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.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.