Top Byron Bay Nature and Wildlife

Kayak alongside a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in beautiful Byron Bay! Led by expert guides, this sea kayak adventure takes you through the calm waters of Cape Byron Marine Park. Learn about the protected aquatic environment along the way, see Cape Byron lighthouse and refresh with a tea and Tim Tam biscuit break on the beach. All equipment is provided, and no kayaking experience is necessary.

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales by joining this tour from Byron Bay, led by a marine biologist. Head for areas that the whales are known to pass through as they migrate in winter, watch them as they majestically breach, and listen to them sing by using an underwater hydrophone.

Visit three different habitats (a eucalypt forest, rainforest, and grassland) to observe Australian wildlife in its natural habitat. Spot koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, flying foxes, birds, and more with the help of a guide. Depending on conditions, you may also see other mammals such as pademelons. Plus, the tour Includes a locally sourced picnic in the rainforest.

Discover a serene sanctuary in Byron Bay’s hinterland by pre-booking your skip-the-line admission ticket for the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens. Stand between two of the world's tallest crystals, sit in an ancient amethyst cave, and wander through the tranquil Shambhala Gardens and rainforest. Daily guided experiences are included in your ticket.

Lose yourself in the mesmerizing landscapes of the Nightcap National Park on this half-day tour from Byron Bay. Hike through the UNESCO-listed rainforest, then cool off with a swim beneath the beautiful Minyon Falls. After refueling with a hearty BBQ lunch, get a taste of local life in the Byron Bay Hinterlands as you stop by towns and villages, including the legendary market town of Bangalow.

This adventure in the hinterland of Byron Bay gets to the Gondwana Rainforests, a UNESCO World Heritage Area. You’ll begin at one of the highest waterfalls for spectacular views, followed by a vegan/ vegetarian dinner in nature. When it gets dark, you’ll see the glowworms illuminating the view. Spend time listening to the sacred flute, have conscious talks, and leave full of inspiration.

Hone your surf skills with this half-day lesson in beautiful Byron Bay. Head to a beach that suits your skill level, throw on your gear—included in the lesson price—and learn basic techniques from an expert coach. Then, continue your lesson in a small-group setting with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 7. If you don’t stand up by the end of the session, receive a free class.

Paddle your way to Australia’s easternmost point on this 3-hour sea kayaking adventure from Byron Bay, including hotel pick-up. After learning to steer your tandem kayak, set out from Clarkes Beach and enjoy waterside views of landmarks like the Byron Bay lighthouse, the Julian Rocks, Wategos millionaire row and Cape Byron. Keep a look out for dolphins, sea turtles and whales as you cruise around the bay, then cool off with a swim before heading back to shore.

Try scuba diving while in Byron Bay with a 5-hour class that includes a diving session at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve. Your diving course includes equipment hire, one lesson in the swimming pool, and a guided dive at Julian Rocks—where you can see tropical species found on the Great Barrier Reef along with marine life from the depths of Australia's Southern Ocean. Species often encountered include manta rays, turtles, blue gropers, and wobbegongs, along with an assortment of hard and soft corals.

Grab your friends and prepare for some fun on this afternoon brewery and distillery tour. You’ll be taken to two local breweries and a distillery (or vice versa) to learn how your favorite drinks are made and, of course, to have a taste. The tour starts at 2pm so will take you through to the early evening, when you can call it a night or continue the fun independently.

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without having to head north with a 3-hour scuba diving experience at the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve in Byron Bay. Suitable only for certified divers, this diving adventure will bring you closer to the reserve’s vibrant corals and marine life, with the chance to spot manta rays, wobbegong sharks, sea turtles, and over 400 species of fish.

Experience the Brunswick River the way nature intended—with only the noise of paddles gently sweeping the water—on a stand-up paddleboard tour in a group of maximum eight people. After a short introduction to the art of SUP, head out into the wilds with a guide to point out wildlife and capture digital photos, then return for water and home-made snacks. Tour includes pickup from Byron Bay, if required.

Take in gorgeous views and get some exercise without feeling exhausted at the end of the day with this e-bike tour. Bike past the old railway town of Billinudgel, visit Harry Hills Beach, enjoy the town of Brunswick Heads and more. With plenty of opportunities for cafe stops to grab a snack or lunch, this is a leisurely outing that combines activity with time to relax.

Skip the driving and hassle of waiting for public transport on this guided tour through the Northern Rivers hinterland. Enjoy pickup and drop-off from your Byron Bay accommodation and relax in a comfortable vehicle as you explore. Check out the markets (farmers or arts and crafts, depending on the day), and explore the hippy towns of Nimbin and Mullumimby, as well as the small settlements of Main Arm and Uki. Includes a locally sourced picnic lunch at Crams Farm next to Mount Warning.

Journey to the easternmost point of Australia on this 3-hour tour from Byron Bay. Explore the handicrafts shops, cafés and markets of lively Bangalow, then continue along the cape to visit the landmark Cape Byron Lighthouse. Enjoy magnificent panoramic views from the lighthouse’s viewing deck and look out for humpback whales along the coast (May-October only).

Take a break from the beach and discover two of Byron Bay’s most popular attractions – Cape Bryon Lighthouse and Crystal Castle – on this half-day tour. First, climb to the top of the Cape Bryon Lighthouse, where you can take in magnificent views from Australia’s easternmost point and spot humpback whales along the coast (depending on the season). Then, be dazzled by the exquisite gardens and gigantic crystals on display at the Crystal Castle, before continuing to lively Bangalow for lunch (included).

Explore the towns and villages in the Byron Bay hinterland without the hassle of driving or planning public transport on this guided tour that includes hassle-free round-trip transfers from your Byron Bay accommodation. Take a guided walk through Bangalow to learn about its history, see Minyon Falls, the biggest waterfall in the region, and explore the gardens and crystals at Crystal Castle where lunch is included. Afterward, visit quirky Mullumbimby and the quaint village of Brunswick Heads.

Skip driving and enjoy a stress-free journey to Crystal Castle on this tour that includes transfers from your Byron Bay accommodation, entry fee, and a guide book. The tour is timed so that you can experience the workshops and meditations, including a crystal singing bowls meditation. Join a guided walk through the Shambhala Gardens or enjoy your free time to explore independently.

Nocturnal animals are fascinating to watch, but, as they appear under the cover of darkness, they can be tricky to spot. Vastly increase your chances on this night vision guided walk from Byron Bay. By wearing night vision goggles, you can explore the rainforest at night and easily find such nocturnal animals as possum, pademelon, bandicoot and tawny frogmouth in their natural habitat. After your walk, ensure a warming cup of hot chocolate under the starry night sky.

Spotting platypus, those charismatic native Australian mammals, can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Skip the guesswork on this guided tour from Byron Bay. Arriving just after dawn—the ideal time to see them—head for an area known for platypus and perhaps also spot a koala and lots of birds. After your walk, enjoy a locally sourced picnic breakfast. If you don't see a platypus, you can take a repeat tour at no additional cost.

Enjoy an active day in the Mount Jerusalem National Park without getting too tired, as you’ll be riding an electric mountain bike. In a small group led by a guide you’ll ride through the beautiful forest of the national park, stopping at an enchanting series of pools and waterfalls known as Unicorn Falls. This is a fun way to get out into nature and exercise while keeping some energy for your next adventure.

If you like the idea of mountain biking through Mt. Jerusalem National Park but don’t want to get too tired, this guided e-bike tour is ideal. You can still get active while the bike picks up the slack in the hard parts. Visit popular Hells Hole Pools, where you can cool off with a swim while enjoying beautiful views of the park.

Go on a self-guided E Bike tour through the best of the Tweed hinterland to finish at the award-winning Husk Farm Distillery. (return transfer included) E Bike effortlessly through nature reserves, the full length of The Northern Rivers Rail Trail, up windy lanes through the rainforest & across flat open cane fields. Guide yourself at your own pace with our custom smartphone app. The new Rail Trail winds for 25km to the town of Murwillumbah along the path of an old railway line. It features many old bridges, remnants of track, great views and two tunnels (one 524m long with glowworms & microbats!) and no cars! After the Rail Trail you will E bike with ease up into the rainforest & amazing views on the way to Bilambil, before descending down to finish in the grounds of Husk Farm Distillery for a well earned gin & tonic. (return transfer included) We set you up with a great E Bike, helmet, hi-viz backpack, a smartphone app & off you go. Don't just rent a bike, have an adventure!

Discover pristine, white-sand beaches and secret waterfalls, tea-tree lakes far from the crowds and plenty of quiet water holes only the locals know about. This is the perfect experience for those looking to be immersed in nature out beyond the tourist droves. While the Byron Bay Foreshore might be one of the most photographed beaches in the world, this tropical paradise has so much more to offer those willing to get out and explore it. Come discover a different side of the Byron Shire in good company, with local knowledge and unique insight to make your day here extra special.