The best Byron Bay walks and hikes to go on this summer

Lace-up your boots and head out for a walk or hike to best appreciate Byron Bay.

The best Byron Bay walks and hikes are those that take in the spectacular scenery. From a dog-friendly beach to a legendary coastal path that squiggles along the craggy coastline to paths through photogenic pockets of rainforest, and a guided tour of a glow-worm tunnel, there are walks and hikes around Byron Bay designed to suit both casual walkers and serious hikers. We’ve done some of the hard work for you, rounding up some of the best spots to take a hike in Byron Bay and beyond.

Snap a selfie along the Cape Byron walking track

an aerial view of the Cape Byron walking track — The 3.7-kilometre loop will reward you with spectacular views of the ocean and hinterland. (Image: Destination NSW)

Have you even been to Byron if you haven’t snapped a selfie in front of the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse? You will find some of the best of what Byron has to offer along the 3.7-kilometre walk: from sun-drenched beaches to coastal rainforest and plenty of whales to spot when the season is right. There are also cafes along the way where you can stop and fuel up on pancakes and piccolos.

You can extend the walk – and burn off those calories – by starting at Clarke’s Beach, walking along the sand to The Pass, joining the Palm Valley track until you go over the cliffs to Wategos Beach before joining the track to the lighthouse. This is not a pram-friendly walk; there are a lot of stairs. While the road from Byron Bay runs right to the back of Wategos Beach, it can get very crowded and parking is extremely limited.

Take your pooch along for the Tallow Beach walk

a scenic view of the Tallow Beach from above — Tallow Beach extends to the Arawkal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Slather yourself in 50-plus to walk to and fro along Tallow Beach, which curves for about seven kilometres between the Cape Byron Conservation Area and Broken Head Nature Reserve. The beach, just 3.2 kilometres from the heart of Byron Bay, is part of Arawkal National Park and one of the only places that matter when there’s big surf. In the early mornings, when the birds are singing, and the horizon looks as though it’s covered in a layer of gauze, you will see the ghostly silhouettes of fishermen casting their lines out to sea. The dog-friendly section of the beach stretches from a point adjacent to Jarman Street to the boundary of the national park.

Embark on the Three Sisters walking track

the Kings Beach, Three Sisters Walking Track — You’ll pass through the secluded Kings Beach along the Three Sisters Walking Track. (Image: Destination NSW)

The starting point for the Three Sisters Walking Track is at the southern end of the picnic area at Broken Head Nature Reserve. The easy 1.6-kilometre walk has gentle hills, and a few steps that will steer you through the emerald-green rainforest with carpets of moss to a lookout over Broken Head and the secluded Kings Beach. A quick heads up, though, Kings Beach is a clothing-optional affair. The area is rich in Indigenous history, which you can read about on the clearly signposted walk, which tells the story of the three sisters who were turned into rocky outcrops near the headland. In winter and spring, the walk offers great vantage points to spot whales and watch for white-bellied sea eagles spearing into the sea for food.

Visit a glow-worm tunnel in Nightcap National Park

a man walking along the rainforest trail in Nightcap National Park — Tackle the tranquil rainforest trails in Nightcap National Park. (Image: Lismore City Council)

It’s not just the coastal walks that boast epic scenery around Byron Bay. Head to the hinterland and you will find a range of trails – from the tranquil to the well-trodden. The World-Heritage-listed Nightcap National Park is home to the distinctive curved silhouette of the ancient volcano, Wollumbin/Mount Warning, which rises above the landscape. Book a Hinterland Magic and Glow-worm Experience and you will be led to a tunnel lit up by the luminescent beetles. The tour also winds its way to a waterfall for a swim and to a rainforest temple hidden in the hinterland.  

Look out over Lennox Head along the Coastal Recreation Walk

a surfer heading to the beach, Lennox Head — The popular surfing spot attracts many local surfers. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

Lennox Head is a 30-minute drive south from Byron and worth the detour to enjoy more great views of sky and sea. Do as Lennox locals do on the daily and walk to the top of Lennox Point, known locally as ‘The Point’. The path is very prominent as it hugs the coast and follows the shoreline. Head south, past groves of pandanus palms, until you reach Pat Morton Lookout, which passes the point break, where you will see talented local surfers all lined up waiting to conquer the next wave.

The views from the Lennox Head lookout span north across Lennox Head and Seven Mile Beach and south to Rocky Point and Boulders Beach and Skennars Head and, if you’re lucky, you might spot the resident dolphins who also like to surf the waves.

Minyon Falls Walking Track

the Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park — The 100-meter waterfall cascades over ancient rhyolite cliffs. (Image: Destination NSW)

Strike out beyond the well-worn tracks along the Byron Bay seafront to enjoy a glorious hinterland adventure along the Minyon Falls Walking Track . The path unfurls through the ancient emerald-green rainforest of Nightcap National Park until it reaches the lookout where you can peer over the top of the cliffs cloaked with Australian eucalyptus trees to see Minyon Falls tumble down into a beautiful natural swimming pool. A bit of rock-hopping is required to reach the base of the waterfall, which is most impressive after heavy rain.

Pinnacle Walk

view of the Border Ranges from The Pinnacle lookout — The Border Ranges can be seen from The Pinnacle lookout. (Image: Destination NSW)

The forested peak of Wollumbin can be glimpsed from plenty of vantages around Byron and the Tweed, but to really appreciate this ancient sentinel, take the Pinnacle Walk in the Border Ranges National Park. While keen hikers could once clamour to the summit, in recent years, the local Bundjalung people have closed this sacred site to tourists for safety and cultural conservation reasons. But you can still hike the foothills of this monolith and admire its majesty from the easy 600-metre return Pinnacle Walk and Lookout. Our hot tip is to rise before the sun to see Wollumbin emerge from the darkness.

Rocky Creek Dam

Pack your picnic basket for day at pretty Rocky Creek Dam , just a short side-step west of the Byron Shire. There are four walks to wander, ranging from the quick, 20-minute Water Dragon Walk to the 2-hour Scrub Turkey Walk, so you can pick the route that suits your group. Once you’ve absorbed your bush-hemmed surrounds and marvelled at the 14,000-mega-litres of water held by the dam, sprawl out in the picnic area and let the kids loose in the adventure playground. 

Killen Falls

If you’d like to soak in some lost world magic, take a drive to Tintenbar. Tucked into the hinterland of the Ballina Shire, this serene and mostly secluded spot offers an easy 660-metre return walk to a viewing platform or a fairly steep 1-kilometre hike down to the base of the waterfall. Take a deep inhale as you tune into the mind-stilling sound of the thundering cascade.

Tyagarah Nature Reserve and Tea Tree Lakes

two people walking with dogs on Belongil Beach — Go for a leisurely walk with your furry friends on Belongil Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Set between Byron and Brunswick Heads, Tyagarah Nature Reserve unfurls along a 7-kilometre stretch of sand. Behind the dunes, there are bush-hemmed tracks for proficient walkers, which take in tranquil tea tree lakes and a picnic area. If you’re eager to lace up for a longer hike, start the walk at Brunswick Heads and carry along to the north end of Byron at Belongil Beach. This 15.4-kilometre stretch will take a good few hours, so be prepared with water, food and sun protection, and don’t forget to tell someone where you’re headed.  

Northern Rivers Rail Trail

For now, the quickly beloved Rail Trail kicks up the dust just north of Byron at Crabbes Creek, but planning is in the process to link the Tweed section to Byron and beyond. Until then, the current trail meanders beautifully through bucolic vistas, beneath rainforested canopies, and through former rail tunnels (one of which features a smattering of glow worms). While bikes are the most popular way to tackle the trail, you can also hike the full 24 kilometres or bite-size sections on foot. Just watch out for two-wheeled hoons!

Discover the best beaches in Byron Bay.

This article was originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Lara Picone.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.