the local's guide to byron bay
MARKETS
Byron Bay Markets
If you want to feel a sense of community, head over to the Byron Bay Markets. They are held on the first Sunday of the month and host local produce stalls, food stalls and art, as well as live music. Indulge in the local culture with a list of things to see, buy and eat. If fresh produce is your jam, then check out Byron’s Farmers Markets - held every Thursday.
The Channon Markets
‘Make It, Bake It, Grow It’ are the ethics of the Channon Markets and after 44 years of service it still delivers. The markets are held one the second Sunday of the month and located in the little village known as the Channon. It is about a 45 minute drive west of Byron Bay. Live music, local talent, fresh produce and second hand bric-a brac are just some of the things you will find at the Channon Markets.
Bangalow Markets
Bangalow is around 20 minutes south-west of Byron Bay. The leafy, historic town holds their markets on the 4th Sunday of the month. The markets are packed with artisan products, produce, food and drinks, as well as stalls that offer imported jewellery and clothing. Live music under the shade of the fig trees is the perfect Sunday morning atmosphere.
NATURE
Lake Ainsworth
Bring a picnic and enjoy the tranquility of the ‘Tea Tree’ Lake. A short drive south of Byron Bay, in Lennox Head, is Lake Ainsworth . The fresh water lake is stained a tea colour by the secretion of tannins from the tea trees that line its banks. The water is thought to have healing properties - given that tea tree oil can be used for skin ailments. As it is a lake, the water quality can vary and sometimes swimming is not allowed.
Minyon Falls Lookout
Take in the wonder of nature at Minyon Falls Lookout. Located about 50 minutes outside of Byron Bay, the breathtaking view at the lookout stretches over the treetops and into the horizon and the waterfall is a magical sight to see. Spend a moment or an hour here in the presence of nature - there are even picnic and barbecue facilities.
Killen Falls
Killen Falls is another beautiful waterfall to visit during a stay at Byron Bay. Approximately 30 minutes drive from Byron, Killen Falls offers spectacular views surrounded by lush rainforest. The viewing platform is a 1km bushwalk from the carpark. Bushwalking experience is recommended and swimming is not advised due to variable water quality but the serenity and beauty of the waterfall is well worth the trip.
Cumbebin Wetlands Boardwalk
After grabbing a coffee at the markets, take a wander along the Cumbebin Wetlands Boardwalk. The boardwalk trails through a sanctuary of flora and birdlife. It is an escape to nature that's only minutes from the centre of Byron Bay.
SHOPPING
Arts and Industrial Estate
Byron Bay has become a bastion of entrepreneurship and creativity, with many locals making the move for lifestyle and business. The Arts and Industrial Estate is a hotspot of local creative talent and local businesses where you can find art, fashion, food and more. The estate is a hive of ambition and is a great place to access inspiration in its many forms. Wander, shop, dine or grab a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.
Seed & Sprout
Seed & Sprout is an Australian owned business, whose founder is a Byron Bay local. Seed & Sprout’s aim is to reduce the reliance on single use plastics and they have their eyes set on our kitchen, bathroom and cleaning practices. Kitchen compost bins, shampoo and conditioner bars and dishwashing bars are just a sample of their eco-minded range. Some manufacturing occurs overseas, but to offset any contribution this could make to their carbon footprint, Seed & Sprout plants a tree for every order they receive. Their website boasts an array of earth friendly products and gift cards.
Two In The Sun
Unique jewellery born out of travelling Australia. Two In The Sun is a home to locally made and designed jewellery pieces in Byron Bay. Two In The Sun is an environmentally minded business and their pieces are crafted with the most sustainable and ethical materials they can get their hands on. They even donate monthly to Positive Change For Marine Life - a local Byron Bay organisation. Two In The Sun attends many markets and events, so if you find yourself in Byron keep an eye out for them at the many markets Byron hosts. Or, shop online from wherever you are in the world. Check their website for all the details and take a peek at their creations.
Liberation Larder
Byron Bay’s ‘Food rescue food lifeline service’, Liberation Larder is a collective of over 60+ volunteers who grow, seek, source, collect, cook and distribute food to those in need. If you are in Byron Bay for a weekend away and want to lend a helping hand to those in need you can donate food or money and if you have the time you can donate that too.
EXPERIENCES
Nimbin
Nimbin is known for its alternative ways and if you are up for the drive from Byron Bay (it is around an hour and 15 minutes) you can experience its uniqueness. The township, vibrant and full of colour, is often home to festivals and markets. Nimbin is part of the ‘Rainbow Region’ - a term that holds great cultural significance to the Traditional Owners of the land.
Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens
About a 20 minute journey from Byron Bay is the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens. Here visitors can escape on tranquil rainforest walks, take in the magic of the botanical Shambhala Gardens and be awestruck by the world's largest natural crystals. There is also sound healing sessions twice a day, that are said to be mesmerising.
FARM TO TABLE
The Farm, Byron Bay
The philosophy ‘Grow, Feed, Educate’ inspires all they do at The Farm. This 80 acre working farm has a passion for growing produce using traditional and sustainable methods that are spray and chemical free. Check out Three Blue Ducks Restaurant and Produce Store, The Bread Social or Baylato and support the range of local micro businesses that The Farm is home to.
The Byron Bay General Store
A piece of Byron’s history - The Byron Bay General Store is one of Byron Shire’s oldest commercial buildings still standing today. The produce is sourced from local and organic farmers in the area and they are mindful of their environmental footprint - you can even score 10% off if you make the effort to ride or walk!