Famous for its laid-back lifestyle and gorgeous beaches, Byron Bay is the perfect place to reconnect with yourself and the family. Whether you’re looking for affordable, luxury or something in-between, Byron Bay has a family holiday for every budget.
BYRON BAY ON A BUDGET
Byron Bay Train
Byron Bay train
Mix new-world technology with a 1949-era heritage train and what do you get? The world’s first solar train in Byron Bay!
The Byron Bay Railroad Company has received national and international recognition including the highest awards for engineering, solar technology and sustainability. The not-for-profit train service has generated enough power over and above what it has needed to run the train to power 13 homes* for a year! The 3km return service runs between ‘North Beach Station’ in Sunrise Beach and the ‘Byron Bay’ platform, seven days a week.
0–5 years travel free; 6–13 years $2.00; adult one-way $4.00
Discovery Parks – Byron Bay
Located just 2km from the city centre, Discovery Parks – Byron Bay offers the perfect escape for the budget-conscious family. Enjoy the gorgeous beaches, lush hinterland and peace along with exceptional holiday park facilities, including Byron’s Barrel Waterpark. Choose from standard or deluxe two- or four-people cabins or a superior safari tent. The park also features a bouncing pillow, swimming pool, restaurant, sports facilities and more.
399 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay | 02 6685 7378
Byron Bay Lighthouse
Image: Destination NSW
A must-do for locals and visitors, the Byron Bay Lighthouse is Byron’s most iconic image. Situated at Australia’s most easterly point, it is a great place to see humpback whales on their annual migration, and dolphins and turtles can sometimes be seen playing in the waves at the base of the Headland. For a small gold coin donation, you can be taken on a tour of the lighthouse and enjoy the 360 degree views from the top.
The Cape Byron Walk is another way to take in the stunning views. The loop takes you around beach, rainforest, grassland and clifftops to the lighthouse. After your walk, enjoy a swim at The Pass Beach, one of Byron’s most pristine beaches.
The Sun Bistro
A bistro and bar set among a spectacular natural bush setting, the Sun Bistro is a well-priced family friendly place to enjoy fresh, local food and a cold drink. With two big children’s play areas, a large TAB and sports bar as well as plenty of car parking, there is something for everyone. The Sun Bistro’s ‘Ride in Style’ offer includes an adult return train trip on the Byron Bay Solar Train and lunch with a schooner of Stone & Wood or glass of wine at $25.00.
Open 1–9pm daily. Courtesy bus pick-up from Sunrise to Ewingsdale for groups of four or more.
61 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay 02 6685 6500
MID RANGE
Macadamia Castle
With over 150 native and farmyard animals, birds and reptiles, Macadamia Castle has been a popular family destination for over 40 years. Explore the castle and the animal park, and get up close with the animals by booking an animal experience. Taste a wide range of roasted and flavoured Macadamia nuts at the Nut Bar, along with a variety of locally grown and hand-made products for sale at the Macadamia Castle, or grab some macadamia-themed lunch at the onsite café. A trip to Macadamia Castle isn’t complete without a photo with the knight who stands guard in front of the castle.
Open 8am – 5pm daily
Hinterland Way, Knockrow, (02) 6687 8432
No Bones Byron Bay
With locally sourced ingredients, focusing on seasonal and organic produce, No Bones Byron Bay is a plant-powered restaurant even the biggest meat eater will love. A favourite spot amongst the locals, enjoy some delicious plant-based food while sipping away on their $11 cocktails – at that price you can have one, two or even a sneaky three!
No Bones make everything in house which means no packet pasta or store-bought breads, everything is fresh, sustainable, biodegradable and environmentally conscious. This family friendly restaurant is a must try when you’re in Byron Bay.
Shop 1 /11 Fletcher St, Byron Bay
Byron Bay Community Market
Byron Bay Community Market
Image: Destination NSW
Held on the first Sunday of the month, the Byron Bay Community Market is one of the most popular markets in Byron Bay. Local stallholders showcase a huge variety of arts and crafts, jewellery and clothing along with fresh produce and delicious cuisine you can enjoy while soaking up the atmosphere. These markets do get busy so it’s best to arrive early to grab a car space.
Butler Street Reserve, Byron Bay
Byron Twilight Market
In the heart of Byron Bay, this night market is popular amongst locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking for original, authentic and sustainable pieces, the markets showcase the best of local artisans selling everything from jewellery, clothing to accessories. Make an evening of it with the family, bring a rug, and enjoy some wholesome, locally sourced food while listening to great, live music.
Open 4pm – 9pm. Railway Park, Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Waves Byron Bay
Located in the heart of town and just a hop, skip and jump away from Main Beach and walking distance from the popular Byron Bay lighthouse, is Waves Byron Bay. With a location so perfect, you won’t need to drive anywhere!
All the rooms have luxurious king-sized beds. The penthouses feature a private outdoor terrace with BBQ facilities. One of the suites offers a Teppanaki BBQ. Some of the facilities include free car parking, free Wi-Fi and family rooms, as well as facilities for guests with special needs. Guests are also free to use the beach towels and boogie boards. Guests can start their day with free muffins, coffee, tea and fresh fruit in the hotel foyer.
35 Lawson St, Byron Bay
LUXURY
Crystal Castle
Byron Bay crystal castle
Image: Destination NSW
In the Byron Bay Hinterland lies the stunning Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, home to the world’s largest natural crystals. Children can connect with the calming, healing power of crystals, bringing back into harmony your mind, body and emotions amidst the tranquil surroundings. Kids can play at the ‘Fireheart’ Crystal Dragon playground while parents relax at the Lotus Café with local, organic coffees and teas, homemade cakes and desserts or a nutritious meal using ingredients from Crystal Castle’s very own organic food garden. Only 20 minutes from Byron Bay and 40 minutes from the Gold Coast, Crystal Castle is a beautiful spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Open 10am – 5pm daily
81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby
Flying Fox Bistro
Located within Byron Bay Bowling Club, this rustic bistro offers a great atmosphere, quality food and ice-cold drinks. With a large family friendly alfresco area, enjoy the classic menu – make sure you try the Duck Spring Rolls on Vietnamese salad, which the Flying Fox Bistro is renowned for. The $10 kids’ menu is also hit, serving up pizza, burgers, calamari, and mac and cheese as well as milkshakes and ice cream.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 11.30am – 9pm
18 Marvell Street, Byron Bay
The Farm Byron Bay
The Farm Byron Bay
Image: Destination NSW
Situated on 80 acres, The Farm encourages everyone to enjoy the surroundings of a real working farm and be inspired to talk, ask questions and experience where food comes from.
Take the family for a wander through the grounds, see what is growing on the land, meet the farm animals, or pick up some fresh produce to take home with you.
Whilst you enjoy a cuppa or a meal, the kids can burn off some energy in The Farm playground and run around the fields of macadamia and pecan trees, enjoying nature at its finest form.
Open 7am – 4pm 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale
Elements of Byron – Barefoot Luxury in Byron Bay
Elements at Byron
If you want something special, this award-winning beachfront resort offers luxury family friendly accommodation along with world-class facilities.
Younger kids can enjoy playtime in the dedicated Lagoon Pool precinct, while older kids enjoy the large temperature-controlled pool. The Parkour-inspired, all-natural kids’ playground is located among the native rainforest. With a sand base, it’s challenging but safe for kids of all ages. There’s a large lawn alongside and a tennis court (simply borrow a tennis kit from receptio), so it’s a great spot away from the central resort area to play and relax. For organised play there is an outdoor games area where you can enjoy a game of giant chess and bocce as a family.
Parents can calm the body and mind at the Osprey Spa, where you can choose from spa treatments including massages and facials or you can create your own package.
144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
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