Nestled on the eastern coast of Australia, Byron Bay is a town renowned for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and laid-back lifestyle. With its pristine beaches, lush hinterland, and an eclectic mix of residents and visitors, living in Byron Bay offers a unique blend of relaxation and excitement. Byron Bay has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for foreigners and Australians alike. But, what is it like to actually live in this hyped-up town? Is living in Byron Bay really as magical as everyone says?
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Location
Byron Bay is situated in the Northern part of New South Wales, about 800km north of Sydney and 175km south of Brisbane. Its location just off the Pacific Highway makes Byron Bay easily accessible by car and bus. Greyhound buses stop here a few times a day, heading either north or south. The closest airports are in Ballina and Coolangatta (Gold Coast). If you fly into Brisbane, you can take one of the many shuttle bus options (e.g. Byron Easy Bus) straight to Byron Bay.
The area enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Distinctive of this climate, rain commonly occurs on summer evenings to cool down the air. Thanks to this combination of sun and rain, the area boasts lush pastures and beautiful green landscapes.
Tourist Crowds
With a population of about 9,000 people, Byron Bay is considered a small town. However, the place welcomes around 1.5 million tourists per year. Locals complain about the crowds causing this once lazy beach town to lose its charm. Not only is it impossible to find a parking spot at certain times of the day, it is also difficult to find a place to live. Everybody wants a piece of it! While it is true that Byron is simply too small for the number of tourists that storm in every peak season, it is unlike any other town in Australia. If you avoid going into town in summer, Byron Bay can be a piece of heaven.
A coastal heaven
Byron Bay is famous for its breathtaking coastline, featuring some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Main Beach, Clarkes Beach, and Wategos Beach are just a few of the spots where locals and tourists alike enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. The iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, perched on the easternmost point of the Australian mainland, offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is a must-visit for residents and visitors.
From Tallows Beach you can dawdle for kilometres all the way to Broken Head. Another one of our favourites is walking from the Pass to Wategoes, having a coffee break at the blue VW Combi on the way up to the lighthouse, and then rewarding yourself with a quick dip in the ocean on the way back.
The Community Spirit
One of the most appealing aspects of living in Byron Bay is the strong sense of community. The town is home to a diverse mix of people, including surfers, artists, musicians, and environmentally conscious individuals. This eclectic blend fosters a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home. Local markets, festivals, and community events are common, providing ample opportunities to connect with others and enjoy the vibrant culture of the town.
Outdoor Adventures
In Byron Bay you can easily fill your days with all kinds of activities. Surfing obviously first comes to mind, as you find good waves for all levels all year round, explaining why it is a popular spot for tourists to try their hand at surfing for the first time. Yoga is very big as well, with yoga classes popping up everywhere.
You can also go scuba diving to Julian Rocks, or get a bird’s eye view hang-gliding above the lighthouse. Beyond the waves, you can explore the surrounding hinterland, which is dotted with rainforests, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Mount Warning, also known as Wollumbin, is a popular hiking destination that offers stunning views of the region. We tell you more a bit below in this article.
Active Culture
If you have an artistic disposition, Byron Bay is the place for you. Join dancing or painting classes on the industrial estate or do a “crafternoon” with friends. As everybody around you is doing something artsy, it’s easy to get inspired and unleash your creativity. Why not try something new at the Byron Bay Community Centre? They offer a broad selection of affordable short courses (e.g. on Photography, gardening, etc). The beauty about Byron Bay is that anything goes here!
Restaurant and Music Scene
Even when the sun has gone down, the day doesn’t end here. The culinary scene in Byron Bay is diverse and thriving. From high-end restaurants to casual beachside cafes, the town offers a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes. Locally sourced, organic produce is a staple, and the farmers’ markets are a great place to sample the best of the region’s fresh ingredients. Whatever you feel like for dinner, you will find it on Bay Lane, Jonson, or Fletcher Street. Whether you’re in the mood for gourmet cuisine or a laid-back brunch, Byron Bay’s food scene has something for everyone.
Being the mecca of music, there is always something going on in Byron Bay. Talented musicians from all over the world busk on Jonson Street or play in cafés. While you get to see free live gigs at The Rails every night, Friday is when it’s really happening there. If you feel like dancing to electronic music, The Northern is your best bet on late weekend nights.
Exploring the Region
Don’t get up late the next morning though, as the stunning countryside is waiting! Driving through hidden hinterland villages, you find a number of waterfalls and waterholes.
Killen Falls and Minyon Falls are our favourites in the region. To get down to the bottom of Minyon Falls, you walk through a stunning rainforest with birds’ twittering coming from the canopy. The view of the water streaming down is worth hopping across the rocks at the end of the trail for. By the way, it’s best to go there after rainy days, to get the full spectacle, otherwise you might only see a few water drops.
Another great hike is Mount Warning. If you can’t make it for sunrise, the view from the mountaintop is breathtaking at any time of the day. Plus it’s nice to actually see the beauty of the forest on the way!
Byron Bay Wildlife
If you look closely, you’ll see wildlife everywhere in Byron. Our furry friends wallabies, echidnas, and koalas, as well as snakes and lizards are frequent visitors. Keep calm, most snakes you see slithering around are harmless Carpet Pythons. You don’t only see a diverse range of birds, such as Lorikeets, Rosellas, and Galahs, but also an abundance of fruit bats roaming the air.
From the beach or even in the surf, you can see a pod of dolphins or turtles if you’re lucky. Sharks live in these waters too, you just can’t see them. From June to October, humpback whales are passing by the bay closely, as it is located at the most easterly point of Australia. You can spot dozens of them breaching and frolicking in the ocean on your daily beach walk. You’ll never take that for granted!
Housing in Byron
While living in Byron Bay offers many benefits, there are also challenges to consider. The town’s popularity has led to an increase in property prices and cost of living, which can be a barrier for some.
- For a room in a shared house in town you pay around $300-450 per week.
- To rent a 2-bedroom house, it will cost you around $700.
Buying property in Byron Bay has almost become unaffordable for the average person. Rumour has it that it is wealthy older couples and families from Sydney and Melbourne that move up here are causing this high level of competition on the housing market.
- For a 3-bedroom house, prices start around $1,600,000.
- For a 4-bedroom house: $2,000,000
If you don’t mind cycling or driving into town but still want to live close to the beach, the neighbourhoods of Suffolk and Sunrise are your best bets. Another great alternative is living in the adjacent towns Lennox Head or Brunswick Head. Not only is housing more affordable, but also is it quieter and less touristy there. If you’re brave enough to face the crowds, you can still easily get in to Byron in 10-minutes by driving. You get the best of both worlds.
In conclusion
Living in Byron Bay is an experience like no other. The town’s stunning natural environment, strong community spirit, and emphasis on a healthy, balanced lifestyle make it an attractive destination for those seeking a change of pace. Whether you’re drawn to the surf, the vibrant culture, or the serene hinterland, Byron Bay offers a unique and enriching way of life. For many, it’s not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.
