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A campervan road trip to Byron Bay allows you to see and do more that takes your fancy, travel at your own pace and wake up in some truly wonderful places. Not to mention you can stay and go as you please. Pick up your Britz campervan rental and let’s explore Byron Bay!
In this guide:
The best places to eat in Byron Bay
Free family activities in Byron Bay
Other must-do activities in Byron Bay
Read on ahead to perfect or start planning a Byron Bay road trip!
What is Byron Bay like?
Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most popular holiday spots and for good reason. The coastal town has it all, from golden sandy beaches to scuba diving sites, rainforests, and incredible places to eat and drink - not to mention it has been referred to as Australia’s home of surfing. Byron Bay is a magnet for backpackers and surfers, as well as beach lovers from all over Australia and beyond. It’s a bustling spot year-round, so planning ahead and booking a few key activities can help you guarantee your ideal trip.
The best time to visit Byron Bay is during off-peak seasons, like autumn and winter (March to August) when the weather is fab, the surf is pumping and the summer crowds have eased off. Between May and October, the weather is also temperate, and you’ll be able to spot humpback whales cruising on their annual migration.
There are so many incredible things to see and do, many of which are free and family-friendly. Due to the vast amount of locations and activities that span Byron Bay, it is the ideal spot to explore with a campervan.
Image Source: NSW Image Gallery
How to get to Byron Bay
Byron Bay is an 8-hour and 10-minute drive north from Sydney with several iconic stops on the way, such as Terrigal and its surf spots, Port Stephens’ dolphins and even Port Macquarie’s Koala Hospital. Because it is such a long drive with so many scenes to see, taking a campervan just makes sense.
Brisbane is only a 2-hour and 16-minute drive from Byron Bay, but there is still so much to see on the way south. You could leave your campervan at the holiday park, or take the campervan over on the ferry and enjoy Stradbroke Island on four wheels. If you keep an eye out, you might even see ‘Migaloo’ off the shore, the world’s only known albino whale. Another great stop on your way from Brisbane could be the Gold Coast Norwell Motorplex, where you and your companions can experience what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a real V8 Supercar.
Both Brisbane and Sydney have Britz Campervan branches where you can pick up your campervan for the journey ahead, leaving it up to you to decide on the longer trip north or shorter trip south. Check out our Queensland itineraries for more road trip inspiration.
Where to stay in Byron Bay
Due to Byron Bay hosting so many locations on the beachfront it is suitable for campervan travel. There are multiple campgrounds around the area, with each spot perfect for visiting all the places necessary while there. The Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay campground is based on 28 acres of parklands, fronting onto the ever scenic Tallow Beach. With 155 campsites and 52 cabins, there’s plenty of space for you and your travelling companions to set up for some quality holidaying time down on the beach and amongst the wildlife. The best part about Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay campground is that it’s merely a five-minute drive from downtown Byron, keeping you within arms reach of a barista-made coffee while still enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Discovery Parks - Byron Bay campground is another great spot to park the campervan for a night or more. The grounds are just 2 kilometres from Byron Bay’s town centre, but with so many scenic attractions nearby, it feels like a genuine getaway. The Discovery Parks - Byron Bay campground is within walking distance from the beginning of the walk to the famous Byron Bay lighthouse at Cape Byron, the most eastern point of Australia’s mainland. The location also boasts four beaches within walking distance, with Main Beach, Clarke’s and Wategos all great for beginner surfers, and Little Wategos, the easternmost beach in Australia.
Another campground to look at could be Reflections Holiday Park - Byron Bay. The grounds are right next to Clarke’s Beach and have cabins, powered sites and unpowered sites. With everything within walking distance, you won’t need to move your campervan until departure, enjoying walks to the Byron Bay lighthouse, down Clarke’s Beach and to award-winning Byron restaurants.
These are just three examples of campgrounds to park your campervan while staying in Byron Bay, and there are certainly a few more that can be found too. Remember, there are essentially no freedom camping areas in Byron Bay, so make sure to book one of these fantastic camping sites in advance, especially if travelling in peak seasons.
The best places to eat in Byron Bay
Whether you’re after a quick takeaway meal to take down to the beach, or a nice sit-down meal in a fine dining restaurant, Byron Bay has you covered for delicious eats. There are so many options of cuisine in Byron Bay, you probably don’t need to plan ahead, but here are a few of the top spots to grab a bite while there.
Betty’s Burgers, a franchise classic in Australia is in central Byron, providing you with a quality burger, salad, ice cream and even a great ‘nippers’ menu, all ideal for a beachfront picnic.
DIP or ‘Dining In Paris’ is a French bistro cafe situated just a quick walk from Main beach into town. Experience Paris in the 1930s in all forms, from the French antiques to the French lunch experience from 11:30.
The Top Shop is an old 1950’s milk bar offering top-quality comfort food to make your getaway that much more relaxing. You can find The Top Shop on the hill just up from Clarke’s Beach.
If you’re looking to cool down from the hot Byron Bay sun, YoFlo might be your best option. Based right next to Main Beach, YoFlo provides residents and tourists with some of the best frozen yoghurt, even offering a vegan option and acai bowls.
Earth’n’Sea has been a staple of Byron Bay since 1976, with both locals and holiday-makers continuously coming back for more of their famous pasta and pizza. Take a stroll up from the Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club and enjoy one of their 22 different pizzas, or mix and match your favourite pasta and sauces.
These are not only great restaurants and cafes but also great spots to take the whole family to. Byron Bay has the luxury of always being within walking distance of the majority of the food venues, so you’ll never have to go hungry for long.
Image Source: NSW Image Gallery
Free family activities in Byron Bay
If you’re concerned you’re spending too much on the great food options available in Byron Bay, don’t worry, there’s an abundance of great family activities to do that are absolutely free.
Hit the beach
Obviously, the beaches are predominantly regarded as Byron Bay’s main attractions, due to their wonderful golden sand and clear blue waters. Because there is more than just Main Beach, you have your options when it comes to spending time with your family.
Clarke’s Beach, Tallow Beach and The Pass are all great places to take your family, as they are incredibly central to both campgrounds and Byron’s town centre. Clarke’s Beach has the benefit of being protected from strong swells and winds, so it is the perfect place for practising and learning surfing. Tallow Beach is a great spot for wildlife watching, with osprey and white-bellied sea eagles constantly scouring the shore for food. There is also good swimming there when the tide is right. Main Beach is the most commonly visited of the three, with the most facilities (including a playground) and an everyday patrol from lifeguards. Though these beaches are generally considered to be safe, please be aware that both Clarke’s and Tallow Beach are not patrolled by lifeguards.
Remember when beach hopping to bring plenty of sunblock and keep an eye on your belongings. Make sure to keep them close by and perhaps locked away to avoid beach thieves ruining your day.
Explore a rainforest
Byron Bay isn’t limited to just scenic beach views; the Byron Bay Rainforest is just a 5-minute drive (3 km) south of the town centre. Nicely tucked away from the beaming sun, the rainforest is home to an abundance of native birds and animals, singing the tune of revitalisation and peace. Many of the walks in the rainforest are family-friendly, meaning you can bring everyone with you, but if you’re up for more of a challenge, there are different tracks you can take.
Don’t forget to bring snacks and water with you in case you decide to carry on down a longer track.
Visit the Byron Bay Markets
The Byron Bay Markets are the prime place for local artists, designers, sculptors and all other creatives to share their work. It is also a great place to take the whole family, with face-painting and pony rides on offer. Take in the art and antiques while enjoying live music and an array of locally made foods, coffee and baked goods.
The markets run every weekend in different locations around Byron. It is a small place so it’s always convenient to find your way to one of them. Make sure to bring along your wallet to support the local talents, stock up on treats for the campervan and enjoy the local vibes.
Walk to the Byron Bay Lighthouse
Fancy stretching your legs? The Cape Byron Lighthouse sits on Australia’s easternmost point, 2 km east of the Byron Bay town centre. The lighthouse was constructed in 1901, standing at 22 metres high and has been illuminating Byron Bay ever since. You can wander up and enjoy the views, or take part in a guided tour for a more informed visit. From your high vantage point, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the best scenes Byron has to offer, including sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales. You can learn more about this historic lighthouse in the Maritime Museum at the base of the lighthouse.
There are parking fees on the Cape Byron Lighthouse grounds, so remember to bring coins or your card along. There is the main car park and then lower car parks which will include a brief stroll up to the lighthouse.
Visit The Farm
One thing your family is sure to enjoy is The Farm based just a 13 minute drive from Byron Bay. The Farm is a working farm, open to visitors to come and see how the farm is run and visit the resident animals. After a self-guided or guided tour around the farm, settle down for a coffee in the sunshine while the kids play on the playground - the red tractor is a favourite! Try to get there before 10:30 am and watch the farmers feed the pigs or go check out the caravan where the chickens lay their eggs.
The Farm is a great getaway and a superb place to take the entire family, everyone is bound to have a good time. Be sure to bring your wallet along though, you won’t want to miss out on the fresh produce from the produce store.
All these family-friendly activities and locations are just as amazing as that next, as well as making your getaway as cost effective as possible while still having a great time. As well as the above suggestions, it’s also good to just wander and explore what Byron Bay has to offer.
Image Source: NSW Image Gallery
Other must-do activities in Byron Bay
Free activities are great, but some of the most exciting and interesting things to do in Byron Bay are worth the splurge. It’s not a bad idea to run a poll with your family to decide on which ones are their favourites, this way the whole family will feel included in the holiday.
Go whale watching
Byron Bay Whale Watching has been operating straight off Cape Byron since 2002 and offers some of the best closeup experiences with whales you’ll get in Australia. Spend 2 hours out on the water and see humpback whales and dolphins, have a go on a hydrophone to listen to whale song and spot various marine and bird life soaring above.
The experience costs A$119.00 per person and the age limit is 5+, so it’s not suitable for toddlers, but a must-do for most travellers to Byron Bay. Remember to bring a raincoat, shorts, warm weather gear and a hat, and try to book in advance so you don’t miss out.
Hire kayaks for a great day out
Hire a kayak from Go Sea Kayak and find out why they have been voted the “Best Eco Tour in New South Wales” for two years running. You’ll be taken on a guided tour for the perfect Byron Bay experience, seeing bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales and three species of sea turtles. Go Sea Kayak also has a ‘Go Sea Guarantee’, where if you don’t see a dolphin, turtle or whale you can paddle again for free, making this well worth the money you pay.
The experience costs A$79.00 and is available to all participants over the age of 5, so it’s suitable for most travellers. All safety gear is provided but remember to bring comfortable swimwear, sun protection, a water bottle and a towel for afterwards.
See glow worms
Discover Byron Bay’s spiritual side and see glow worms and enchanting forest sights on a guided trip with Rise Up - Byron Conscious Tours. The tour walk is graded as easy, with only short bush walks in rocky and uneven terrain, so it’s really suitable for a family day out. Along with the glow worms you’ll be treated to an organic vegetarian/vegan light dinner in nature. After this tour, you’ll leave with a good understanding and appreciation of the community and environment.
The experience is A$98.00 per person for a pleasant and eye-opening 6-hour experience in the Byron Bay hinterland. Remember to pack your warm clothes, water bottle, covered shoes and camera to take in the sights.
Image Source: NSW Image Gallery
Ready to experience Byron Bay?
The proof is in the pudding that Byron Bay is the perfect family destination for a New South Wales Australian getaway. The accommodation for a campervan is abundant and there are activities to suit the whole family everywhere you look. With so much to see and do for the whole family, we just have to know, what are you waiting for?
Book your Britz campervan online and then pick it up from any Britz branch before starting your journey to Byron Bay (and beyond). Enjoy a longer, scenic journey north from Sydney, or a relaxed, shorter drive south from Brisbane. Book your campervan holiday today.