The Cape Byron lighthouse at dawn

This 1901 lighthouse is Australia’s most easterly and also its most powerful shipping beacon. Inside there are maritime and nature displays. Take one of the volunteer-run tours in the morning or afternoon to venture to the top ($10). The cafe has great views and serves up cones of local ice cream. Gate opens at 8am and parking is $8 per hour.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Byron Bay attractions

1. Watego's Beach

0.24 MILES

East of Main Beach, the small crescent of Watego's fringes Byron's most affluent enclave. Dolphin sightings are common here.

2. Little Watego's Beach

0.32 MILES

Secluded Little Watego’s (inaccessible by car) is a lovely patch of sand directly under rocky Cape Byron. Head here at sunset for an impressive and…

3. Cape Byron State Conservation Park

0.53 MILES

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…

4. Tallow Beach

0.55 MILES

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…

5. Captain Cook Lookout

0.69 MILES

Start your 3.7km walking track around Cape Byron from the Captain Cook Lookout. The rainforest stretch near the lookout has the best wildlife-spotting ops.

6. Clarkes Beach

0.82 MILES

An eastern, and often unexpectedly serene, extension of busy Main Beach. Byron's most popular surf break is at the Pass, where Clarkes Beach meets the…

7. Main Beach

1.33 MILES

Immediately in front of town, lifesaver-patrolled Main Beach is busy from sunrise to sunset with yoga classes, sunbakers, buskers and occasionally fire…

8. Belongil Beach

2.42 MILES

Northwest of the town centre, wild Belongil Beach has high dunes and avoids the worst of the crowds. It's clothing-optional in parts. At its eastern end…