Things to do for free in Byron Bay

You don’t need to splash your cash to get the best out of Byron Bay. The buzzing township harbours a fantastic community vibe and is spoiled with natural resources meaning that free activities are never hard to come by. Whether you’re after a beach, BBQ or live music, Byron Bay free activities always deliver.

Whale Watching from the Headland

Between May and November, Byron Bay plays host to some of its most spectacular tourists in the form of migrating pods of Humpback Whales. For the best vantage point head to Australia’s most easterly point where the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse adorns the headland. The high vantage point and panoramic coastal views not only offer sweeping landscapes but also your best opportunity to spot these annual migrations from dry land.

Outside of these months you are likely to catch a glimpse of one or more of our local dolphin pods as they playfully swim, duck and dive for their human audience.

Get Creative on your very own Byron Bay arts trail

If you are interested in diving into local art and meeting the artists, you will not be disappointed in the number of galleries, shops and studios that you can visit on your personal trail. From Lone Goat Gallery in Lawson Street to Yeah! Nice in the Arts and Industrial Estate to Gallery 3 on Kendall Street to McTavish Surfboards on Centennial Circuit to Masuri at the Byron Markets, you can embark on your very own Byron Bay arts trail. With an environment and atmosphere that fosters creativity and innovation, it’s no surprise that a Byron Shire Arts Trail was originally created by local artists to offer visitors a first-hand glimpse into our culturally energetic community and lead you straight to the heart of the community’s artistic centre. Byron Shire Arts Trail still has a facebook page but the galleries and studios have merged, moved and changed addresses many times since its first inception – take a look at the facebook page, google search galleries or drop in to the Visitor Centre to grab a current list of addresses and make your own trail.

Make sure you cover everything from handcrafted surfboards to one-off handmade fashion items to ceramics to contemporary art pieces, ensuring that no matter where you end up your independent Byron Bay arts trail will be highly enjoyable….and free!!

Wander waterfalls

Byron Bay’s hinterland has many stunning waterfalls to explore and best of all, you don’t have to spend a cent. Getting back to nature is one of Byron’s biggest drawcards and there’s nowhere better to wander waterfalls than at Minyon Falls in the Nightcap National Park. About 45 minutes out of Byron Bay this 100m waterfall cascades down a sheer cliff to form a natural swimming hole and can be enjoyed from ground level with the Minyon Falls bushwalk and a dip in its clear pool or from the lookout which offers panoramic views and picnic facilities – this is one of our favourite Byron Bay free activities. Please note that Minyon Falls walking track from the top to the bottom is currently closed for repair following the floods in early 2022. The other two walks – Boggy Creek Walk and Minyon Grass to the base of Minyon Falls are both open. Don’t go home without visiting Killen Falls. Off Friday Hut Road, it is a short drive south from Byron Bay on the M1. Take the Ross Lane exit to Lennox Head, follow Tamarind Drive and then Old Tintenbar Road taking the right hand turn onto Friday Hut Road.

Spend A Day on The Farm

The Farm is one of Byron Bay’s most popular working farms. Home to a community of growers, producers, eateries, and educators who have a passion for growing food using traditional, sustainable methods that are 100% spray and chemical free, The Farm also houses heritage-breed pigs, heritage Scottish Highland cattle and free range chickens, all of which are used for meat and eggs in the on-site restaurant, cafe and produce store which are run by Three Blue Ducks.

There are mowed walkways for you to enjoy a stroll around the 80 acres or if you prefer, The Farm also offers tours. Be inspired to return home with a desire to live a healthier, more harmonious existence with the land, animals and within your community.

With a motto that centres around ‘Grow, Feed, Educate, Give Back’, this working farm aims to support the environment and offer visitors to catch a glimpse into sustainable farming practices while enjoying the outdoors. All this combines to create the ultimate farm experience where an enjoyable day can be had by every member of the family

Free Sunset Drumming

With a history of alternative culture and music, nothing encompasses Byron Bay like the free sunset drumming sessions. Often along the rocks near the Wreck or on the grassy area below the children’s playground, the emphasis of these sessions is on community and meeting to share in the joy. You will find these drumming circles offer fantastic music and a soul infused atmosphere where participation is encouraged. There is no schedule to these sessions – their spontaneous nature adds to their charm so head to the area in the late afternoon and try your luck.

Take A Walk Or Two

You’re spoiled for choice with beautiful trails and tracks in the Byron Shire that cover all landscapes from sheer cliffs, bushland and secluded beaches. Opt for Byron’s most iconic loop walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse where not only will you see the town’s famous symbol, but you’ll also be greeted with stunning views of the rugged coastline and the ability to visit mainland Australia’s most easterly point. Other options include the comprehensive walking trails of Broken Head Nature Reserve where you can opt for either beach or bush walks. Head further north to Brunswick Heads where you can stroll through mangroves and weave your way alongside the beautiful Brunswick River river to the most accessible western point just past the motorway. Head across the river to Ocean Shores where Devines Hill offers panoramic vistas from South Golden Beach to Byron Bay. You can walk from the bottom of the hill to the lookout.

Hunt For Bargains At The Byron Markets

There’s nowhere better to people watch than the Byron Markets. Thursday mornings for Farmers market, first Sunday of every month for the Community Market, Twilight Market on Saturdays during the summer season and you may be in luck to wander through the Beachside Market if you are in town during either the first week of January, on Easter Saturday or visiting for the Sept/Oct long weekend. Hunt for delicious food and exotic bargains at the eclectic mix of stalls held by locals and travellers alike as each of our markets boast a unique and quaint charm offering the curious visitor a great glimpse into local Byron.

Sunrise From The Most Easterly Point

To experience one of Byron’s more magical experiences, head to the headland just before dawn to experience sunrise over the mainland’s most easterly point. Cape Byron is Australia’s most easterly point and boasts panoramic views of the coastline that is not to be missed. Head to the Cape Byron Conservation Area where you can embark on one of the many walks to the iconic lighthouse. From here all you have to do is follow the signs 200 m to find the spot where you can stare straight out into the South Pacific Ocean just in time to see the first golden rays hit the waves.

Head to the Byron Bay Surf Festival

Nothing gets to the heart of Aussie coastal culture like surfing does. Every year in August, the town plays host to the annual surf festival that celebrates all areas of the lifestyle over the course of an action-packed weekend. Get along to the free event and wander the multiple stores and activities including surfing competitions, surf art Markets, live music, sunset cinemas, board shaping and more. For more information on dates and event schedules please visit Byron Bay Surf Festival’s page.