Byron Bay is well-known for its beautiful beaches, fun festivals and fabulous foodie experiences, but since moving to the NSW North Coast region with my then three-year-old son in 2021, I’ve been blown away by how many things there are to do with kids in the area. From pubs with nature playgrounds where you can dine in peace while watching the little ones play, to circus schools, cubby house villages and fairy trails, these are some of our favourites.
15 of my favourite things to do in Byron Bay with kids
1. Meet adorable animals at The Farm
Wander around the paddocks and meet the chickens, pigs and highland cattle at The Farm, less than 10 minutes’ drive west of Byron Bay at Ewingsdale. Dine at one of the outdoor tables near the nature playground at on-site restaurant Three Blue Ducks or take a picnic rug and grab a bite from the on-site café. There’s also a gelato bar for a bit of a treat afterwards. You can also book guided tours to help educate children about where our food comes from.
2. Chase waterfalls in the Byron Bay Hinterland
Take a drive into the hinterland to swim at one of the spectacular waterfalls that dot this part of the world. Around 45 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay, the 100-metre tall Minyon Falls offers sensational views from the lookout, or you can hike to the base and take a dip. Killen Falls at Tintenbar is a 30-minute drive away and is more easily accessible, just a 500-metre walk from the car park. It also has a cool cave little explorers will love.
3. Learn new tricks at Circus Arts Byron Bay
Mini acrobats and trapeze artists can learn the tricks of the trade at Circus Arts Byron Bay, tucked away in the Arts and Industry Estate. It also has an indoor play area that’s great for younger kids with a pirate ship, rowing boat, a slippery dip, books, games like giant Jenga and a circus tent with a ticket booth, a stage with closing curtains, props and costumes.
4. Play in the Newrybar Merchants cubby house village
The mini village behind Newrybar Merchants is guaranteed to be a hit with little ones. The cubby houses are a replica of the homesteads of the charming hinterland town, around 20 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay. Storytime is held there at 10am on Wednesdays, with chocolate egg hunts on Easter Sunday.
5. Explore Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens
Climb inside an ancient amethyst cave, stand between two of the tallest crystals ever found and see giant Buddha and Ganesh statues at the enchanting Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens. Around 20 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay, the attraction also has a playground and a café offering healthy vegetarian meals. You can do a guided tour at 11am, crystal sound healings at 12pm and 3pm and a crystal intention experience at 1.30pm.
6. Take an eco-friendly ride on the Byron Solar Train
Hop aboard the world-first solar train which takes sightseers between the town of Byron Bay and North Beach Station, near Elements of Byron resort and the family-friendly North Beach Hotel. Operating hourly from around 10am to 5pm, the restored 1949-era two carriage heritage train takes passengers on a three-kilometre journey over a tea tree creek and through littoral forest. It takes ten minutes one way or 25 minutes return.
7. Enjoy Byron Bay's best family beaches
Byron Bay’s beautiful beaches are one of its biggest drawcards. Main Beach can get pretty busy in summer, so branch out to nearby Clarkes Beach or check out The Pass or Wategos Beach (if you can find a parking spot, that is).
If you have older kids, all three can be reached on the four-kilometre Cape Byron Walk, which takes you to the lighthouse at Australia’s most easterly point. Younger ones may be more at home splashing about in the calm waters of Torakina Beach or Christmas Beach at Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve.
8. Have a blast on the Gaggin Park fire truck playground
Little boys in particular will take great pleasure sliding down the fireman’s pole and driving the steering wheel of the fire truck at this playground at Gaggin Park. Located behind the Rural Fire Brigade station in Alcorn Street at Suffolk Park, around eight minutes’ drive south of Byron Bay, it’s right next to the beach and has a barbecue and picnic tables.
9. Meet native animals at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
Meet native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wombats, snakes and lizards, play mini golf and check out the nature playground at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Formerly known as Macadamia Castle, the Knockrow attraction offers a daily activity schedule with keeper talks and wildlife presentations, and also has a café, sustainable gift shop and a hot nut bar. The registered charity also runs weekly playgroups and school holiday programs.
10. Enjoy a laid-back family meal at North Byron Hotel
The playground in the beer garden of North Byron Hotel in the burgeoning North Beach precinct makes it the standout destination for families to dine in the region. Just down the road from Elements of Byron resort and pretty much opposite North Beach Station, its menu includes wood fired pizzas, burgers and share plates, with a ‘Grommets’ menu for kids with offerings such as chicken tenders, ham and cheese pizzas and ice-cream.
11. Discover Byron from an Indigenous perspective
Give the kids an insight into traditional culture on one of Explore Byron Bay’s Indigenous tours. Guided by Arakwal-Bundjalung woman Delta Kay, options include a tour of Walgun (Cape Byron), which begins and end in the car park at The Pass. Discover the story of the rocky outcrop Nguthungulli/Julian Rocks and learn about natural medicine, tools, weapons and artefacts before trying bush food such as native berries and finger limes.
12. Explore the magical Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail
Follow the Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail to see the tiny houses peppered throughout this delightful old-school holiday village. Start by popping into the Visitor Information Centre to pick up a clue sheet, or download it here before you go. Each of the fairy houses, which are made out of recycled and upcycled objects, has a small sign with an inspiring message about such things as being loving and kind, living simply and protecting nature.
13. Kayak with dolphins off Wategos Beach
A pod of around 400 dolphins lives in the bay at Wategos Beach, just around the headland, so you are unlikely to end up with disappointed, whingeing kids after a kayaking tour with Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay or Cape Byron Kayaks. The two companies offer guided tours departing just a few metres away from each other at Clarkes Beach. You may also spot turtles, birds and even whales during their annual migration.
14. Go whale watching—on a boat or just the beach
An estimated 45,000 humpback whales make their way past Byron Bay during their annual migration each year, so during winter you are pretty much guaranteed to spot one on the horizon – if not breaching in the bay, where they stop to hang out. Wild Byron offers whale watching and whale swim tours departing from Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour, around 20 minutes’ drive north of Byron.
15. Spot wild kangaroos and koalas with Vision Walks
Venture beyond the buzzing town and you’ll soon discover the Byron Bay area is home to a surprising array of native wildlife. Eco tour operator Vision Walks offers a range of tours offering the chance to see koalas snoozing in gum trees, kangaroos and echidnas. Early risers can also book a platypus tour to see these elusive creatures in nearby creeks.
Where to stay in Byron Bay with your family
Elements of Byron
Kids will love splashing about in the large lagoon-style pool, following the fairy trail map and playing in the nature playground at Elements of Byron resort, which is set on 20 hectares of bushland on Belongil Beach, a seven-minute drive north of town. Its luxurious, high-tech two-bedroom villas with ensuite bathrooms, kitchens and enclosed decks are ideal for families.
YHA Byron Bay
Located in the heart of town, YHA Byron Bay has private rooms with bunk beds and loft options plus a self-contained two-bedroom apartment with a lounge area, kitchen, balcony, bathroom and washing machine. There’s also a pool, barbecue, games room and laundry facilities, as well as a travel desk to book tours, and surfboard and bike rental.
Discovery Parks – Byron Bay
With a water park, bouncing pillow and large freeform pool, Discovery Parks – Byron Bay just outside of town is a great choice for family fun. There are a range of accommodation options to choose from at this holiday park, from powered and unpowered campsites to lakeside cabins and deluxe safari tents with bunk beds.
Opening image: A girl at Clarkes Beach in Byron Bay © Destination NSW
Planning your Byron Bay getaway? Don’t miss our NSW North Coast family holiday guide for more tips and inspiration.
