Best Things To Do With Kids And Family In Byron Bay

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Byron Bay has surely generated more Instagram captions than any other beautiful area of Australia. So why do people keep obsessing about Byron? Dubbed ‘a mecca for the hippie, organic life’ and ‘a capital of relaxation’, this coastal town in the far northeastern corner of NSW features pristine beaches, warm waters and some really cool community vibes. So whether you’re linen-clad, gluten-free, vegan or just simply curious and open-minded, Byron Bay and its tanned residents have lots to offer.

Here is a collection of best family-friendly things to do in Byron Bay.

Beaches And Lighthouse Walk

Cape Byron Lighthouse

 

Byron Bay is called surfers’ paradise not without a reason. There’s an amazing array of stunning beaches to choose from – the famous white sands of Belongil, Main Beach, Clarkes Beach or The Pass. You can travel a little further to explore Wategos, Australia’s most easterly beach located in a stunning forest bay, which is a perfect spot for a family picnic. A real must-do is a walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse (constructed in 1901!), which – with its spectacular 360-degree ocean and hinterland views – is surely the most photographed spot in the area. There is a variety of walking choices to the lighthouse, either through the bush or by road, depending on the age and strength of your child. The lighthouse closes at 6 pm.

Another sweet spot is Brunswick Heads, 15 minutes North of Byron Bay, where you and your family can get some wind and salt in your hair during a beach horse-riding session – or a little pony ride for children – with Seahorses Riding Centre ($140 for an adult ride, and $70 for a pony ride). There is even an opportunity to go for an ocean swim with your horse after the ride.

Colourful Local Markets

Delicious street food, organic produce, some hippy clothing and lots of hanging-around the chai-tea tents – there is no better place to discover the region's artisans than through the colourful community markets. Byron Bay Markets take place on the 1st Sunday of each month, The Channon Markets – 2nd Sunday, and Bungalow Markets – on the 4th. All the markets host an abundance of family-friendly arts & crafts, face painting, and live music, so your little humans won’t be bored or disappointed. Every second Saturday of the month there is also the Byron Flea Market full of all of the eco-friendly second-hand treasures. To stock on the amazing-quality local food, plan a Thursday visit to the Byron Farmers Market (open 7am-11am).

Byron Bay Bluesfest

If you’re in the area around Easter and are feeling slightly blue, head to the Bluesfest, the most enchanting local music event (it was cancelled in 2020 but we're holding out hope for 2021). It takes place on 120 hectares at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just north of Byron Bay, and features 7 stages, hundreds of music performances, as well as over 100 food and market stalls, undercover food courts, beer gardens, and children's entertainment. For more information, check here

The Farm

This is the place where all the local families go, so if you want to sip on the Byronesque sustainability vibe, definitely check The Farm. It is an 80-acre working farm with food (the famous “Three Blue Ducks” restaurant is there), animals (horses, cows, flower bees, chickens, pigs and more), and a great choice of workshops for everyone. The Farm is open 7 days a week until 4 pm (the restaurant closes at 10 pm on the weekends). Since their motto is Grow, Feed, Educate, while you’re there, take advantage of a farming tour, fermentation workshop, or learn the basics of beekeeping. The most popular regular family tour – Icons of The Farm – costs $20 per adult, $10 per child, and kids under 5 years attend FREE. For booking and more information go here.

Macadamia Castle: Animal Fun Park

You can find this kiddo paradise 20km south of Byron Bay, in the Hinterland estate of Knockrow. Macadamia Castle will possibly be the highlight of the little ones’ trip, full packed of rabbit petting, emu chasing, goat bottle-feeding and bird watching. While the kids roam around with the animals and play mini-golf, you can sip coffee with macadamia milk. For more info on entry and prices, check their website.

The Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens


Image Source: Crystal Castle

This magical sanctuary is probably best to visit if your kids are past their toddlerhood years, as it is famous for serenity and tranquillity (the qualities hard to find when your child is between 2-5 years old). The Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens are around 25 minutes out of Byron Bay and into its hinterlands and are the home to some of the largest natural crystals in the world. While you’re there, you can visit an ancient amethyst cave, wander all the 5 hectares of botanical gardens, watch the largest Blessing Buddha statue in Australia, touch the pagoda blessed by Dalai Lama, explore a large labyrinth, and take part in some mindful workshops and meditations. Adult Day Pass is $32, kids (4-14 yo) pay $26, and a family day pass is $78.

Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail

Take your torches and head to Brunswick Heads, a popular holiday destination for both people and fairies. The residents say that if you look closely into the town’s nooks and crannies, you can find the wee-houses of fairies, elves, and pixies. And they are right – there really is a number of lovely little fairy houses tucked into the interesting locations around Brunswick Heads. A fairy post box is located within the Brunswick Heads Visitors Centre on Park Street. Children can leave letters for their favourite fairies and get a reply. Fairy Trail maps with some clues for the fairy detectives are available at the Visitor Centre, or can be downloaded here.

Byron Bay Train

Did anyone hear: Choo-choo? The Byron Bay Train is the world’s first and only solar-powered train. Think: retro meets cutting-edge. Your family will feel amazing on board of this restored 1949-era two-carriage beauty. The 3km coastal track links the Byron Town Centre with the North Beach precinct and Byron Arts Estate. The journey takes 10 minutes one way or 25 return from North Beach Station, and costs $4 one way for adults, $2 kids 6-13 years, 5 years and younger travel free. Click here for the timetable.

Fun Places To Eat

Top Shop Byron Bay

Despite being perched right on a street corner, Top Shop is a popular hangout for locals, even with little ones in tow! It's a cute, fun place for families to hang out and chow down on yummy, wholesome treats. Kids love the mini milkshakes! Serving breakfast and lunch (and the best darn coffee in Byron), you can choose from a menu of fresh food including burgers, acai bowls, sandwiches, cakes and pastries, then pull up a mat on the grass and soak up the sunshine picnic-style. For dinner, Treehouse on Belongil is a buzzing beachside indoor/outdoor restaurant with picnic benches, eclectic vintage furniture, live music and a kids menu. It has that laid-back Byron ambience in an enchanting rainforest inspired setting, and their famous (and delicious) woodfired pizzas which come in a Mickey Mouse version for the kids.

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