When travelling to Byron Bay you are most likely keen to do some trips around the surrounding Byron Shire. You will find will Byron Bay is an amazing holiday town, you will find some towns near Byron Bay that are absolute must-visit if you are in the area.
Below you will find a curated list of towns that make for great trips from Byron Bay. Each delivers their own little vibe and charm and could make for great holiday spots each and to their own. Below are the 10 towns near Byron Bay Smart Camper recommends a visit.
1. Mullumbimby
If you are remaining in Byron Bay, there are some terrific things to do if you remain in the mood to explore the area, among these being to check out the ‘greatest little town in Australia’ Mullumbimby!
Mullumbimby is just 20 minutes drive north from Byron Bay. Along with Byron Bay and Nimbin, Mullumbimby embraced a counter-culture back in the 70’s, but was very low key about it.
Mullumbimby is a scenic little village. Nestled in the midst of verdant cane fields with Mount Chincogan looming in the background, it makes for a very scenic drive into town.
Start your day in one of the cafe’s that serve world-class coffee, quite often locally grown too. Keep your eye out for Shanti Ananda, often seen dressed in vivid pink, blue or red formal suits, topped with a black and gold sombrero, a dotty tie and sporting enough bling to make any LA rapper envious.
When you wander around the stores, you will understand that these are not the normal country town items available in many of wilderness Australia. There is terrific alternative clothing on sale, craft and art work and a smattering of galleries sprinkled with the shops.
If yoga or meditation is your scene, there are about six centrally located studios. That means for every 536 people there is a local yoga centre!
Don’t despair if you find the choice bamboozles you, try Kiva Spa. Located right in town– doh! Kiva Spa is $25.00 for one hour bathhouse use which includes the use of 4 hydrotherapy hot spas, the wood fired sauna, the steam room, relaxation areas and showers/change rooms, so it’s well within a backpackers budget.
Crystal Castle is a regional attraction located just a few kilometres outside of Mullumbimby. It features a lot of, well … crystals! They are varied and many and from all over the world, plus there is a great selection of jewellery.
There is also a Buddha walk and a Rainforest Walk. The gardens are just gorgeous, and well worth a stroll around, one of the bamboo groves will blow your mind. There are also daily Buddhist teachings and meditations, and mandalas the monks are working on or, if finished, on display. There is an entry charge to get into Crystal Castle.
Maybe this really is the biggest little town ever! Whatever the title or accolades, Mullumbimby is a great day out if you are visiting Byron Bay.
Mullumbimby is just 20 minutes drive north from Byron Bay. Along with Byron Bay and Nimbin, Mullumbimby embraced a counter culture back in the 70’s, but was very low key about it. Back in the day, this town grew weed so potent it was known as Mullum Madness!
Maybe this really is the biggest little town ever! Whatever the title or accolades, Mullumbimby is a great day out if you are visiting Byron Bay.
2. Brunswick Heads
With a lovely river and beautiful beaches, Brunswick Heads is a marvellous destination for water activities. The town, a brief drive north of Byron Bay, is beside excellent browsing beaches and the Brunswick River and ocean are great for fishing and boating. Beach fishing is popular too.
You can check out the river with Byron Bay Eco Cruises and Kayaks or Go Sea Kayaks Byron Bay, both accredited ecotourism operators. The river is bursting with life and you’ll have the chance for close encounters with turtles and birds of prey such as osprey and sea eagles.
Lodging options variety from motels to vacation parks. The flat terrain in this location of the Byron Bay area is superb for cycling and bushwalking in the Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. Load a head and hinder for the Brunswick River picnic area, part of the Cape Byron Marine Park.
Diving and snorkelling trips of the marine park are available with Blue Bay Diving, situated at the Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour. Between May and November, Brunswick Heads is a terrific spot for whale watching with Blue Bay Whale Watching and is often checked out by pods of dolphins.
Regional celebrations are celebrated in a family carnival style, with the annual Old and Gold second-hand treasures festival, Kites and Bikes and the annual Fish & Chips Festival. The Brunswick Markets is on the very first Saturday of the month in Memorial Park, where the kids can play and run around.
3. Bangalow
A brief drive from Byron Bay, Bangalow is a captivating municipality of stylish federation buildings, inviting parks and scrumptious deals with. In a verdant valley, the village’s primary street, Byron Street, has plenty of coffee shops and restaurants as well as galleries and shops.
You can taste in your area grown coffee and search for gourmet mementos. Fertile land in the area produces macadamia nuts, fruit and vegetables, coffee, dairy goods and meat. The Bangalow Market is held every fourth Sunday and the annual Sample Food Festival features regional fruit and vegetables.
Another drawcard is the annual Bangalow Music Festival, one of Australia’s leading chamber music festivals that draws in acclaimed classical artists from worldwide. Music fans will be mesmerized by the superb music program and the Byron Bay region on the North Coast of NSW.
Lodging alternatives consist of the Bangalow Guesthouse, on the banks of Byron Creek where you may be lucky and area platypus. You can walk along a wonderful walking trail on the edge of Byron Creek and within a few rates you’ll be in an enchanting forest.
4. Nimbin
Tucked away in the hills west of Byron Bay, Nimbin was as soon as a drowsy little dairying village in a lush setting of farmland and forest. Today, Nimbin is known the world over as Australia’s most popular hippie location and alternative way of life capital.
Nimbin shot to fame when it hosted the 1973 Aquarius Festival, attracting trainees, hippies and visionaries from all over Australia. Once the bands left and the dust settled, a few brave souls remained on to live the dreams and ideology of Aquarius and sow the seeds for today’s lively, sustainable community.
This globally well-known village is wacky and appealing with its unique mural streetscape of native, rainforest and psychedelic exteriors and vibrant local characters.
With an incredible selection of cafés and shops the village also features interesting locations like Djanbung Permaculture Gardens, Rainbow Power Company and the remarkable Nimbin Candle Factory.
Surrounded by three World Heritage Listed jungles, including Protester Falls the site of Australia’s very first successful anti-logging project. The 1979 project, called the Terania Creek Battle, lasted 4 weeks and ensured the survival of NSW’s rainforests today.
Nimbin is the best place to rest a while, to unwind, rejuvenate and let Mother Nature work her beauties. You can remain in elegant cabins on the edge of the rainforest, in a B&B or backpackers, or possibly in a teepee with mountain views.
5. Yamba
How Yamba in the Clarence Valley on the NSW North Coast hasn’t end up being the next Byron Bay is anybody’s guess. That’s not to state it’s a complete trick; however with its world-famous surf breaks, perfect beaches and a town with the best quantity of buzz, it must be Australia’s favourite beach escape.
Just south of Yamba is Angourie, a National Surfing Reserves. Angourie Point is among the finest right-hand point breaks in Australia. If the waves are off– or when you’re done getting tubed– there are multi-day coastal walkings in the national park beside the break. Or swim in the natural springs of Angourie’s green and blue pools.
Fishing fans can capture plenty of fish either at the beach, estuary or off the rocks. Both Reel Time Charters and Yamba Fishing and Charters provide fishing explorations in the Pacific.
With moderate Winters and long, temperate Summers, Yamba is a perfect escape throughout the year. A kayaking trip with Yamba Kayak will get you eye-to-eye with wild dolphins in the estuary, while Clarence River Ferries offer beautiful cruises and a passenger service to Iluka, on the northern side.
There are parks next to the river for picnics, an excellent golf course and strolls to local landmarks, like the Yamba Lighthouse and the 1934-built Pacific Hotel. The town is built around a national forest, too, and humpback whales put on breaching shows just off-shore during their annual migration between May and November.
The Yuraygir coastal walk south to Red Rock follows ancient emu tracks in the Yuraygir National Park. There are seaside towns such as Brooms Head along the 65km hike, and camping sites are dotted along the track.
Built at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba has a lot of locations to drink and eat (if you can drag yourself away from the beach) and an occasions calendar filled with festivals, markets and sports. Sample all the very best locally captured seafood– including well-known Yamba prawns– at fish shops and dining establishments in the area.
Just south of Yamba is Angourie, a National Surfing Reserves. Fishing fans can catch plenty of fish either at the beach, estuary or off the rocks. Both Reel Time Charters and Yamba Fishing and Charters provide fishing explorations in the Pacific.
6. Lismore
The next towns near Byron Bay and a 45 minute drive southwest of Byron Bay. Lismore is one of the larger towns noted on our outing near Byron Bay suggestions. It acts as house to many artists and performers; therefore the town shows that with a variety of galleries, theatres and other performing arts spaces.
The World Heritage-listed Nightcap National Park and Minyon Falls are near Lismore making it another factor to head here for the day.
In town, you ought to take in intriguing art exhibits at the Lismore Regional Gallery that function local and national artists. Check the website for listings and try to catch NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) event while in Lismore. The group produces, presents and develops theatre, music and dance from exploring shows along with regional initial work.
Follow the 3 km trail that runs along the Wilson River bank if you’re looking for outside activities. It features three interpretive panels developing outdoor art installations in addition to a great fishing area and BBQs.
While here, you should check out Nightcap National Park where you can take in any variety of sights, depending on how much time you wish to spend there. You can head to the Minyon Falls lookout for amazing views, take a picnic and consume at a number of places or hike the Protestor Falls trail, thought about an easy walk through the jungle and great for kids. You might even capture a glimpse of the rare Fleay’s barred frog at the base of Protestor Falls.
7. Ballina
Usually the location people fly into when visiting Byron, Ballina is the next towns near Byron Bay on this list.
Ballina is a popular vacation location with a lot of waterside tourist attractions, including stunning beaches, wonderful river cruises and exhilarating kayaking trips. See the fishing boats head for sea at sundown and taste the catch of the day at the town’s restaurants and cafes.
With 25 km of cycle courses, check out the Richmond River and coastline with hired bikes from Transition Cycles, The Bicycle Emporium or Sunrise Cycles. You can likewise discover more about the location with Kayak Ballina Tours.
Bike trip on the shared coastal pathway trail in Ballina
Bushwalking is great way to experience the vibrant birdlife. The town is close to the superb national parks of Broadwater and Bundjalong, where you can go canoeing on Evans River. For a heritage walk, take the Ballina Historic Waterfront Trail and you may see dolphins romping.
Throughout whale-watching season, the Ballina shoreline is excellent for spotting migrating whales. You’ll find a lot of lodging choices in Ballina and have a look at the occasions calendar for festivals and markets, consisting of the Ballina Fine Food and Wine Festival.
Another two towns near Byron Bay to go.
8. Murwillumbah
The attractive town of Murwillumbah is on the banks of the stunning Tweed River near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park. A terrific base for bushwalking, fishing and boating, the town is the farming and creative heart of The Tweed on the far NSW North Coast. Another great towns near Byron Bay to visit.
You’ll like exploring the Tweed Regional Gallery, surrounded by magnificent gardens. The marvellous gallery is home to the fantastic Margaret Olley Arts Centre, which honours Australia’s most celebrated painter of still life and interiors. The well-known artist went to primary school in the town.
Enjoy the rolling exhibitions in the gallery and come by the gallery store for presents and mementos. For more gift concepts, search the Red Rattlers Gallery in two 1928 train carriages in Dungay, just north of Murwillumbah. In the wonderfully restored carriages are beautiful developments by regional artists and craftsmens.
The lively Makers and Finders Market is in quite Knox Park, a walk from the interesting Tweed Regional Museum. Held every third Saturday of the month, the market is a pleasure with local handcrafted designs, innovative workshops, vintage and pre-owned wares and delicious food stalls.
Murwillumbah is in a green caldera, the vast crater of the eroded Tweed Volcano covered in rain forest and farmland. The shield volcano last emerged 20 million years earlier, and the striking Wollumbin peak– called Mount Warning by Captain James Cook in 1770– is the remnant core.
9. Clunes
Another one of the towns near Byron Bay is Clunes. Nick-named “the Holy City” because of the number of fine early Australian churches in this village, Clunes has great regional services consisting of a convenient general shop that is a post workplace, alcohol store & serves delicious remove pizza.
The Clunes Coffee Inn situated next door prides itself on friendly & customised service, providing terrific coffee with a big series of cakes & pieces a lot of them gluten free. There’s also a fuel station, and a crafts and antiques store. A brief walk up the street is The Old Romantic Shack which offers a wonderful range of new & old worldly gifts, antiques & bric a brac.
With great deals of attractive North Coast federation homes in the district, the location is popular with people operating in neighbouring Lismore. Called after Robert Mortimer Clunes, an early engineer in the dairying industry, Clunes is also appropriately Gaelic for ‘enjoyable location.’
10. Ocean Shores
The final town near Byron Bay to visit is Ocean Shores. Back in the late 1960’s when American crooner Pat Boone was spruiking the radical brand-new principle of a resort and leisure domestic development on what had been just some well-sited farms, residents were rather bemused. The stunning pastoral landscape bounded by the Brunswick River to the south, Billinudgel to the north and South Golden Beach and New Brighton to the east soon discovered a constant supply of ready homeowners and it is now one of the fastest growing towns in the area.
With kilometres of sandy beaches, eleven plants and animals reserves and the popular Ocean Shores Golf Club it provides many chances for sports and relaxation. The reserves are a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including birds such as cranes, herons, swamp pigeons, kites, goshawks and lots of others. The large nest of fruit bats makes a spectacular sight at sunset as they fly out to the surrounding forests to feed. The town’s lookout has incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding location, and is a fantastic spot to take in the district outlook.
The town has a cross-section of population, with a number enjoying their retirement and their proximity to the golf club, whilst lots of young families have actually bought or developed their dream homes on the sloping and lavish settings. Artists, craftspeople, performers and authors find the peaceful settings favorable to work, whilst keen surfers and swimmers enjoy the proximity to the beach. A modern-day shopping centre plus medical centre, pharmacy, pub, dining establishments and school cater to locals and visitors.
Map of Towns Near Byron Bay
If you haven’t visited our Things to do in Byron Bay page. We highly recommend that you check it out for some other great ideas for your next adventure to the Byron Shire. Don’t forget to do the amazing Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk.
Looking for some cost effective accomodation when visiting Byron Bay next? Well look at our guide for Byron Bay Caravan Parks.