Planning a Weekend in Byron Bay? Your 30-Hour Guide

*Byron Bay Lighthouse. (Image credit: luiscristofori/Shutterstock)*

Is there a better way to start the weekend than by switching your out-of-office on and heading for Byron Bay on a Friday? We think not.

From early morning strolls to golden-hour sips, here’s your guide to the ultimate overnight stay in Byron — with a few can’t-miss stops at HIVE Byron Bay along the way.

*Where the locals go: Busy Bird Coffee.*

Friday, 8:00 am — Coffee Kick‑Off at Busy Bird Coffee

Cruising in from the highway, make your first stop at Busy Bird Coffee at HIVE Byron Bay. This little gem of a cafe packs a punch, serving artisan coffee roasted onsite and dishing out seriously good community vibes. If you want to do Byron like a local, start here.

The menu is thoughtfully crafted — nourishing brekky options, baked-in-house treats, and their newest crowd-pleaser: freshly canned cold bevvies (yes, canned). Think matcha, smoothies, and grab-and-go goodness made for beach days and road trips.

Whether you settle in for a sit-down breakfast or grab something to take with you, you’re in good hands. Velvety flat white? Check. Sunny surrounds? Check. That unmistakable espresso aroma? Absolutely. You’re officially in Byron mode.

*Byron Bay beach bliss. (Image credit: Jones Around The World)*

9:00 am — Beach Time at Main Beach

With coffee (or canned bev) in hand, take a short drive to Byron Bay Main Beach for your first dip or salt-air stroll. Golden sand, rolling waves, and that unmistakable Byron energy are the ultimate wake-up call. Feeling adventurous? Wander towards The Pass for iconic surf views and maybe even a dolphin sighting.

11:00 am — Wander Around Byron’s Town Centre

Explore the heart of Byron — think quirky boutiques, Byron-born labels, vintage gems and coastal-inspired homewares dotted along Jonson and Lawson Streets. Pop into local galleries, browse surf stores, and soak up the laid-back buzz that makes this town so iconic.

1:00 pm — Lunch at Byron’s Best Báhn Mì

By now, you’ve earned lunch. Back at HIVE, Ms. Ho Hot Rolls is dishing up some of the best bánh mì in Byron — crusty rolls, punchy fillings, fresh herbs and just the right amount of crunch. It’s fast, flavour-packed and dangerously easy to demolish in record time (you’ll seriously wish it came with a refill button).

2:00 pm — Fun & Games at Paradise Golf

Back at HIVE, it’s time to challenge your friends at Paradise Golf, Byron’s boutique indoor virtual golf experience. Play virtual courses, practice your swing, or track your ball flight with the simulators’ performance feedback — it’s fun, competitive, and perfect for a few hours of friendly rivalry.

Serious golfer? Book a personalised PGA Pro session and brush up your skills with the best of the best. Either way, it’s an afternoon well spent.

*Celebrating local makers at Byron Bay Spirits Co.*

4:00 pm — Afternoon Sips at Byron Bay Spirits Co.

All that golfing makes for thirsty work, and you’re in luck — Byron Bay Spirits Co. is just a couple of steps away at HIVE. No travel, no fuss, just good vibes and cocktails worth celebrating.

Grab a table in the chic spirit lounge and settle in for a flavour-packed experience. Sip delicate botanical gins or refreshing liqueurs, and why not pair it with fresh, locally sourced fare from Ferme, the in-house sustainable seafood and vegetable restaurant. All that’s left to do is toast the afternoon as the sun prepares to dip over the horizon.

Pro tip: Grab a few ready-to-serve, nitrogen-infused cocktails in a can for the road — your future self will thank you.

6:00 pm — Check into Swell Hotel

After a full day of exploring, head back into town and check into Swell Hotel, your boutique home for the night. Unpack, freshen up, and sink into your 70s-inspired room for a relaxing evening — or step out to explore Byron’s nightlife and mingle with the locals.

*Discover the finest meats and more at Locavore.*

Next Day — Explore Byron & On-the-Way Goods

Chase sunrise at the Lighthouse, wander the local markets, or squeeze in a wellness session before the drive home — whatever your pace, make it count.

Before you point the car back to the highway, swing into HIVE for one last stop at Locavore, Byron’s go-to for pasture-raised, organic meats. From seasonal cuts of chicken, beef, pork, lamb and game, everything is ethically sourced and packed with flavour — the perfect way to take a little slice of Byron home with you.

If you love it that much (which we’re positive you will), you can also restock on Locavore goodies via their online shop — of course, only if it’ll be a little while before you find yourself back at HIVE Byron Bay.