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Byron Bay & Northern NSW

Providing a buffer between New South Wales' capital-city sprawl to the south and Queensland's Gold Coast strip up over the border, northern NSW offers an altogether simpler way of life. Lovely, lazy beach towns and pristine national parks leapfrog each other all the way up this stupendous stretch of scenic coast. Inland, lush farmland and ancient tracts of World Heritage–listed rainforest do the same, punctuated by hinterland towns with a character and charm all to themselves. Farmers rub shoulders with big-city sea-changers and post-hippie alternative lifestylers here: if you're looking for stellar local produce, a single-origin coffee or a psychic reading, you won't be disappointed. And if you're searching for a surf break, rest assured there will be an awesome one, right around the next corner.

Explore Byron Bay & Northern NSW

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Byron Bay & Northern NSW.

  • Nature Reserve

    Worimi Conservation Lands

    Located at Stockton Bight, these are the longest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, stretching more than 35km. Thanks to the generosity of the…

  • Farm

    The Farm

    This photogenic, 32-hectare green oasis outside Byron is shared by Three Blue Ducks restaurant, a produce store, the Bread Social bakery, an ice-creamery…

  • Beach

    Tallow Beach

    Tallow Beach is a deserted sandy stretch that extends for 7km south from Cape Byron. This is the place to flee the crowds: much of the beach is backed by…

  • National Park

    Dorrigo Rainforest Centre & Skywalk

    The 119-sq-km Dorrigo National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area and home to a huge diversity of vegetation and more than 120…

  • Cultural Centre

    Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre

    This cultural centre is well worth a detour to check out the Aboriginal artwork on display and learn about the local Gumbaynggirr people. It displays a…

  • Island

    Muttonbird Island

    The Gumbaynggirr people knew this island as Giidany Miirlarl (Place of the Moon). It was joined to Coffs Harbour by the northern breakwater in 1935. The…

  • National Park

    Yuraygir National Park

    This is the state’s longest stretch of undeveloped coastline, covering a 65km stretch of pristine coastal ecosystems stretching north from the village of…

  • Museum

    Trial Bay Gaol

    Occupying Trial Bay's eastern headland, this sandstone prison was built between 1877 and 1886 to house convicts brought in to build a breakwater. When…

  • Animal Sanctuary

    Oakvale Wildlife Park

    What began its life as a humble petting zoo with a handful of farm animals in 1979 has grown into one of Australia's finest family-owned-and-operated…

  • Viewpoint

    Tacking Point Lighthouse

    This little lighthouse (1879) commands a headland offering immense views along the coast. It’s a great spot from which to watch the waves roll in to long,…

  • Beach

    Jetty Beach

    This sheltered beach, with its picturesque jetty, is protected by a breakwater, creating calm swimming conditions. It's a quick walk from nearby…

  • Beach

    Flynn's Beach

    A patrolled beach nestled between two rocky headlands. Excellent for learner surfers.

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Burribi Education Centre

    This small volunteer-run centre takes in sick, injured and orphaned koalas from the surrounding area and does its best to rehabilitate them and release…

  • State Park

    Cape Byron State Conservation Park

    The Cape Byron State Conservation Park is home to the Cape Byron lighthouse, plenty of stunning lookouts (including from the most eastern point of the…

  • National Park

    Border Ranges National Park

    The vast Border Ranges National Park covers 317 sq km on the NSW side of the McPherson Range, which runs along the NSW–Queensland border. It's part of the…

  • National Park

    Nightcap National Park

    The spectacular waterfalls, the sheer cliff of solidified lava and the dense rainforest of 80-sq-km Nightcap National Park, the traditional land of the…

  • National Park

    Wollumbin National Park

    Surrounds Wollumbin/Mt Warning (1156m), the most dramatic feature of the hinterland, towering over the valley. Its Aboriginal name, Wollumbin, means …

  • Bird Sanctuary

    Broughton Island

    This island is uninhabited except for muttonbirds and little penguins, and its surrounding waters are home to an enormous diversity of fish. The diving is…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Byron Bay & Northern NSW.

  • Activities

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