15 activities to try in Byron Bay while holidaying with kids
Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay. Image credit: Instagram.com/traveljosh
Beach breaks with kids can be a mixed bag. On one hand, there’s beautiful scenery, awe-inspiring wildlife and relaxation together in the sunshine. On the other, there’s sunburn, competitive parking and children who won’t stop screaming because they have sand in their pants.
However, with a bit of planning and plenty of sunscreen, you can give yourself the best chance of a family holiday that is a genuinely delightful. Here are our top picks for things to do with kids in Byron Bay that’ll make memories you’ll treasure.
1. Walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse
Hike the track up to Australia’s most-easterly point (it starts at Wategoes Beach) spotting turtles, dolphins and whales in the Cape Byron Marine Park as you go.
A playful pod of dolphins. Image credit: Instagram.com/chrisbeetham
2. Kayak out to the dolphins
A local business called Go Sea Kayak can take you for a paddle out to places where dolphins love to play.
Aerial view of the Brunswick River and Simpsons Creek. Image credit: Instagram.com/solandsea.co
3. SUP the Brunswick River
Just north of Byron you’ll find Brunswick River and Simpsons Creek, with clear, shallow water at low tide that’s perfect for little ones to paddle in. Older kids can rent a stand-up paddle board and explore the calm waters.
Whale and her calf. Image credit: Instagram.com/the.beachman.life
A whale breaches off the coast of Byron Bay. Image credit: Instagram.com/sensationaltoy
4. Whale watch
Between June and November thousands of humpback whales migrate past Byron. You get a great view of them on the walk up to the lighthouse, however, if you want to get closer a number of local whale watching companies will boat you out into the action.
Surfers at Tallows Beach, Byron Bay. Image credit: Instagram.com/mattblanshard
5. Swim at Tallows Beach
If Byron Bay’s main beach is getting too busy for you, try Tallows. Just south of the lighthouse, this stunning stretch of sand is one of the most photographed beaches in the country.
The Pass, Byron Bay. Image credit: Instagram.com/byron_general_store
6. Climb the staircase to the lookout at The Pass
At the south end of Byron’s main beach a pretty set of wooden stairs will lead you up to the lookout at The Pass – the site of many dolphin sightings and marriage proposals.
Wategoes Beach, Byron Bay. Image credit: Instagram.com/suewhit
7. Make a sandcastle at Wategoes Beach
This secluded, protected little beach is an ideal spot for kids to play and explore the ocean, with rock pools and picnic spots galore.
A little boy’s dad helps him carry his foamie board. Image credit: Instagram.com/surfgroms_
8. Learn to surf
Byron is a great place to learn to surf, as the bay is relatively safe and there are several surf schools that cater to beginners. If the kids get too waterlogged, they can transfer their skills over to the Byron Bay Skateboard School, or learn some tricks at Circus Arts Byron (who offer school holiday programs).
The grounds of The Crystal Castle, Byron Bay hinterland. Image credit: Instagram.com/shreeyoga
9. Get zen at The Crystal Castle
While ‘zen child’ might sound like an oxymoron to many parents, the Crystal Castle has a peaceful Buddha Garden full of statues where you can imagine what it would be like to have a calm kid. They also offer face-painting on weekends and during school holidays, a giant amethyst egg, and lots of pretty trinkets for crystal lovers.
Mullumbimby Farmers’ Market, Mullumbimby. Image credit: Instagram.com/valleyofcraftsmen
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10. Meet locals at markets
Should you be running low on scented candles, bohemian jewellery or organic fresh produce, rest assured there is no shortage of markets in the Byron area. Whether you choose one in the town of Byron Bay, or hit up nearby Bangalow, The Channon, Mullumbimby or Nimbin, unique souvenirs are guaranteed.
Sea turtle. Image credit: Instagram.com/jackson.groves
11. Visit the Sea Turtle Hospital
If you’re in Byron during the New South Wales school holidays, drive down to Ballina and take a tour of the Sea Turtle Hospital (which is part of Australian Seabird Rescue). Tours usually start at 10am and run for an hour. Check their website and/or give them a call before you head down (it’s run by volunteers and details can change). Visit Ballina’s Big Prawn to round out your day.
Horses on the forest-to-beach trail. Image credit: Instagram.com/zephyr_horses
12. Ride a horse on the beach
Zephyr Horses and Seahorses are two local Byron businesses that can make your little girl feel like feisty Princess Merida from Brave by taking her on a ride through the forest of Tyagarah to the white sands of Belongil Beach. (Zephyr can even teach her how to fire arrows on horseback – the full Brave experience.)
Vegetable garden at The Farm, Byron Bay. Image credit: Instagram.com/kirianna_nz
Flower farming at The Farm, Byron Bay. Image credit: Instagram.com/cloud_catcher_lodge
13. Visit The Farm
This gorgeous restaurant, café, event space and working farm has a program of workshops especially for kids. Children can learn about growing flowers, taking care of farm animals and how to grow veggies.
Ducklings at the Macadamia Castle, Byron Bay hinterland. Image credit: Instagram.com/macadamiacastle
14. Take the train through Macadamia Castle
Macadamia Castle is a fun place for younger children to catch the mini-train and feed farm animals – they can also hold rabbits. Mini-golf and a climbing frame are also on offer.
Brunswick Heads. Image credit: Instagram.com/solandsea.co
15. Water play (including water slides)
As well as a beautiful network of rivers and creeks, Brunswick Heads also has a fabulous beach (pictured above). That said, if you just can’t face another sandcastle, there’s always nearby Discovery Parks Water Park, where you can let the kids loose on slides while you curl up with a book.