Byron Bay family-friendly travel guide

Byron Bay Family Holidays

Byron Bay is a long-time favourite for travellers searching for the ultimate beach getaway. A visit to Byron Bay with kids can be spent enjoying the sunshine, checking out the surf, splashing about in the rockpools, and climbing the stairs to Fisherman’s Lookout for epic coastal views.

The popular tourist town on the NSW north coast has quirky cafes, shops and locals. Then there are the long rolling waves to surf – well, we probably don’t need to tell you.

For families, Byron has heaps of options when it comes to kid-friendly accommodation.

Byron Bay has perfect weather practically year-round giving you time for a great experience filled with fresh air and outdoor activities.

So don your best tie-dye, grab some sunscreen and sunnies and get ready for a fab family vacation.

Read: The best things to do in Byron Bay with kids.

where

Where to go in Byron Bay

The beach

There are so many great beaches in Byron Bay with lots to offer families.

In the middle of town, you’ll find Main Beach. This beach is buzzing with picnics, buskers and sun-soaking families.

Main Beach is patrolled every day of the year so it’s safe for swimming. It’s got a playground, grass area, toilets and showers, barbecues, picnic tables and parking. There’s everything you need for an entire day spent at the beach with kids.

It can be hard to find a park here, but it’s worth figuring out because this spot is often (rightly) hailed as one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.

Belongil Beach stretches all the way from Byron Bay towards Brunswick Heads and is dog-friendly in spots. There’s a car park at the top of Johnson Street, from which you should turn left onto the beach. The shipwreck here makes for amazing snorkelling, so pack a mask. Conservative families be warned, clothing is optional in the area north of Belongil Creek.

Surfing

Popular surfing spots include Main Beach, The Pass and The Wreck.

Cape Byron Lighthouse

A Byron Bay family holiday isn’t complete without a jaunt to the lighthouse. The 3.7-kilometre return lighthouse walk traces Cape Byron via pristine Wategos Beach. It comprises many steps with some steep sections, but if your children don’t mind the climb, it’s worth the effort. If you drive, be prepared to wait for a car spot during busy periods.

Standing sentinel on the mainland’s most easterly point, 19th-century Cape Byron Lighthouse is a heritage beauty. The maritime museum in the adjacent lightkeeper’s office is open daily from 10am-4pm and tells the story of lighthouse keeping and whaling in the area.

Many tourists come here at sunrise to be the first in Australia to feel the sun’s rays on their skin. The lighthouse is Australia’s most easterly point.

Sunset is equally as beautiful, though; the sky transposes pastel shades of pink, blue and orange.

Arakwal National Park

Just two kilometres from the town centre, this gorgeous park makes for the perfect family picnic spot.

A wander through will reveal hidden, secluded beaches and some great bird-spotting opportunities.

Much of the year, whales can be seen migrating from the sandy coastline, and the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse is just waiting for that perfect Insta snap from this vantage point.

Macadamia Castle

A little drive from Byron through the surrounding countryside will bring you to Macadamia Castle.

This attraction is home to an Animal Fun Park featuring over 150 native and farmyard creatures.

There is also an 18-hole mini-golf course, cafe and over 200 locally made products on sale in its fine food section.

eat

Family-friendly places to eat in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is foodie heaven. Especially for vegetarian or vegan family members. The city centre is filled with quirky cafes, restaurants and family-friendly pubs.

The Farm

Venture further afield and you’ll find The Farm. As its name suggests it’s a working farm where you can get up close with animals, and also enjoy locally sourced and grown produce.

Visit during school holidays to take part in one of its workshops where kids can become mini farmers and learn about how to care for farm animals, forage for food, cook and create natural products.

Beach Hotel Byron Bay

Directly opposite main beach you’ll find Beach Hotel Byron Bay. Casual outdoor dining overlooks the water making for an amazing sunset view. Although offering lots of classic hearty pub meals, they also embrace the Byron lifestyle of healthy options and locally sourced produce, sure to please everybody. We love the kids’ nourish bowl, with raw baby carrots and cucumbers, cheese, guacamole, hummus and corn chips. Enjoy daily live music while your kids gallop around the fenced-in grassed area.

North Byron Hotel

Another great option is North Byron Hotel, which has a locally focused menu and an outdoor area with a playground. You can get to the North Byron Hotel via Byron Solar Train: two 1949-built carriages that have been carefully restored and converted into the world’s first sun-powered train.

Thai Lucy

Delicious Thai Lucy is a casual eatery tucked away in Bay Lane.

The Hum

After a good dose of sun, sand and sea, enjoy a wholesome lunch at The Hum. The menu features smoothies, salads and acai bowls.

Frankies Gelato Naturale

Stop in at Frankies Gelato Naturale, where all-natural gelato is churned on site. Delicious flavours include banoffee shortbread and sticky chai.

MVP

MVP is an intimate diner serving Italian fare. The house-made pasta and rustic pizzas will ensure content tummies. A games corner is set up for kids. You can play giant Jenga while you wait for your meal.

map

Byron Bay Map