Things to do in Byron Bay

Shopping and Markets

Island Luxe

Bangalow

The flagship Island Luxe store offers a chic range of homewares, furniture, artworks, clothing, jewellery, travel accessories and more. The beautifully-styled interior is designed in a palette of white and neutrals, and is stocked with one of a kind pieces created by local and international designers, as well as antiques sourced from around the world.

Image: ArtsNational Northern Rivers

Galleries, Museums and Collections

ArtsNational Northern Rivers

Bangalow

ArtsNational Northern Rivers is one of a dynamic network of 38 societies throughout Australia. Together, they source recognised international and Australian-based experts to deliver highly illustrated presentations across the arts – painting, sculpture, multimedia, architecture, landscaping, dance, music, writing, history, ancient and modern. ArtsNational offers members and guests a series of eight one-hour illustrated presentations throughout the year. These are delivered by overseas and Australian experts, chosen for their specialist knowledge and communication skills. Their evening events scheduled on a Monday evening in the iconic A & I Hall Bangalow are renowned for their welcoming hospitality and inclusive atmosphere. They encourage young and emerging artists from within the local community and are committed to the conservation and preservation of Australia's heritage.

Image: Ninbella

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ninbella Art Gallery

Bangalow

Ninbella is the Byron Shire’s premier art gallery representing some of the best indigenous and non-indigenous artists from both the local area and from further afield. Specialising in First Nations art, Ninbella acknowledges it’s business is respectfully conducted on the traditional lands of the Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation.

Entertainment Venues

The Brunswick Picture House

Brunswick Heads

In a beautiful, sleepy beach town called Brunswick Heads sits a theatre that sat empty for decades… After lying dormant for over 30 years, the curtains lifted on The Brunswick Picture House in March 2016 and it began a new lease on life! Lovingly restored and re-imagined by the creative team behind the internationally acclaimed circus/cabaret sensation "La Soirée", the Brunswick Picture House has captured the imagination and warmed the hearts of the community with its old world charm. Having survived the wreckers ball and the ravages of time, this iconic building's revival has set the stage for a vibrant and charismatic mix of cabaret, comedy, film, live music, circus and family friendly entertainment. It's a true romantic, old fashioned treasure. Since opening in 2016, The Picture House has built up an incredible audience within the Northern Rivers community and beyond. Stats show that the core audience stretches up and down the east coast from Brisbane to Coffs Harbour, with more people making the trip from interstate and overseas each year - especially since they were featured on ABC Backroads in January 2024. Having recently undergone a refurbishment in 2021, including fully accessible facilities, air conditioning and new chairs, the Brunswick Picture House has become a local landmark, establishing itself as a place for people to meet, be inspired, gossip, laugh, and be entertained.

Spas and Retreats

Ripple Brunswick Heads Massage Day Spa and Beauty

Brunswick Heads

Looking for an amazing massage or day spa package? Ripple has deluxe spa packages and highly qualified massage therapists. Perfect for girls' weekends, couples' massages, hen parties, girls' getaways, pamper parties and for those who just want to relax. If you are looking for an awesome massage nearby, Ripple is the answer. More than just mobile massage, they offer day spa packages in your home or accommodation, Airbnb or home with free peppermint foot soaks, nourishing face masks, full-body exfoliation, and reflexology. Specialising in relaxation massage, deep tissue massage, remedial massage and pregnancy massage, their team of highly qualified massage therapists come to you.

Natural Attractions

North Head walking track

New Brighton

It’s a short, easy stroll on North Head walking track from the carpark down through a lovely section of endangered littoral rainforest to the mouth of Brunswick River. Tear yourself away from scenic ocean views and head down this trail for a change of scenery. You may spot a goanna along the way, or a harmless carpet python. For birdwatchers, there are plenty of feathered friends to feast your eyes upon as you walk, such as rainbow bee-eaters. As the name suggests, these birds are brilliantly marked and, although they will eat all sorts of insects, particularly relish a good bee and are immune to the sting. Keep an eye out for this multi-coloured beauty during the warmer months and have your binoculars handy. Two other short tracks also lead from North Head carpark to the ocean beach and to mangrove-lined Marshalls Creek.

National Parks and Reserves

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve

Brunswick Heads

Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve offers all the pleasures of the great outdoors within easy reach of civilisation. Whether you're into fishing, canoeing, birdwatching or picnicking with a view, come and explore this charming reserve nestled between the townships of Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads. Spend the whole day fishing on Brunswick River or New Brighton Beach. Drive and walk or cycle all the way to Harrys Hill Beach, on the north bank of the river, for a picnic under shady trees. Head to the north wall to watch for migrating whales in winter. Eagles and kites can also be seen hunting along this northern New South Wales coastline all year round. Take an easy walk from North Head carpark through endangered littoral rainforest on North Head track, or hike a short distance to Marshalls Creek for some more birdwatching. Canoe, boat or paddleboard on Brunswick River and you might just see an endangered loggerhead turtle or a vulnerable green turtle coming up for air. These are just two of the reserve's many threatened animal species.

Spas and Retreats

Bjørn Floating Sauna

Brunswick Heads

BJØRN Floating Sauna is a wellness experience on the stunning Brunswick Heads River. Inspired by the Nordic sauna culture, BJØRN brings together the tradition of wood-fired heat with the natural beauty of Australia's waterways. Step aboard their handcrafted floating sauna boat and enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation, nature, and connection. Choose from shared sessions where you can meet like-minded locals and travellers, or book a private cruise with friends, family, or colleagues. Each session offers time to unwind, rejuvenate, and, for the brave, take a refreshing cold plunge on deck or jump in the river.

Natural Attractions

Brunswick River picnic area

Ocean Shores

Brunswick River picnic area is a great place to enjoy this peaceful coastal reserve, with views of the river and easy-to-access fishing spots. Enjoy lunch with friends and family in the shade of cottonwood hibiscus, which shows its large yellow flowers in the warm weather, and listen to the wind gently whoosh through the swamp oaks. Then cast a line and relax. The access road to this picnic area is lined with many threatened rainforest trees, such as marblewood and stinking laurel (which doesn’t actually stink). In spring, the brilliant purple flowers of the hovea bush decorate the way as well. This quiet spot is ideal for birdwatching. Pied oystercatchers feed on the rocks, while birds of prey - brahminy kites and white-bellied sea eagles – soar overhead. If you’re really lucky, you’ll see an osprey stealthily snatch a fish from the water.

Image: Mullum SEED

Parks and Gardens

Mullumbimby Community Gardens

Mullumbimby

The Mullumbimby Community Gardens offers a lovely space on the outskirts of Mullumbimby to rest and rejuvenate, while exploring the range of gardens, food growing initiatives, nurseries and community initiatives on site. The site is host to regular workshops, classes and events that share and promote the culture and ethos of the region, and that connect people to nature, regenerative practices and the joy of gardening. It is open to the public 7 days a week.

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Petria Thomas Swimming Pool Mullumbimby

Mullumbimby

The Petria Thomas Swimming Pool in Mullumbimby is open all year round! Facilities include: 50 metre x 8-lane outdoor pool, heated to 27 degrees 12 metre shaded children's pool, heated to 31 degrees Cafe Accessible chair lift and sling Changing rooms, free hot showers and toilets Find out about opening hours, entry fees and season passes.

Spas and Retreats

The Banya

Mullumbimby

Part bathhouse, part restaurant, part bar, part sauna – The Banya is a luxury European oasis in Mullumbimby. Local publican Brenden Lawless is the mind behind the business, and the bones are a 1920s-era bank. The bathhouse side of the building is home to two hot mineral pools, a sauna, a steam room, a cold plunge pool and five massage rooms. The restaurant and bar follow the health and lifestyle philosophy of the space, serving up nutritional and curated bowls and boards alongside a short list of original cocktails and mostly local, Italian and French wines. Style Agenda have designed the interiors to match the old-world European feel of the bathhouse while respecting the history and heritage of the bank’s bones.