Byron on foot: the lighthouse at dawn, lunch by the sea, a market at dusk

1. The Pass~20 min at the stop

The surf spot below Cape Byron, busy with surfers in the morning, with a view from the rocks across the bay to town. The Walgun Cape Byron track (a 3.7 km loop) climbs from here.

Tip: Parking at The Pass is A$5 an hour, by card or phone, and it fills on weekends. Don't swim where the surfers are riding.

↓ walk · 15 min · 0.8 km

2. Wategos Beach~20 min at the stop

A small cove below the cape with an ocean outlook. On the way, the track passes through rainforest with bangalow palms and ancient burrawangs.

Tip: A good place for a breather and photos. From here the track climbs to the lighthouse, with steps, so carry water. The track is rated Grade 3 (hard).

↓ walk · 15 min · 0.6 km

3. Most Easterly Point of the Australian mainland~15 min at the stop

The lookout on the easternmost tip of mainland Australia. Turtles, dolphins and stingrays are often seen below, and humpback whales in season.

Tip: Bring binoculars. Stay on the track and behind the barriers, away from the cliff edge.

↓ walk · 6 min · 0.3 km

4. Cape Byron Lighthouse~40 min at the stop

The white lighthouse on top of the cape, built at the turn of the 20th century to protect passing ships. The Maritime Museum is beside it, and the lawn looks over the coast and hinterland.

Worth knowing: Resident keepers ran the light until 1989; it is now automated.

Tip: The lawn is open 8:00am to sunset, the museum daily 10:00am to 4:00pm. The lighthouse cafe is closed until at least February 2027, so carry food and water. Tours inside run on limited days: NPWS 02 6639 8300.

↓ walk · 30 min · 2.2 km

5. The Top Shop~40 min at the stop

A 1950s milk bar on the hill above Clarkes Beach, now a cafe: coffee, burgers and breakfasts on organic bread, with beef, sausages and eggs from Hayters Hill Farm.

Tip: Daily 6:30am to 3:00pm. Address: 65 Carlyle Street, corner of Massinger Street. After the track, come down Lighthouse Road and up Massinger Street.

↓ walk · 15 min · 1.1 km

6. Main Beach, Byron Bay~1 h 30 min at the stop

The town beach right by the centre, looking back to the cape and the lighthouse you walked to this morning. Lifeguards patrol all year, which makes it the easiest place to swim.

Tip: Council lifeguards patrol year-round 9:00am to 5:00pm five days a week, with Surf Life Saving volunteers on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in season. Swim only between the flags and check hours in the Beachsafe app.

↓ walk · 3 min · 0.2 km

7. Fishheads Byron Bay~1 h at the stop

A seafood restaurant and takeaway right on the beach. Get fish and chips, or the Fishheads Favourites set: oysters with ponzu, prawns, salt and pepper squid, a seafood mixed grill and cheesecake.

Tip: Restaurant and takeaway daily 7:30am to 8:30pm. Address: 1 Jonson Street. The set menu is A$69 per person, minimum two. Eat takeaway fish and chips on the grass by the beach.

↓ walk · 6 min · 0.5 km

8. Byron Twilight Market~1 h 15 min at the stop

A free evening market in Railway Park on Jonson Street: handmade goods from local makers, food stalls and live music. A good way to end the day once the heat drops.

Tip: Every Saturday 4:00pm to 9:00pm, from 3 October 2026 to 24 April 2027. On the first Sunday of the month the Byron Community Market runs on Main Beach in the morning (from 8:00am: handmade goods, art, ceramics, fashion, food).