Byron Bay is a stunning stretch of paradise waiting an easy 70-minute drive from Gold Coast Airport. We’re here to make the case that — with its entertainment and dining-packed town, beautiful beachfront and easy adventure options — it’s a perfect family holiday destination for Kiwis.
1 | LEARN TO SURF.
When in Aussie, right? Catch some of the serious local surfer vibes and book in a family lesson. Byron Bay’s pristine beaches like Main Beach, Wategos and The Pass all have beautiful surf breaks that are perfect for learning and building confidence in the water.
2 | TAKE YOUR NUTTERS TO MACADAMIA CASTLE.
There’s a strong possibility that the pancake stacks at Macadamia Castle are the world’s best. Kids can overindulge in a triple stack topped with berries, crunchy nuts and even ice cream. Then ride the sugar rush through the Castle’s farm animal petting zoo, mini-golf course and miniature train ride.
3 | TACKLE THE LIGHTHOUSE WALK.
This gem of a coastal walk takes tiny trampers to Australia’s most easterly point, Cape Byron. You’ll start at Main Beach and be treated to jaw-dropping views of The Pass, Wategos Beach and, of course, the Pacific Ocean. Kids can watch out for dolphins, stingrays and even whales. Need motivation? Ice cream awaits at the Lighthouse Café. You’ll also find a pebble beach that’s perfect for a dip. We recommend timing your visit with the free lighthouse tour: You’ll be taken to the top and shown how one tiny LED bulb manages to make all that light! And if the walk seems too far for the littlest legs, it’s easy to skip the tramp, drive instead and pay a small parking fee at the lighthouse.
4 | HIT THE BYRON BAY MARKETS.
If you’ve timed your visit to the monthly community markets on the first Sundays of the month in Butler Street Reserve, your little ones are in luck! You’ll find over 300 stalls and local artisans offering a massive range of treats, face painting, live music and kids activities. In summertime, the popular Twilight Artisan Market pops up every Saturday at Railway Park.
5 | JOIN THE CIRCUS.
A rainy day is no problem with Circus Arts Byron. Kids of any age — and even too cool teenagers — will love scaling the indoor climbing wall, flipping somersaults on the Olympic-sized trampoline, soaring through the air on a trapeze or bouncing around on the 10m tumble track. During school holidays, Circus Arts offers age-specific activities and programmes for little ones as young as 1! For a free rainy day alternative, check out the Byron Bay Library, which offers a big bright space full of goodies for the littlest readers.
6 | FIND FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEEDS.
Byron Bay is brimming with kid-friendly cooking. Locals say you’ll find the best burgers at The Top Shop and Mac Milk Bar & Café. For excellent takeaway fish and chips, head to Mongers. Or head to Byron Bay Brewery, a super relaxed spot where parents can sip craft beers while little ones gobble up the kids menu.
7 | KAYAK WITH DOLPHINS.
Hop on a 3-hour ocean adventure in Cape Byron’s Marine National Park and get the chance to be up close to all sorts of sea life in their natural environment. You can relax and be guided around the bay in 2-person, sit-on-top sea kayaks that are specifically designed for easy use. No experience is needed — just a willingness to have fun! — and a tea on the beach is included for what just might be the perfect family outing.
There’s more where that came from! Come chat to one of our friendly experts and together we can plan your best family holiday yet.
