Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a coastal town in the far-north coast of New South Wales, Australia, known for its beaches, surf breaks, and the prominent Cape Byron headland. The town is closely associated with outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism.

The shoreline includes several popular beaches and surf spots, and the Cape Byron headland is dominated by the historic Cape Byron Lighthouse, completed in 1901. The area is widely used for coastal walking, whale watching, and scenic viewpoints offering sunrise views over the Pacific Ocean.

The town grew from a 19th-century rural settlement into a well-known tourist destination through the 20th century, driven by surfing culture and its coastal natural setting. The lighthouse was built to provide navigation for shipping and has become an enduring local landmark.

Byron Bay sits on the Atlantic-facing coast of northern New South Wales; the headland known as Cape Byron is the easternmost point of mainland Australia and is a short drive or a walking-track distance from the town centre.

• Whale season: Best months for offshore whale watching are during the southern hemisphere winter and spring, roughly May to November when migrating whales pass the coast.
• Lighthouse date and position: The Cape Byron Lighthouse was completed in 1901 and marks the easternmost point of mainland Australia, making its headland a popular vantage for sunrise views.

What to See #

• Cape Byron Lighthouse: Completed in 1901, the lighthouse tower is about 22 metres tall and its light has a focal height of approximately 114 metres above sea level. The structure stands on Cape Byron, the easternmost point of mainland Australia, and is reached by a sealed walking track from the town.