Fun things to do in Byron Bay with family
Visiting Byron Bay during your next family holiday? There are so many things to do in Byron Bay with family! Explore stunning beaches with crystal clear water, enjoy beautiful scenic spots, explore nature and wildlife, visit famous Byron Bay attractions such as whale watching, scuba diving and snorkelling and take part in fun Byron Bay activities for families.
Byron Bay is a coastal town in New South Wales, Australia and a favourite holiday destination for many Australian families during school holidays. Located 772 km north of Sydney and 165 km south of Brisbane, Byron Bay is the easternmost point of mainland Australia with a subtropical climate - warm summers and mild winters.
Here, you'll find what to do in and near Byron Bay for families all year round so you can start planning your next trip to Byron Bay.
Some of the fun things to do in Byron Bay for families:
Enjoy the Byron Bay Lighthouse walk
Relax at Clarkes Beach
Bring your dog and family down to Tallow Beach
Take a day trip to Nightcap National Park
Discover Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens in Byron Bay Hinterland
Enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing in Byron Bay
Join whale watching in Byron Bay
Explore beautiful Brunswick Heads
Spend a day at Lake Ainsworth
Enjoy the Byron Bay Lighthouse walk
Byron Bay Lighthouse address: Cape Byron Walking Track, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Byron Bay Lighthouse opening hours: 8 am to sunset, daily
Download the Byron Bay Lighthouse walk map here
Maritime Museum opening hours: 10 am - 4 pm daily
Cape Byron Lighthouse entry fee: $8/vehicle/hour; $4/hour/motorcycles. Max 1 hour/vehicle/day
Byron Bay Lighthouse walk dogs are not allowed, except for assistance dogs.
Visit the Byron Bay Lighthouse with your family next school holidays. It's a very popular place so it can be difficult to find a car park near the Lighthouse, so you may drop off your family at the top and then drive down to The Pass Cafe on Brooke Drive and park your car there. Then, you can take a 1.5 km walk to Byron Bay Lighthouse via the Cape Byron Walking Track.
The Byron Bay Lighthouse trail is a must-do for any nature lover visiting Byron Bay and Cape Byron Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Byron Bay is positioned at the edge of Cape Byron near Tallow Beach.
This 3.7 km loop track takes you from Clarkes Beach (on the eastern end of Byronβs Main Beach) up to the iconic lighthouse in Byron Bay and the most eastern point of mainland Australia, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape along the way. The Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk is about 2 hours.
If you prefer to stay on the coastal side, go in the reverse direction and enjoy the stunning views and beautiful beaches! Regardless of the very steep steps, soak up the fresh ocean breeze and take in everything the Byron Bay Lighthouse hike has to offer! You will be rewarded with an absolutely amazing view and can meet local wildlife, such as cute wallabies.
The Cape Byron Lighthouse is one of the best Byron Bay attractions to see the most beautiful sunrise and sunset. You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the coast, Byron Beach, Tallows Beach and the cliffs from the Byron lighthouse.Β
Don't forget your camera, as Cape Byron offers stunning scenery and beaches with crystal clear water, and it's the best place to take your family to spot dolphins and whale watching. Highly recommended!
Byron Bay Lighthouse parking options:
199 Lighthouse Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Brooke Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481
16 Palm Valley Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Relax at Clarkes Beach
Clarks Beach dogs: dogs are not allowed
Looking for a beautiful and serene beach to relax at while visiting Byron Bay? Look no further than Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay! With its stunning turquoise waters and gentle waves, this is the perfect spot to spend a day swimming, sunbathing, walking, and simply taking in the natural beauty of Byron Bay with your family.
Clarkes Beach is one of the best beaches for families, with an inlet part for small kids separated from the ocean.
There is paid parking available nearby, as well as showers, public toilets and a cafe, so you can easily spend a whole day at the beach. And be sure to keep an eye out for turtles and dolphins - you might just be lucky enough to spot one from Fisherman's Lookout!
Clarkes Beach parking
Parking: near The Pass Cafe at 1 Brooke Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Parking (metered): near The Pass Cafe, 1 Brooke Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Bring your dog and family down to Tallow Beach
Tallow Beach dogs: dogs are allowed
Looking for a beautiful and secluded beach to relax on with your family? Look no further than Tallow Beach, Byron Bay.Β
Tallow Beach, Australia, is a hidden gem near Byron Bay for those who love walks and exploring the great outdoors. Tallows Beach starts just south of Cape Byron Headlands, stretches from Cosy Corner to Broken Head and is less crowded than Byron Beach and Main Beach.
There are some great walking tracks near Tallow Beach: the Cosy Corner Trail, Three Sisters Walking Track (Broken Head), Cape Byron Walking Track and Suffolk Park Bike Track and Kings Beach Walking Track, where you can take in stunning views while exercising!
Tallow Beach is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Byron Bay, NSW. This long stretch of clean white sand is set against the backdrop of the Arakwal National ParkΒ and is perfect for long beach walks, walking your dog, spending time with your family, playing with your kids and watching the whales passing by during the season.Β
Tallows Beach car park is just next to the beach, which costs A$4/hour. From the car park, it's an easy walk down, and there are absolutely amazing rock formations to see on your way down as well! Public toilets are also available, but no shops or cafes nearby, so bring your drinks and snacks for a family picnic!
Take your family to Tallows Beach in Byron Bay and choose a beautiful picnic spot for fun family time. The kids will enjoy building sandcastles, splashing in the water and observing local wildlife - wallabies and birds.
Please be careful of currents here, though, as there are no safety margins.
Tallow Beach map directions & car park options
Take a day trip to Nightcap National Park
Nightcap National Park map
If you're looking for an amazing day trip from Byron Bay, visit Nightcap National Park, New South Wales. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is one of the best Byron Bay attractions and a natural beauty that features striking Minyon Falls and an incredible variety of wildlife.
Take your family on an adventure exploring the hikes and walks amongst the towering trees and the beautiful Nightcap National Park waterfalls - Minyon Falls (a 100 m drop), Protesters Falls (an 80 m drop) and Rummery Waterfall! These incredible waterfalls are a must-see for anyone visiting Byron Bay.Β
Getting to Nightcap National Park will take about a 1.5-hour drive from Byron Bay, but the breathtaking views are absolutely worth it.
Don't miss visiting Minyon Falls at Nightcap National Park, the tallest waterfall in the region, a magnificent place and a popular tourist spot with its iconic views of both the falls and the mountains. There are two lookouts from where you can take a closer look at this beautiful waterfall and its surroundings. The main lookout, Minyon Falls Lookout, at the top of the waterfall, offers the best view.
The Minyon Falls Lookout ramp is wide enough for wheelchair access. Public toilets and a picnic area are also available there.
On your day trip, the whole family will enjoy the Nightcap National Park walks! The Minyon Falls walking track to the waterfall base, which is about 4 km and 2-3 hours return, is one of the best Nightcap National Park hikes. It's a relatively challenging walk, but worth it as the scenery is incredible! You can start your walk at Minyon Grass Picnic Area.
Take enough drinking water with you and wear proper hiking shoes.
You can also try an easy hike along the Boggy Creek Track, with amazing cascading falls along the way and plenty of rockpools to take a dip in during summer.Β
Another beautiful walk is the Protesters Falls walking track for about 1.5 km return. This easy walk winds its way through Bangalow Palms to the base of the falls.Β
The Big Scrub Loop walking track in Nightcap National Park is 1.5 km long and starts on Gibbergunyah Range Road, Whian Whian NSW and offers a fantastic opportunity to see a dense NSW rainforest as well as amazing large figs, birdlife and crystal clear creeks.
Being one of the best things to do in Byron Bay, Nightcap National Park is also the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable picnic with your family. With four beautiful picnic areas to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot to relax and take in the incredible scenery.
You can picnic at either:
Minyon Grass Picnic Area (BBQ facilities),
Minyon Falls Picnic Area (BBQs available),
Terania Creek Picnic Area near Protesters Falls and
Mt Nardi Picnic Area (BBQs available).
All of the picnic areas offer picnic tables with shelters and public toilets.
Minyon Falls Lookout
Minyon Falls Lookout address: Minyon Platform Track, Whian Whian NSW 2480
Minyon Grass picnic area
Minyon Grass picnic area address: Minyon Grass Rd, Repentance Creek NSW 2480
Terania Creek picnic area
Terania Creek picnic area address: Terania Creek Rd, The Channon NSW 2480
Discover Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens in Byron Bay Hinterland
Address: 81 Monet Dr, Montecollum, NSW 2482
Opening hours: During NSW school holidays, open daily 10 am - 5 pm. During the NSW school terms, open Friday - Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm. Closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & Good Friday.
Crystal Castle Byron Bay entry fee: Adult A$49, Child (4-14yrs) A$35, Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) A$119
Dogs are not allowed
Take your family on a half-day adventure trip to Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens in Byron Bay. To get there, it'll take about half an hour's drive from the Byron Bay town centre.
Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens is a hidden gem of the Byron Bay Hinterland and one of the best things to do in Byron Bay. This is a magical and peaceful place with giant crystals, sacred statues, 5 hectares of stunning botanical gardens in rainforest settings, unique jewellery at their shop, fresh food, and excellent coffee at the fantastic cafe overlooking the beautiful Byron Bay Hinterland.
The kids will love the playground area near the cafe, exploring all the crystals and walking through the gardens. Everything is a photo opportunity here. The whole family will be amazed by the tallest Geode Pair, the world's largest Amethyst Enchanted Cave and the 8m-high sacred Kalachakra World Peace Stupa, which was blessed by the Dalai Lama.Β
Please note that the paths in gardens are mostly gravel, so they are not wheelchair or pram-friendly.
Crystal Castle near Byron Bay is a stunning place, enjoyable for all ages and perfect for spending a few hours with your family!
Enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing in Byron Bay
Looking for an amazing place to enjoy some of the best kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing in Byron Bay? With its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, Byron Bay offers many water activities for families to enjoy - scuba diving, kayaking, surfing and snorkelling.
For surfing in Byron Bay, check out these popular surfing spots - Main Beach, the Pass, Wategos Beach and Cosy Corner at Tallow Beach. For 12+-year-olds, check out the 2-hour group surf lesson at Byron Bayβs Main Beach. For younger kids under 12, as well as a private surf lesson in Byron Bayβs Main Beach, book a 90-minute private surf lesson.Β
If you're after snorkelling in Byron Bay or scuba diving in Byron Bay, Julian Rocks is the best place for those family activities.Β
Experience snorkelling in Byron Bay with one of the amazing snorkelling Byron Bay Julian Rocks tours! This tour takes you to see some of the most beautiful and colourful marine life that Byron Bay has to offer, including Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, colourful corals and more. You'll be amazed at the variety of life under the water, and the experience is sure to be one you'll never forget.Β
The experienced and friendly team will make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, and they'll also provide all the equipment you need. So come for unforgettable snorkelling at Byron Bay!
While you stay on the beautiful East Coast, come and learn scuba diving in Byron Bay! One of the introductory scuba diving courses in Byron Bay will take you around the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve. It is perfect for adults as well as teens who want to learn all about the sea life in Australia. This scuba diving course is suitable for kids 12 years and older.
If youβre looking for kayaking in Byron Bay, check out this 3-hour Byron Bay kayaking with dolphins tour. You'll get up close with Bottlenose Dolphins, spot Sea Turtles and learn about local and aboriginal history, the Byron lighthouse, dolphins and whales while you paddle in your kayak around the famous Byron Bay Marine Reserve. This is also a great opportunity to see the most Easterly Point of the Australian mainland and some of Australia's most beautiful wildlife up close!
Join whale watching in Byron Bay
Looking for an amazing way to spend some quality time with your family? Why not join a whale-watching tour in Byron Bay? Whale watching is one of the best Byron Bay attractions for families.
Taking part in one of these fantastic whale-watching tours in Byron Bay gives you a unique opportunity to see a diverse range of marine life in their natural habitat. As the easternmost point in Australia, the humpback whales pass by close to shore due to their annual migration to their northern breeding grounds on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.
In winter and spring (June-October), you can book a whale-watching tour to see the humpback whales up close.
If you're visiting Byron Bay in the period from May to November, check out this Byron Bay whale-watching Premier Cruise that operates during this time of the year.
During the Byron Bay whale season in winter and spring, you're also likely to see the whales in Byron Bay from the coastal walk - Cape Byron walking track, from the Cape Byron Lighthouse and Tallows Beach.
Explore beautiful Brunswick Heads
There are plenty of free things to do in Byron Bay, and one must-see destination for families and those who appreciate natural beauty and stunning seascapes is Brunswick Heads. This quaint little beach town is located on the North Coast of New South Wales in Byron Shire, just a 20-minute drive from Byron to Brunswick Heads.Β
With two amazing playgrounds at Banner Park and Waterlily Park, fantastic Brunswick Heads Skate Park, stunning Torakina Beach and Brunswick Heads Main Beach and a spectacular Brunswick River NSW, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. So take your family to Brunswick Heads and experience everything that this lovely town has to offer.
Brunswick Heads is the perfect place to bring your family for a scenic walk or picnic during your stay in Byron. The Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve is a beautiful park to explore with your kids or have a picnic. The North Head Walking Track is perfect for walks, connected to the lovely Heaven/Christmas Beach with nice shallows for the younger kids.Β
Terrace Park and Torakina Park are both lovely spots for a picnic and for kids to play. And the Brunswick Valley Heritage Park is another fantastic place for kids to run around and play at an awesome little playground.Β
Mullumbimby Community Garden is also a great place for kids to explore a great variety of plants and flowers and enjoy the outside area! Every Tuesday at 1pm, you can join their community lunch with amazing food and fresh produce picked from the garden.
At Byron Bay Brunswick Heads, you also have a fantastic opportunity to experience the best of nature on a Brunswick River kayak tour. Check out this guided kayaking tour, which will take you to explore the beautiful river near Byron Bay, where you'll marvel at the huge variety of bird life and wildlife. This is a perfect opportunity for some family bonding time - relax on the riverbank, have a riverside picnic, swim and take in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Brunswick Heads map directions:
Spend a day at Lake Ainsworth
Address: Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head NSW 2478
If you're looking for a place to cool off and relax in the Byron Bay area, Lake Ainsworth is the perfect spot! Ainsworth Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located near Byron Bay, just an easy 30-minute drive.Β
This tea-coloured freshwater lake is perfect for swimming, and its calm waters are great for kids due to the plenty of shallows for kids to play in. The lake is very close to Lennox Head Beach, which is adjacent to Seven Mile Beach.
At the lake, there is plenty of parking, kiosks, public toilets, BBQ facilities and picnic spots, as well as tea tree lakes with private swimming areas.
The whole family will enjoy such Lake Ainsworth activities as picnicking, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and more!
