Byron Bay
- Alice Hautvast
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
Updated: May 22
Ah, Byron Bay. It has a truly precious place in my heart. I intended to stay for a week, and ended up staying for almost five months… and you’ll hear many backpackers say the same thing. There is a certain energy in Byron that I simply have not found anywhere else; this laid-back, 'all is well' community charm that simply reverberates throughout the town. Their slogan 'Cheer up, Slow down, Chill out' says it all, this is certainly a place to put your bag down for a little while and remember to enjoy life's simple pleasures.
Where to stay?
I can't recommend you any place other than the Nomads Arts Factory. I could write pages but I'll try to keep it short... living here was one of the most magical experiences of my life. The campsite, dubbed 'The Jungle' has a warm community of kindness that will certainly have an impact on you. Camping is $25 a night, and it's often easy to find someone around who is selling their tent. Share a tent and it's $20 each! Funnily enough, this is how I met my best friend...
Arts Factory has lots going on, with weekly activities, yoga classes, and the revered Monday night Talent Show. There's often volleyball being played with competitions held now and again, as well as the occasional festival held on the grounds. If you're feeling a little lost, maybe you're solo travelling, maybe you're trying to find something but you're not sure what: I suggest you stay at the Arts and be open to what it may show you.
What to do?
Head to the beach! Byron boasts a vast number of beaches, each more beautiful than the next. Surfer's will love to catch a wave at Wategos or Tallows beach, Tallows often being quieter. I loved to climb along the rocks to The Wreck, which had lots of nice shaded spots and a great view of the shipwreck on days with low tide. White's Beach is a bit of a drive but has a beautiful walk down through the bush - but remember it's a tidal beach, so time your visit so you're not left without some sand!
Go chasing waterfalls! It's easy to rent a car or even hitchhike around the area, and there's tons of beautiful waterfalls to explore! Check out Whian Whian Falls, not too far from the idyllic town of Nimbin, and Killen Falls has a gorgeous alcove, but make sure to catch it in the sun. Tosha Falls is a lovely hideaway and easy to access, plus you can jump off the waterfall!
Hike up to the Byron Lighthouse. This was one of the most incredible sunrises I have ever seen. If you walk all the way across Main Beach, then to the end of the Pass, and head up from there, it's a lovely walk even at night. And seeing nothing before you but sea, sky, and sun... it was a truly magical moment.
Find some trinkets in town. Byron has such a great selection of cute hippie shops, with gorgeous jewelry, clothes and fun little accessories. Things like tarot cards and crystals are abound too. There's usually a market on Saturday which has some beautiful items, and its right by the main beach, so a dip in the water afterwards is always welcome!
Check out nearby towns! Whether you rent a car, tag along with a friend, or simply hitchhike, there's a lot to see in the area too. Mullumbimby is lovely, in a way I found it really takes you back in time. There's a local theatre which puts on some great shows there! Brunswick Heads is great too - make sure you head there on a Sunday so you can catch the weekly drum circle. Nimbin is well-known by backpackers, but I have to say... there was an eerie and empty energy there each time I visited. The shops are lovely and the people are generally friendly, and I would certainly recommend to check it out, just go in open and without expectations.
Attend a doof. A 'doof' is essentially an Australian rave in the bush, and you can find both legal and illegal versions of this all across the coast in Australia. The Byron area has some great ones, and often about 80% of the Arts Factory will attend, meaning you'll easily find people to go with and see some familiar faces out there. Prepare for an evening of ecstatic dancing, catchy beats, fire shows, fun and frenzy!
Ultimately... Cheer up, Slow down, Chill out! Byron has an incredibly relaxed atmosphere, with many passerby's simply wandering the streets without any shoes, seemingly in no rush. Get a little lost in the Byron life and reconnect with yourself. It was without a doubt my favourite place to have lived, and if there's anywhere I can recommend you to go, it's here.
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