On the edge of the world-famous Wategos Beach, sits Raes, Byron’s ultimate beachfront boutique retreat. From its rattan furniture to its Moroccan-inspired marble floors and seashell sconces, it’s a design delight — legend has it Salvador Dalí even designed its tropical garden and freeform pool. It also boasts one of the town’s most awarded and loved restaurants. Book in sooner rather than later if you’re choosing a little luxury with your Byron Bay visit.

@raesonwategos

We love this boutique accommodation that is home to four original Byron Bay cottages restored to surf shack meets tropical garden perfection. Set in the heart of town, it’s close to Byron’s cafe culture and sandy shores. Hang out on the lawn under The Atlantic’s palms during the day or by the fire pit on a balmy evening.

@atlanticbyronbay

Famous for its wellness retreats, Elements of Byron mixes luxury accommodation with holistic health experiences all set in a stunning natural landscape.

@elementsofbyron

Run by the National Parks, this cottage could not be closer to the beach. It’s ECO-certified and nestled between the bush and shores at Byron Bay’s renown ‘The Pass’ surf spot in Cape Byron State Conservation Area. If this award-winning cottage is booked out, you can also try your luck at the Reflections Campsite.

Our favorite chocolatiers/alchemists are born and bred in Byron Bay. Although you can scoop up their heavenly treats from all over the globe, they’ve got a bunch of stockists in their home town including McTavish Cafe, Santos Organics, and Fundies. Check out our podcast with founder Emica Penklis.

@locolovechocolate

An absolute must for visitors of all ages, Byron’s The Farm is a working biodynamic farm that also houses a series of microbusinesses including a bakery, nursery, florist, and gelateria. Take a walk around its grounds and meet the farm’s horses, cows, and chickens. If you want to get your hands dirty before settling in for a meal at the property’s highly-awarded fine dining restaurant Three Blue Ducks, don’t forget to enroll in a farm workshop.

@thefarmatbyronbay

Perched above the bustling Byron streets, this is probably the best people watching spot in town and it’s supported by a simple, honest, and seasonal menu with an emphasis on locally-sourced and sustainable suppliers. Dive into creative share plates of bountiful seafood, freshly made pasta, and locally-sourced meats before washing it all down with a signature cocktail.

@balconybyronbay

Established in 1947, The Byron Bay General Store is the perfect stop to pick up your choice of organic and healthy treats from açaí bowls to turmeric lattes. Pull up a stump under one of its fringed umbrellas and watch the world go by.

@byron_general_store

A cute cafe that serves us amazing healing lattes, bircher bowls, raw pizzas, and vegan treats. Its peach pink communal bar and rattan pendant lanterns give a gorgeous and playful vibe to the interiors. We suggest grabbing one of their drinking coconuts after a hot Aussie day at the beach.

@wearecombi

A true Byron Bay icon, “The Beachie” (as it’s known to locals) has been a longstanding institution and is famous for its mix of great food, hospitality, and entertainment. Across from Main Beach, you’ll find residents and tourists from all walks of life coming together to watch the sunset over an afternoon drink.

@beachhotelbyronbay

Here you’ll find everything from baby carriers, womenswear, and kidswear to shoes and accessories. Plus, all products are made from recycled materials, organic textiles, and plant/herb fabric dyes — protecting the environment, farmers, and children.

@yoli_and_otis

One of Byron’s biggest exports, Spell and The Gypsy captures the free-spirited bohemian energy and Aussie beach culture that defines Byron Bay. It’s been spotted on everybody from Miley Cyrus to Alessandro Ambrosia to Margot Robbie.

@spell

Although it may be difficult to pack a rug or one of their lamps in your suitcase, this rug and homewares boutique is absolutely worth visiting. Scouring the globe for timeless vintage pieces and one-off modern designs, Tigmi Trading creates spaces of beauty, authenticity, and soul.

@tigmitrading

Take a 20 minute scenic drive into the hills and you’ll find the tiny and picturesque town of Newrybar. In one of its few cottages, you’ll find Newrybar Merchants, a treasure trove of creative pieces by local artisans and curated fine goods that honor the essence of the Byron Bay hinterland. After you’ve experienced the rustic charm and effortless sophistication of the store, make sure to pop in next door to Harvest, the town’s highly‑awarded fine dining restaurant, deli, and bakery.

@newrybarmerchants

No more than five minutes outside the town center is Byron’s thriving arts and culture scene where you’ll find surfboard makers, jewellery artisans, burgeoning tech startups, industrial-sized health food stores, and fine dining restaurants. You can catch the world’s first vintage solar train to the heart of the estate or grab a bike and make an afternoon of exploring some quintessentially Byron Bay businesses.

A unique coastal horse ranch that offers small personalized horse tours on the beach and in the beautiful subtropical woodlands — you can also find them at The Farm.

@zephyr_horses

Got too much sun and need a break from the beach? Head up to the Byron Bay hinterland’s rustic village of Bangalow and get a taste of nineteenth century Australian architecture and a tone of art galleries and cute cafes. You can also take a trip up Mullumbimby (a town that many are calling the “new Byron Bay” due to its authentic hippie scene), or visit the tiny village of Federal for some great coffee, a cute old-school general store, and an amazing Japanese pop-up restaurant.

You may have seen it on your friend’s Instagram feed and for good reason. Take one of the town’s most loved hikes that starts from the bottom of the headland and weaves up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse through subtropical rainforest. If you’re there around May – September, you may even spot some whales.

Byron Bay’s premium kombucha brand has opened its doors and is now doing tours of its brewery. Opt for hard or soft kombuchas — both with a side of health benefits.

@thebuchaofbyron