Before heading on any great adventures through the Byron hinterland, you gotta get some food in your belly! There’s a huge variety of organic, locally grown, and ethically sourced produce across the region, with rich volcanic soil from Wollumbin (Mount Warning) providing the perfect environment for delish fruit and veg.
Keen for more food? Head to Moonshine Coffee Roasters in Federal for your daily cup of joe, family run and supplying great coffee from Sydney to South Korea! Shelter in Lennox Heads is another delish option away from the big city, serving up house-made produce, take home meals, and fine dining options with ocean views.
Nestled into world-heritage listed subtropical rainforest, Nightcap National Park is where you’ll find waterfalls, glow worm caves, and stunning mountain views. Just under an hour from the Byron town centre, Nightcap is part of the Gondwana Rainforest World Heritage Parks, and home to the famed Protestors Falls. In the heart of Nightcap, Protestors Falls are where the huge protests to protect the stunning rainforest were held in the 1970s, cementing Byron and its surrounds as a home for activism, environmentalism and care for country. Make sure to visit after rain if you can, to see the stunning cascades remind you why sustainability is more important than ever.
There’s plenty of stunning places to explore close to town too, with the classic Cape Byron walking track leading to Australia’s easternmost point, the first place in the country to catch the sunrise! Just north of Byron is the Tyagarah Nature Reserve, 7km of unspoiled beaches and coastal walks, a perfect opportunity for a digital detox in Byron!
Of course, while you're thinking of things to explore in Byron, you can't pass up the ultimate Byron experience - the Byron Crystal Castle and Shambala Gardens! Tucked away in the heart of the hinterlands, explore centuries old crystals, wander the over 5 hectares of forest, and pick up a little crystal to take home. Can you even say you've been to Byron if you haven't visited this must-visit spot?
Once a day of eating and exploring is done, rest and relax – after all, that’s what Byron’s all about! The main beach, just a short walk from Byron Bay YHA, is the perfect place to watch the horizon turn a hundred shades of blue, purple, orange and pink, shifting into dusk.
Following COVID-19 guidelines on hygiene and distancing for a safe stay.
Booking directly on yha.com.au gives you various advantages such as best price guaranteed, more room choice and much more!
YHA is a not-for-profit organisation. This doesn’t mean we don’t make money – it means we’re constantly re-investing back into our hostels to meet the needs of our guests.
It’s easy being green when you stay with YHA – our hostels are packed full of energy-efficient and water-saving features like solar panels, rainwater tanks and recycling facilities.