10 Best Activities For Kids In Byron Bay

Holidaying with the family is one of life’s great joys. Here’s how you can spend time away from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect in Byron Bay.

The popular coastal hotspot of Byron Bay in NSW’s Northern Rivers region is one of the most beautiful places in Australia, and there’s a reason that kids love it, too. If you’re planning a holiday to Byron with the family, or find yourself in town with an empty itinerary, we’ve got you covered with nine of the best activities to keep the whole family happy.

1. Take a trip to The Farm

Part working farm, part eatery – The Farm provides an enchanting and playful insight into the rural side of Byron Bay. Just a 10-minute drive from the centre of town, little ones can spend the day running, playing and getting up close to lots of adorable farm animals. Fuel up by grabbing lunch at Three Blue Ducks.

During school holidays, there are kids activities designed to inspire and educate. Each one is filled with hands-on, creative and mindful activities to encourage an appreciation of nature, animals and the community. Watch your children learn about ethical farming practices, as well as how food is grown, composting, animal care and more. There are adult workshops on offer, too!

The Farm in Byron Bay, NSW — Meet the friendly (and cute) locals at The Farm. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 11 Ewingsdale Road, Ewingsdale NSW

2. Wander around Crystal Castle

Take the winding roads into one of the cutest Byron hinterland towns and you’ll be rewarded with an enchanted sanctuary housing two of the tallest crystals in Australia. At Crystal Castle , take a magical stroll around the labyrinth-like Shambhala Gardens, learning about the Naren King who initially envisioned Crystalight back in 1986.

The crown jewel of Crystal Castle is the Enchanted Cave, formed over 120 million years ago in northern Uruguay and brought here by Naren. It’s approximately 5.5 metres tall, made when a giant bubble formed inside a molten lava flow. Kids and adults alike will love spending time looking at the millions of amethyst crystals that make up this amazing place.

Crystal Castle in Byron Bay, NSW — Wander the peaceful Shambhala Gardens at Crystal Castle. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 81 Monet Drive, Montecollum NSW

3. Hit the local markets

There really is no better way to discover the true essence of a place than by visiting the community markets. The Byron Community Market , held on the main beach foreshore, take place on the first Sunday of each month and is filled with handmade wares, food, art and trinkets.

There are plenty of other cool markets in and around Byron Bay, too. From the Murwillumbah Farmers’ Market on Wednesday to the Bangalow Flea Markets on every 2nd and 5th Saturday of the month, there’s something for all tastes. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the locals and buy a special Byron-made souvenir to take home.

Byron Bay Markets in Byron Bay, NSW — Kids will love hunting for treasures at the markets. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Visit the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

Previously Macadamia Castle, the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary aims at creating awareness around the importance of respecting the natural world and Australia’s native animals. The park is open seven days a week and also hosts comprehensive kids’ day programs during the school holidays.

The whole family will enjoy a day spent here, with the daily activity schedule including keeper talks, wildlife presentations and interactive animal experiences. There’s also an onsite cafe and retail store, with a focus on locally produced and sustainable gifts.

The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Byron Bay, NSW — The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a great day out. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 419 Hinterland Way, Knockrow NSW

5. Learn how to surf

The natural landscape of Byron is a playground in itself – particularly for those who can make the most of it. Catching waves at one of the many popular beaches is a rite of passage, so it’s good to start them young. Soul Surf School is a Byron institute and the perfect place to dip your toe in as a beginner. There are board rentals for all levels, with lessons starting for those as young as seven.

If you’re child is five or above, you can also book them in for a private lesson with a professional. There are also great group sessions on offer too, so the whole family can get involved. There are plenty of other surf schools too, including Blackdog Surfing, Mojosurf and Kool Katz Surf School.

Soul Surf School at Main Beach in Byron Bay, NSW — Byron is the perfect place to learn how to catch waves. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 4/14 Bay Street, Byron Bay NSW

6. Ride horses in the hinterland

If you’d rather stay dry, head to Zephyr Horses for an afternoon or horse-riding. The coastal horse ranch offers an array of options, including specialised kids rides. Children have to be above the age of 10 to join a regular group ride, however the Mini Zephyrs Club caters to those under 10.

If you’re riding with kids, choose between the 1.5-hour Forest Trail, the two-hour Forest to Beach track or the two-hour Sunrise or Sunset Forest to Beach ride. Then head back to the ranch for a cuddle with your new best friend.

Zephyr Horses in Byron Bay, NSW — Hit the track with Zephyr Horses. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 145 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay NSW

7. Have a day out on the water

One of the many beauties of Byron is that so many kid-friendly activities are freely accessed via the great outdoors. Families can see Byron from a different perspective with Wild Byron Sea Safaris, which offer snorkelling and whale watching trips. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, colourful fish and dolphins, too. The Byron Bay Dive Centre also caters for all levels of snorkelling experience.

If your little ones are a bit too young to take out on the boat, hit up one of Byron’s many stunning beaches for a day in the sun. Wategos Beach is known for being calm; in fact, it’s one of the best swimming spots in Byron. Other ways to get out on the water include kayaking, SUPing, eco tours and whale watching.

Kids swimming at Tallows Beach in Byron Bay, NSW — Byron is home to some of Australia’s best beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Frolic at a festival

Byron Bay is a festival hot spot and many of them accommodate families by dedicating special areas or days to kids. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s likely to be something fun on the calendar for you.

There’s Bluesfest over Easter, which is an all-ages music event with an exceptionally wholesome environment. July’s Splendour in the Grass is Australia’s biggest music festival, with Little Splendour held alongside the entire three-day event. The Byron Bay Writers Festival has a kids’ day in August, as well as the Sample Food Festival in September.

Bluesfest in Byron Bay, NSW — The whole family can enjoy Byron’s festivals. (Image: Bluesfest Byron Bay)

9. Ride the world’s first solar-powered train

Only in Byron would you find something so retro yet sustainably powered. The Byron Bay Train is the world’s first solar-powered train; a restored 1949 carriage fitted with contemporary green technology. The train runs along a three-kilometre coastal track, linking the town centre with North Beach.

Kids will love learning onboard the two-carriage train, which takes around 10 minutes one-way or 25 minutes return. A scenic bounty on this piece of history costs just $5 each-way for adults and $3 for kids aged between six and 13. Any younger and you can travel for free! The train runs daily, with specific times listed on the website.

Byron Bay Train in Byron Bay, NSW — Kids will love a scenic ride on the solar-powered train. (Image: Getty/Kiara Bloom)

Address: Shirley Street Level Crossing

10. Join the circus

If you’ve ever dreamed of running away and joining the circus, say hello to (pretty much) the next best thing. Seven days a week, rain hail or shine, Circus Arts Byron showcases the best indoor playground paradise for toddlers, teens, adults and everyone in between.

Explore all the circus-themed activities you can think of, from an indoor climbing wall, Olympic-sized trampoline, flying trapeze and tumble track. On school holidays, Circus Arts offers programs tailored to certain age groups, all available for kids as young as one. Once they’re all worn out, simply head to the onsite cafe to refuel.

Address: 7 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay NSW

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Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

10 of the best activities for families and kids in Byron Bay