Once a hotbed of counter-culture ideology, Byron Bay has evolved into a leading luxury destination. The “Hemsworth Effect” saw flocks of cashed-up sea changers plant roots in town, transforming Byron from a carefree hippy village into Australia’s swankiest postcode.
And this palpable identity shift has had a knock-on effect on its tourism industry, with accommodations and experiences edging increasingly upmarket. If you’ve got cash to splash on an East Coast getaway, Byron Bay is the ultimate luxury destination.
From fine dining to fancy lodgings and next-level tours, here are five reasons why Byron is an opulent spot for some high-end self-indulgence.
Helicopter Tours
Why settle for a scenic lookout when you can admire Byron from the sky?
Helicopter tour companies like Adrenaline offer joy flights around this spectacular coastal stretch. Soaring over Cape Byron and Seven Mile Beach, these scenic jaunts bring you the best bits with a unique bird’s eye view. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales as they frolic through the waters below.
Boutique Hotels
From Wategos to Belongil Beach, a string of chic boutiques have sprouted up around town. Whether you’re after breezy beachside digs or a secluded rainforest resort, Byron has a suitably swanky lodging for every taste.
Travelling with your tribe? Try one of Byron’s numerous luxury Airbnbs instead. Or, if you’d rather hunker down in the hills, you’ll find a stable of romantic farm stays scattered around the hinterlands.
Farm-to-table Restaurants
Byron sits in the heart of the Green Cauldron, a fertile food-producing zone framed by lush rolling hills. All this prime agricultural land means top-quality produce is always within easy reach. Byron’s best paddock-to-plate restaurants purchase locally-grown ingredients direct from regional providers, preparing lip-smacking nosh with a zero-kilometre ethos.
Wondering where to stuff the gullet? Some of our favourites include Harvest Newrybar, The Farm, and Forest Restaurant @ Crystalbrook.
Horse Riding on the Beach
How does a carefree afternoon careening around the beach on horseback sound?
Zephyr Horses runs personalised small-group riding tours across lush subtropical woodlands and vast pristine beaches. Head for Byron’s trademark golden sands for a Darrel Braithwaite sing-along to remember. Horseback pub tours throw a schnitty and frothy brew into the mix.
If you’re confident with a canter, special shindigs like mustering camps, trick riding, and horseback archery offer a challenging alternative.
Kayaking with Dolphins
There’s no better way to get an intimate glimpse of Byron’s curious marine life than with a kayak. Cape Byron Kayaks has been introducing visitors to Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins since 1995. Daily group tours do a scenic lap around the cape under the watchful eye of a fully-trained Surf Life Saver guide.
Aquatic mammal sightings are all but guaranteed. If you don’t spot a dolphin while paddling, the next trip is free.
Book a Luxury Foodie Tour with Kiff & Culture
Keen to devour the most scrumptious gastronomy in Byron?
Then check out our Byron Bay Foodie or Hinterland Paddock-to-Plate tours. We cruise between the region’s tastiest farm-to-table restaurants and small-batch booze producers in one decadent afternoon.
Treat your tastebuds to a tantalising adventure in Australia’s premier luxury destination.
