Family-friendly things to do in Byron Bay

There is something so special about family travel, especially when exploring Australia. One trip we absolutely love to do is to visit the coastal town of Byron Bay. This is a true gem when it comes to family vacations as there are so many family-friendly things to do in Byron Bay. From getting up close with nature and enjoying time in the sunshine, to exploring the hinterland areas and discovering local markets, there is something for every family in Byron Bay!

Image: Destination NSW

Why you should put Byron Bay on your road trip itinerary

Byron Bay is a great addition to any road trip as it is so easily accessible in a campervan hire, and has a seemingly endless list of fun things to do. What’s more is there are some great beach-side campgrounds that are ideal for your Apollo Camper, making it a perfect choice for your next family trip.

You can easily pick up your Apollo Camper from the Brisbane branch, then hit the road and head towards Byron Bay, which should take around 2 hours to reach. Plus, with having your home on wheels, it means you and the family can take the trip at your own pace, stopping in at places along the way and designing your trip to how you feel! Freedom, comfort and flexibility – sounds pretty perfect for a family road trip we think!

The best 10 things to do in Byron Bay with kids

Hit the beach

First things first, Byron Bay is home to so many picture-perfect beaches, so a beach day with the family is a must!

There are some beautiful beaches to choose from, all of which are sure to be loved by the entire family. Main Beach is right in front of the Surf Club and is within easy walking distance of the main part of Byron Bay, meaning after some time in the sun you can wander up to grab a bite to eat or ice cream. Wategos Beach is a hit with surfers and families alike with plenty of space to set up for the day to enjoy splashing in the calm waves, building sandcastles and enjoying the sunshine. Clarkes Beach is also great for families and perfect for those with younger children as there are shallow calm waters for kids to splash around in, as well as great waves for the family surfer to enjoy.

All in all, a trip to Byron Bay with the family wouldn’t be complete without some time at the beach, and with so many to choose from, this family-friendly option is sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Visit Australia’s most easterly point

Byron Bay is home to Australia’s most easterly point, and you can get here by visiting the impressive Cape Byron Lighthouse. Whether you walk or drive up to the lighthouse, this activity will amaze the entire family.

If the family is up for a walk, you have two options to make it to the top. Both are easy pathways that showcase the coastal views along the way. If you don’t feel like walking, then you can drive your Apollo camper all the way to the top where there is parking available. Once at the top you’ll be in awe at the impressive views that span across the entire Byron Bay region and out to sea. You might even get a chance to see some passing dolphins or whales from the lookout point, and of course get a family photo in front of the lighthouse.

This is a great family-friendly experience for parents and kids alike. Kids will love the adventure and excitement of getting to the lighthouse, while parents can enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the way. It’s sure to be a wonderful memory-creating experience for all.

Image: Destination NSW

Explore Byron Bay’s hinterland

Byron Bay isn’t just about the coast and beaches, it also has some of the most beautiful hinterland regions that are great to explore in your Apollo campervan hire with the family.

We suggest taking a drive out through the country towns, stopping along the way to explore the local shops and even grab a bite to eat at one of the cute cafes. While out here the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens are a great spot to stop at. Here you can get your family photo between two of the world’s biggest crystals before wandering through Shambala Gardens and rainforest.

Exploring the hinterland is a great way to bond with the family, check out cute country towns and discover another side of Byron Bay that is sure to capture the hearts of the whole family.

Immerse yourself in nature

Another must-do while in Byron Bay with the family is to get into nature. There are so many options when it comes to nature walks when in the area, one of our favourites is the Arakwal National Park.

Situated not too far away from the main area of Byron Bay, this national park invites you to drive in and park your camper in the parking area, before walking through to one of the more secluded beaches where birdwatching, swimming, surfing, fishing and simply enjoying the sunshine is on offer. Be sure to pack a picnic so the family can enjoy a true Byron Bay beach day!

With the national park to one side and the ocean to the other, each member of the family is sure to feel relaxed and happy with this activity choice! Kids can build sandcastles and play in the shallow waters, while parents can enjoy the sunshine, surf and the relaxing vibe that this place is so well-known for.

Stroll through the local markets

Byron Bay is known for its wonderful markets that have something for everyone. Whether you’re wanting to grab some local produce and enjoy a bite to eat, or are looking for more of an arts and crafts experience, you’re sure to find something at this market to suit the family.

The Byron Bay markets are an eclectic showcase of Byron Bay’s lively culture. Fused with the combination of a great atmosphere, artistic talent, delicious food and local products, this is a must-do when in Byron on the first Sunday of the month.

Kids and parents alike will find something here to entertain them. From listening to live music and enjoying some delicious food, to picking up a souvenir to remember the trip and seeing the local wares, the Byron Bay markets will surely be a hit with the whole family.

Get up close with Dolphins

Next on our list of family-friendly things to do in Byron Bay is to get up close and personal with the local dolphins!

Byron Bay Dolphin Kayaking Tour invites you to paddle in their guided tour out to where these playful animals frolic in the ocean, and even see some turtles if you’re lucky! Not only will it be a lovely time out on the water, but also a memorable experience with plenty of laughs.

This unique experience is suitable for the whole family and promises to be an awe-inspiring adventure on the water. Kids and parents alike will love to see the dolphins up close, enjoy some paddling and refreshing ocean time.

Take a surf lesson

A family holiday is the perfect time to learn to surf! Every member of the family are sure to love being out in the water, riding the waves, and enjoying some fun in the sun.

Soul Surf School will teach you all how to ride the waves like a pro, and because they are a mobile surf school, they will ensure they find the perfect waves for you all to learn on. It’s not a fun few hours, but also done with safety in mind so you and the family will be in the right hands.

With group sessions, private sessions and dedicated kids sessions, their trained surf coaches ensure it’s a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Meet the local wildlife

For all the nature lovers out there, the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is sure to excite and delight. With interactive wildlife experiences, educational talks, a café and gift shop, this is a great addition to every road trip planner when visiting the Byron Bay area.

While here you can get up close with hands-on experience with the local owl, cute sugar gliders and slippery snakes! Alongside these exciting experiences, the centre also holds informative talks about the conservation efforts of Australian wildlife, as well as an array of other animals for you to discover and learn about throughout the grounds. After all this excitement, we suggest enjoying a bite to eat at the on-site café and trying some of the locally grown macadamias. You can pick up a few extra packets from the gift shop to store in your Apollo Camper for later!

This experience is the perfect blend of animal fun and education, making it entertaining for the whole family. Whether you’ve got young kids or teens, everyone is sure to enjoy their time at the wildlife sanctuary.

Go snorkelling

For those seeking a little more adventure during their time in Byron Bay, then how about a snorkelling trip to discover the underwater world? Rated as one of the best dive sites in Australia, this is a wonderful addition to your family road trip.

The site is located 2.5km off the mainland and is called Julian Rocks. This rocky outcrop offers safe and shallow waters, perfect for snorkelling and freediving. This site is where the warm tropical waters and cooler temperature waters collide, making it a marine wildlife hotspot. From whales, dolphins and manta rays to leopard sharks, gray nurse sharks, turtles and fish, you’ll be left in awe after your time out here. You’ll be led by expert guides who ensure your safety and enjoyment is of top priority.

This is a wonderful bonding experience for the whole family, with so much excitement and amazement sure to be had. Whether you’re a snorkelling pro or just starting out, we highly recommend taking a trip to see the underwater world with the family. You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime!

Enjoy a coastal stroll

Last on our list of family-friendly things to do in Byron Bay is to enjoy a leisurely coastal stroll. There are many to choose from when in the area, one of our go-to’s is the Lennox Head Boardwalk walk.

This easy walk winds along the beautiful Lennox Head beach, up to a wonderful lookout point. From here you can watch surfers catching great waves, spot passing dolphins and enjoy the expansive views all the way towards Byron Bay. After the walk you can stop in at one of the cute local cafes for a bit to eat, or enjoy a delicious ice cream by the ocean.

What makes this experience so great is that the whole family can get involved. The trail is designed for all fitness and age levels, and is easily accessible in your campervan hire. You’ll be able to get some great family photos along the way, to capture what is sure to be a memorable trip to Byron Bay.

Ready to explore Byron Bay with Apollo?

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of family-friendly things to do in Byron Bay. Whether you’re a nature lover, beach goer, foodie or market enthusiast, this place has something for every family member. Of course, these are only just a few of the wonderful family-friendly things available in the area, when you arrive we’re sure you’re going to find so many more great family-friendly things to do.

If you can’t wait to hit the road and start exploring Australia, be sure to head online to book your Apollo Camper today!