The 16 Best Bars In Byron Bay - Australian Traveller

A bunch of drinking dens have joined Byron’s popular bar scene, offering holidaymakers plenty of options for sophisticated sips in this free-spirited town.

From intimate wine bars serving natural wine to beachside terraces and sunset cocktails in Mediterranean-inspired surrounds, you’re sure to find the right place to cheer up, slow down and chill out. Here are our favourite Byron Bay bars not to be missed.

1. Moonlight

An illuminated crescent moon is your beacon on Bay Lane to step inside and discover its hidden gem, Moonlight Hibachi Grill & Wine Bar . The moody and monochromatic interiors are a contrast to the usual sunny vibes found in Byron.

a classy bar interior at Moonlight, Byron Bay — Moonlight boasts a classy interior.

The intimate 45-seat restaurant and bar serves modern Japanese bar bites alongside biodynamic wines picked according to the Luna cycle, a stellar Saki selection and killer cocktails.

a table-top view of meals at Moonlight Hibachi & Wine Bar — Dine exquisite meals at Moonlight Hibachi & Wine Bar.

Address: Bay Lane, Byron Bay

2. Bar Heather

The Parisian-inspired Bar Heather is the brainchild of Luna Wine Store’s talented team. With over 700 natural wines from around the world, you can swirl and sniff your way through the list while snacking on a wine-friendly menu created by Chef Ollie Wong-Hee, with highlights including prawn toast, yellowfin tuna and fermented sausage.

Bar Heather in Byron Bay — The menu has been created by chef Ollie Wong-Hee. (Image: Jess Kearney)

While wine is most definitely the focus, you can also sip on cocktails and enjoy live jazz each Thursday. There’s a lot to love about Bar Heather and it’s a breath of fresh air in Byron.

Address: G09/139 Jonson Lane, Byron Bay

3. Pixie Food & Wine

At Pixie, you’re invited to enjoy a cocktail and snack at the bar, sip a spritz on the terrace or settle into the main dining room for a delicious meal. Offering a modern coastal twist on traditional Italian cuisine, it’s one of the best spots in Byron for a tipple or two.

a bar counter at Pixie Food & Wine — Sip a cold brew at Pixie Food & Wine.

The classic cocktail list has had an Italian summer-inspired Pixie shake up. Why not try the amalfi sunset, with mezcal, rhubi rhubarb liqueur, strega herbal liqueur and lime?

cocktails at Pixie Food & Wine , Byron Bay — Shake up Italian cocktails at Pixie.

Address: 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

4. Light Years

The original Byron Light Years you know and love is all grown up and relocated to the swanky Jonson Lane precinct alongside sister venue, Pixie. The Light Years glow up features designer interiors in blush pink hues, soft muted tones and an impressive tile and terrazzo bar.

the bar at Lightyears, Byron Bay — Light Years has an alluring interior.

It’s the perfect spot to sip fresh cocktails and dine out on Light Year’s Asian-inspired bar snacks, including kingfish ceviche, miso caramel eggplant, crispy pork belly and san choy bow.

a glass of cocktail at Lightyears, Byron Bay — Sip fruity cocktails at Light Years.

Address: 139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

5. Raes Cellar Bar

Not just for the fortunate few, Raes Cellar Bar welcomes locals and visitors to their outdoor oasis with unrivalled views of Wategos Beach. Enjoy relaxed yet refined bar snacks like oysters with native finger lime, anise myrtle and lemon aspen, burrata and truffle fries, alongside a curated beverage list including the prettiest Paloma.

plenty of chairs under a huge umbrella at Raes Cellar Bar — Opt for casual beachside dining at Raes Cellar Bar.

Open seven days from midday until sunset, the bar allows for walk-ins only, seated on a first come first serve basis. So plan ahead to ensure you snag at least one Wategos sunset at Raes.

an al fresco drinking and dining spot at Raes Cellar Bar — Go out for an afternoon booze at the Raes Cellar Bar.

Address: 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay

6. Verandah by Forest

All are welcome to breeze into Verandah by Forest at Crystalbrook Byron . Relax and unwind on the shaded verandah overlooking the sparkling swimming pool and rainforest beyond.

forest view at Verandah by Forest — Bask in serenity at Verandah by Forest.

With sustainability at its heart, sip on a Breakfast in Byron. Created using homemade Davidson plum marmalade, Crystalbrook Byron gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon, and syrup from the resort’s own honey. Or head to the Elixir Bar, which serves up drinks with bio-fermented, probiotic ingredients formulated for gut health, glowing skin and wellbeing.

a hand holding a glass of Paradiso cocktail at Verandah by the Forest — Sip a cocktail at Verandah by Forest.

Address: 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay

7. Treehouse

If you’re after a quintessentially Byron experience, head to the relaxed seaside locale of Belongil Beach, where Treehouse offers wood-fired pizza, live music and great vibes. A long-time favourite among locals and travellers, settle in under the palms with a cocktail in hand to enjoy the laidback locale.

Treehouse bar in Byron Bay — The tropical boho vibes are unmatched at Treehouse.

If you’re here to celebrate, be sure to book the bottomless. Available every day, you’ll be treated to a classic marg on arrival, a delicious 7-course shared menu and 1.5 hours of unlimited tap beer, wine and seltzer.

Cocktails at Treehouse bar in Byron Bay, NSW — Settle in for a summer cocktail after a day in the Byron sunshine.

Address: 25 Childe Street, Byron Bay

8. Balcony Bar & Oyster Co

Perennial favourite Balcony Bar holds court on the corner of Lawson & Jonson streets, where guests can sip cocktails and watch Byron life go by below. Munch on cauliflower popcorn, Ballina king prawns and chargrilled local market fish to your hearts content.

Balcony Bar in Byron Bay, NSW — Balcony Bar is the perfect spot for people watching.

Menu highlights include Oyster Shooters and signature cocktails like the Caribbean Garden, with Pampero Blanco, 43 Licor, basil, lemon, vanilla sugar and aquafaba.

Address: 7/3 Lawson Street, Byron Bay

9. Loft Byron Bay

Occupying an elevated terrace position just moments from famous Main Beach, sip summery cocktails in the casual coastal ambience of Loft Byron Bay and take advantage of the lofty heights for great people watching.

the dining interior at Loft Byron Bay — Soak up the coastal ambience at Loft Byron Bay. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Head chef Juan Hernandes brings a passion for fresh ingredients and seafood to the menu, with dishes like crispy twice-cooked pork ribs, Australian bay lobster and lemon myrtle basque cheesecake. Pop in on Thursday’s for two-for-one cocktails (with any set menu).

cocktail drinks on the counter at Loft Byron Bay — Pick from an array of cocktail selections. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Address: 4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

10. Bang Bang Byron

Local favourite Bang Bang is a buzzing restaurant and bar offering a pan-Asian menu designed to share. With curious cocktails and beachside beats to match, you’re sure to have a banging time.

the exterior of Bang Bang Byron — Pop into Bang Bang Byron for dinner. (Image: Jess Kearney)

Highly recommend the nostalgic prawn toast in all its crispy glory, or opt for one of the insane curries made onsite. Wash it all down with a tipple or two from the ‘Bang Bang Bangers’ cocktail list.

a close-up shot of meal at Bang Bang Byron — Savour the delicious Pan-Asian menu at Bang Bang Byron.

Address: 4/1 Byron Street, Byron Bay

11. The Mez Club

Inspired by Moroccan architecture and the Greek Islands, The Mez Club is a breezy bar with a Mediterranean style and holiday vibe. The upstairs mezzanine, known as The Souk, has been designed to cater for groups, while downstairs locals and visitors mingle while grazing on tapas.

The Mez Club in Byron Bay, NSW — Soak in the Med vibes at The Mez Club.

Another great place for bottomless brunch, head here on Saturdays and Sundays for five signature dishes and two hours of unlimited seasonal spritz, sangria beer or wine.

Address: 4/85-87 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

12. Elements of Byron

While the Summer Salt bar at Elements of Byron is reserved for the exclusive use of adult in-house guests, Azure Bar & Grill welcomes locals and visitors alike for signature cocktails, local brews and fine wines.

meals at the adults-only pool bar in Elements of Byron — Chill out at the adults-only pool bar in Elements of Byron.

Bask in the warm, family friendly atmosphere on the terrace by the pool or experience a more formal evening in the dining room. As the temperature cools, sip Negroni’s fireside and toast to warm Byron days ahead.

a poolside bar and lounge at Elements of Byron — Lounge by the poolside bar at the Elements of Byron.

Address: 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

13. Stone & Wood

Visit Stone & Wood’s ‘spiritual home’ in Byron Bay, home to a 31-tank brewery, tasting room, canteen and leafy beer garden. While the majority of production takes place in nearby Murwillumbah, this is the place to be if you’re a Stone & Wood fan.

the bar exterior of Stone & Wood, Byron Bay — Swing by Stone & Wood for a drink.

Walk in anytime for beers and bites or book ahead for brewery tours, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak it up. Not a beer lover? They’ve got you covered with seltzers, hard ginger beer and non-alcoholic options too.

Stone & Wood Brewing Company in Byron Bay — There are plenty of freshly brewed beers on tap to choose from. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 100 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay

14. Lord Byron Distillery

Tucked away in the Byron industrial estate you’ll find Lord Byron Distillery , a fun tiki bar serving up fabulous cocktails from Tuesday to Saturday. We highly recommend you try anything for the cocktail list, as they’re usually served up in a cute and kitsch drinking vestibule.

the back bar at Lord Byron Distillery — Tuck yourself at the back bar in Lord Byron Distillery.

If you’re keen to learn more, sign up for a cocktail masterclass, where you’ll be guided through creating the perfect drink before enjoying the fruits of your labour. Bookings required.

a serving of piña colada Lord Byron Distillery — A perfect day for a piña colada at Lord Byron Distillery.

Address: 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay

15. Cape Byron Distillery

Home of Brookie’s Gin, B-Corp Certified Cape Byron Distillery is located just 15 minutes from Byron’s town centre. Try the new Brookie’s Rainforest Gin, a limited edition gin honouring the importance of healthy, standing rainforests and inspired by foraged botanicals from the distillery’s own rainforest.

friends enjoying a gin tasting experience at Cape Byron Distillery, McLeods Shoot, Byron Bay — Go out for a drink with your friends at Cape Byron Distillery. (Image: Sam Clarke/Destination NSW)

If you’d like to learn more about spirits, book a guided tasting flight, whiskey tour or the ultimate Brookie’s Rainforest & Gin Tasting Tour to experience a full appreciation of the farm. Visits to the cellar door are by appointment only.

two hands holding cocktail drinks at Cape Byron Distillery — Drink zesty cocktails at Cape Byron Distillery.

Address: 80 St Helena Road, McLeods Shoot

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

15 top bars to visit in Byron Bay