Byron Bay day trips can cover anything from a few kilometers of local walks to over a hundred kilometers of driving. For example, the Cape Byron Lighthouse walk is only a 3.7 km loop (an easy 1–2 hour stroll). With a car, however, you can reach much farther: Nimbin lies about 63 km inland (roughly a one-hour drive), Mullumbimby is just 20 km away, and the Tweed Valley around Murwillumbah is about 52 km north. Even the coastal town of Yamba sits roughly 127 km to the south (about a 1.5–2 hour drive). So depending on your plans, Byron Bay day trips might range from short hikes close to town to scenic drives of 100–130 km through the surrounding hinterland and coast.
The lush Tweed Valley near Murwillumbah is a highlight (see Mount Warning on the horizon). It’s about 52 km north of Byron Bay and makes a scenic drive through rainforests and highland vistas. Other nearby day-trip destinations include:
Nimbin: A colorful, artsy village ~63 km from Byron Bay (about a 1–1.5 hour drive). Nimbin is famous for its alternative culture and quirky markets.
Mullumbimby: A small bohemian town ~20 km northwest. It has cozy cafes and craft shops, and serves as a gateway to rainforest walks.
Lennox Head: A picturesque beach town 18–20 km south. Famous for surf breaks and coastal walks, Lennox is just a 15–20 minute drive away.
Yamba: A laid-back coastal town ~127 km south (about 1.5–2 hours by car). Often called a “New Byron Bay,” it offers long beaches, riverfront parks and a relaxed vibe.
Ballina & Lismore: Ballina lies roughly 30 km south (about 30 minutes by car), and Lismore about 50 km west. Both cities can be visited in an hour or less, offering shopping, cafes and riverside walks.
Byron Bay itself also has plenty to fill a day within just a few kilometers:
Cape Byron Lighthouse sits at the easternmost point of mainland Australia. You can hike to it via a 3.7 km walking track (about 45–60 minutes round-trip) that offers panoramic ocean views (often with dolphins or whales passing by). Just below the lighthouse is Wategos Beach, a great spot to relax after the walk. Other nearby attractions are only minutes away – The Farm is about 7–8 km from town, and downtown Byron’s cafes and Sunday markets are within a couple of kilometers. If you have extra time, Minyon Falls is a scenic waterfall about 33 km northwest (roughly a 45-minute drive) and makes a great detour on a longer day trip.
Tips for Planning Your Day Trip
By car: Driving lets you reach the farthest spots (100+ km away). Fill your day with road trips up north or down south of Byron, but remember you’ll need to return the same day.
By bike: A good cyclist (especially on an e-bike) can cover 30–50 km one-way. For example, there are bike paths to Mullumbimby or along the coast to Lennox Head. Just plan for extra time.
On foot: Walking and hiking mean shorter ranges. Expect to cover only a few kilometers per hour (e.g. the 3.7 km Byron Lighthouse walk).
Factor in stops: Include time for breaks, photos, meals or beach detours. A 50 km drive each way could easily use up 2–3 hours once you add stops.
Choose by interest: Pick destinations that match what you want (surfing, waterfalls, town visits). Even trips of 20–50 km can feel very different (rainforest versus ocean scenery).
Conclusion:
Depending on how far you’re willing to travel and how much you explore, a Byron Bay day trip can range from a short local hike to a 100+ km road journey. Most visitors find that destinations within about 50–70 km (roughly a 1-hour drive) give plenty to see, making Byron Bay an excellent base for coastal and hinterland adventures.
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