Byron Bay is filled to the brim with white sandy beaches, tropical bushland, trendy bars, shops, and restaurants, but it’s also a destination soaked with culture and epic adventures waiting to happen. The indigenous name for Byron Bay is ‘Cavanbah’, meaning meeting place, and it’s really no surprise why the traditional custodians of the land came to Byron Bay to heal and connect with country, both on land and at sea. If you’re travelling with purpose and searching for trips that will change the way you see the world, Byron Bay can help you achieve just that. Here are 10 of the best Byron Bay experiences that you’ll be talking about for years to come…

1. Set Off On The Iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk

This dreamy 3.7km walk will have you following the jaw-droppingly gorgeous trail around Cape Byron. Swoon over insane ocean views, learn about the history of the bay in the lighthouse museum, and fill your social feeds to keep all of your friends jealous. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spot some of Byron’s famous wildlife, or a famous face or two.

2. Kayak With Dolphins

Grab a paddle and venture towards Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) on a kayaking tour like no other. The legendary guides at Cape Byron Kayaks will teach you the ins and outs of riding the waves on your kayaks, as well as educating you on the local and indigenous history of the bay and the wildlife that call the marine reserve their home. With around 600 dolphins frolicking in the waters of Byron Bay each year, it’s pretty likely you’ll see these playful celebrities while on your tour. If you don’t see dolphins, no worries, mate! Cape Byron Kayaks offer a dolphin guarantee; which means you get a free trip if they’re hiding. This guarantee has no expiration date either.

3. Dive or Snorkel at Nguthugulli (Julian Rocks)

If the world beneath the waves calls to you, you need to get yourself on a boat with the Byron Dive Centre ASAP. Rated as one of Australia’s top dive sites, Julian Rocks is a meeting place for warm and cold currents, making for a speculator display of both tropical and cold water fish, sharks, turtles, rays, nudibranchs, and other unique underwater friends.

4. Surf Watch at Fisherman’s Lookout

Fisherman’s Lookout, located at the pass, is the perfect place to sip on your juice, soak in that vitamin D, and watch surfers of all skill levels catching waves for hours on end. This spot is fabulous for watching and learning, and you can even give it a go with several board rentals available in town. If you’d rather stay dry, it’s also a popular location for wildlife watching and snapping your next profile picture.

5. Learn To Surf

So now it’s your turn to throw a shaka and shout “yeeewww” on a froth-worthy surf lesson with Mojo Surf. Mojo will sweep you away to the beach where the swell is best and will have you riding in no time. When in Byron, being salty and stoked is a birthright.

6. Hot Air Ballooning

Take to the skies on a magical morning and be blown away with sweeping panoramic views and the perfect serenity of the Byron Bay Hinterland. Words can’t even do hot air ballooning justice. You need to experience it to know what we’re talking about.

7. Stone & Wood Brewery Tour

Take an arvo off to unwind and discover the stories behind the business conscious ‘village brewery’, Stone & Wood. This in-depth guided tour will share secrets and stories at Stone & Wood’s ‘spiritual home’, providing a beer experience that is both fun and educational. With a welcome beer on arrival, you’ll get a chance to taste test some of Australia’s most delicious cold ones, so make sure your taste buds are ready to be tantalized!

8. Practice Yoga At A Local Class

Byron Bay is a world famous destination for those seeking healing, therefore, we believe that no trip to Byron is complete without honouring at least one reflective practice. Yoga cultivates wellbeing and is becoming incredibly popular in the western world, so why not stretch your body and clear your mind at a class that’ll have you feeling zenned out and connected with the area on a whole new level. We’d recommend checking out Creature Yoga, where classes suit everyone; from the novice to the expert.

9. Rent A Car & Go Exploring

Byron Bay may be the leading actor, but you’ll be surprised at how many amazing supporting actors have its back. With a car, you can set off into the hills and explore beautiful hinterland towns such as Bangalow, Newrybar, and Mullumbimby; all boasting a selection of quirky pubs, cafes, shops and markets. For something a little more ‘wild’, go hike the lush 10km trail around magical Minyon Falls or explore the nearby national parks.

10. Have Breakfast At The Farmers Market

The farmers markets are a staple of Byron Bay living; the embodiment of community. Here, you can get amongst the locals, meeting eccentric characters and tasting some of the freshest food in the Bay. It might be an early start, but breakfast here will be a rippin’ start to your day.