane to Byron Bay: 2 hours
Drive 270 km from the Sunshine Coast to Byron Bay: 3 hours 15 minutes
Drive 615 km from Newcastle to Byron Bay: 6 hours 15 minutes
Drive 765 km from Sydney to Byron Bay: 7 hours 45 minutes
Staying in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is home to accommodation that caters to all briefs, group sizes, and budgets. Discover world-class luxury resorts, secluded hinterland getaways, economical apartments, and more:
Hotels and resorts: from boutique five-star luxury to budget-friendly solutions
Self-contained holiday apartments and houses: from beachfront retreats to convenient apartments in the centre of Byron’s township
Guesthouses, villas, and retreats: from quaint B&Bs to purpose-built retreat guesthouses dotted among Byron’s hinterland
Motels: from the comfortable to the budget-conscious
Beaches
Byron Bay is renowned for its beaches, which are, according to visitors and locals, some of the most spectacular in the world. Some of Byron’s beaches are patrolled, and many are suitable for swimming, surfing, and other water activities.
Here are some of the most visited beaches in Byron Bay:
Main Beach: situated directly in front of the township, Main Beach is iconic Byron Bay. Framed by views of the Cape Byron Lighthouse, this popular spot is patrolled during the summer months.
Belongil Beach and the Wreck: north of Main Beach is Belongil Beach, home to the wreck of SS Wollongbar.
The Pass: home to Fisherman’s Lookout, the Pass is an idyllic beach and the most popular surf break on the north coast.
Wategos: a small, sheltered, north-facing beach, Wategos is a picturesque getaway with free electric barbeques and picnic tables.
Byron Bay’s landmarks
The Cape Byron Lighthouse is Byron Bay’s most iconic landmark. Operational since 1901, the lighthouse stands near the most easterly point of mainland Australia, making it a popular spot for those wanting to watch the sunrise.
The Cape Byron walking track and surrounding lookouts provide panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean. Between May and November, the area is an ideal vantage point to watch whales pass by on their annual migration.
Fisherman’s Lookout at the Pass is another local landmark. The wooden structure stands above the beach’s crystal-clear waters and is extremely popular among Instagrammers.
Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve is one of Byron’s natural landmarks. Situated 2.5 km off the coast of Byron Bay, the reserve comprises of two small islands.
Towns and villages
The Byron Shire is home to many character-filled towns and villages, each offering unique shopping, eating, and exploration opportunities. These include Bangalow, Brunswick Heads, Nimbin, and Mullumbimby.
Visitors to the Byron Shire Hinterland can experience pristine rainforests, roaring waterfalls, rolling green countryside, and breathtaking views that stretch to the coast.
Byron Bay COVID-19 information
For the latest COVID-19 information regarding restrictions and travel to and from Byron Bay, visit the NSW Government website.
Comment (0)