Australia’s most famous coastal town might be a magnet for surfers and partygoers, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy a weekend in Byron Bay with kids.
It’s a matter of organising the right itinerary. For your family, that might mean swimming in sheltered swimming spots and strolling along pretty boardwalks – or visiting working farms and having adventures on magical fairy trails.
Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Byron Bay with kids.
For a super-comfy trip, hire one of SIXT’s roomy SUVs or vans, and, for kids aged seven or under, add a baby or child seat.
CALM SWIMMING SPOTS
The easiest beach to reach is Main Beach, right near town. It’s famous for its sweeping views – of the Great Dividing Range to the north, and Byron Bay lighthouse to the south. While adults are soaking up the scenery, kids can swim between the flags.
More sheltered spots are at Clarkes Beach, complete with tidal pools, and Wategos, which is nice and shady.
Half-an-hour’s drive south in Ballina, you’ll find Shelly Beach, where there’s a wading pool, and the War Memorial Pool, where there are two magnificent waterslides.
Walking in Byron Bay with kids
Visiting Byron Bay with kids doesn’t mean having to stick to your hotel. You can get out and about, exploring on foot.
The classic trail for people of all ages is the Byron Bay Lighthouse walk, which ends at Australia’s spectacular easternmost point. The full route is a 3.7-kilometre loop, but if you’ve a stroller – or your kids aren’t keen on walking far – drive to the carpark and walk the last section.
Got bikes? Head just south of Byron to Suffolk Park, where, on the Tallow Creek pathway, the kids can ride through a tea tree lagoon and sand dunes – while spotting birds.
A little further south is the Lennox Head Boardwalk. This follows the seaside, finishing at Lennox Point, and looking out over beautiful views all the way. Strollers are welcome.
Other things to do in Byron Bay with kids
Beyond swims and walks, there are loads of other things to do with kids in Byron Bay.
For animal lovers, there’s the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can meet sugar gliders, owls and even snakes up close (though not too close). More animal friends can be made at Summerland Farm, which is a 40-minute drive south. Baby goats, rabbits and guinea pigs wait to be patted, plus there’s an adventure playground and water park.
To add some magic to your holiday, take a spin north to Brunswick Heads to follow the fairy trail. Pick up a clue sheet from the Visitors Centre, then let the kids search for fairy houses left in hidden places by an unknown fairy godmother.
Another mystical experience is the Crystal Castle, which is half-an-hour’s drive west. Kids can stand between two of the tallest crystals on the planet, rest in a cave made of amethyst and wander through rainforest.
EXCELLENT PLAYGROUNDS
When you need a break, pack a picnic and head to one of Byron Bay’s many playgrounds.
To get away from the crowds, escape to Denning Park on Lawson Street. It’s just behind Main Beach – but slightly to the south. You’ll find a small slide, a climbing gym and swings surrounded by shady parkland.
Back in town, Railway Park is in a handy spot near The Rails Pub. There’s a bunch of things to keep children busy, including slides, indigenous artworks and a boardwalk through a cottonwood forest. On Saturday evenings, wander through the Twilight Markets.
Where to eat in Byron Bay with kids
All that swimming, walking and adventuring is bound to give your kids a good appetite. Many restaurants and cafes in Byron welcome children and offer kid-friendly menus.
Start the day with brekkie at the Balcony Bar & Oyster Co., where they can tuck into the ‘Pirate Scramble’ or pikelets with berry compote and maple syrup. It’s a relaxed, easy-going spot in the middle of town, with plenty of space and a wraparound verandah.
Come lunch, make tracks to The Farm, an 80-acre working farm 15 minutes’ drive inland. Kids can take a guided farm tour and watch animals being fed, before feasting at the onsite bakery or sitting down to lunch at Three Blue Ducks Restaurant. Alternatively, grab a hamper and go picnicking.
For a special dinner experience, reserve a table at Beach, at Clarkes, where every single table overlooks the water. The children’s menu offers gemelli bolognese, and steak or fish with fries.
How to get to Byron Bay
Byron Bay is ten hours’ drive north of Sydney and two hours’ drive south of Brisbane.
For a quicker trip, take a flight to Ballina Airport or the Gold Coast Airport. SIXT’s fleet of family-friendly vehicles are available at both. Get behind the wheel, and you’ll be exploring Byron Bay with kids in no time.
