With its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere Byron Bay is a popular travel spot. The beachside town is filled with so many exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy, especially the kids.
We break down what we feel are some of the best – and best value – attractions in Byron Bay and surrounding areas that the little ones will love!
The below places have been selected based on a number of criteria such as value for money, quality of attraction and popularity with kids, and all receive rave reviews from numerous travel sites as well as visitors. Here’s the list:
10. Explore Crystal Castle
Location: 81 Monet Drive, Mullumbimby
The young ones will love running around and exploring the magical space that is Crystal Castle! The beautiful gardens and mystical statues will feel make them feel like they are in a real life enchanted garden.
The giant stone Blessing Buddha and the ancient Sacred Labyrinth are always a hit with the kids. The spiritual connection the castle has to the land is one that has to be experienced. Immerse yourself in this spiritual haven and let the day pass by without a care.
The beautiful gardens and mystical statues will feel make them feel like they are in a real life enchanted garden.
The Crystal Castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm, a short drive from Byron Bay. Visitors can also browse the exquisite collection of jewellery, crystals, books and treasures on sale.
Prices
– Kids (3 to 14 years): $18
– Concession: $20
– Adults: $22
– Family: $58
(Additional child: $8)
9. Visit Aranyani Bison Adventure Tourist Park
Location: 670 Elliotts Road, Myrtle Creek
Spread over 1180 acres of land in Bungawalbin catchment area lies the Aranyani Adventure Tourist Park, home to some rare herds of American Bison. This giant park is the largest freshwater wetland in the Southern Hemisphere and is a great adventure for the young ones!
The American bison, or American buffalo, roam grasslands in herds and can grow up to 620 kilograms! For those kids interested in animals, this is a must-see!
The American bison, or American buffalo, roam grasslands in herds and can grow up to 620 kilograms! For those kids interested in animals, this is a must-see!
The herds of American Bison aren’t the only attraction at the park, there is also a range of activities for all to enjoy including a putt putt course, beach volleyball and cricket. There are also a list of extra activities to try for an additional fee, such as archery, canoeing and bike riding.
If you’re after more than just a day visit to the park, you can stay overnight in their awesome tipis! Camp on the wetlands and see the park by night to experience all that Aranyani Park has to offer.
The park is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Prices
Day visits
– $10 per person
Overnight stays
– From $20
8. See nocturnal animals with night vision
Location: Jonson St, Byron Bay, NSW
If your kids have had enough of day time tours, then this night tour with night vision goggles is perfect! This unique tour uses the latest military technology, high quality night vision goggles, to guide people through the national park to witness nocturnal Australian animals come alive!
This is an exciting way to see Aussie wildlife and one of the only night vision tours in the world! The perfect adventure for animal lovers, you will get the chance to see the natural habitats and actions of possums, bandicoots, Tawny frogmouth, koalas and even owls!
This is an exciting way to see Aussie wildlife and one of the only night vision tours in the world!
After you’ve walked through the park and spotted as many nocturnal creatures as you can, you will make your way up to the top of Minyon Falls to finish the tour with a cup of hot chocolate under the starry night sky.
All equipment is supplied all you’re asked to bring is a sense of adventure! The tours are limited to 6 people and are led by experienced guides who know the area well. The tour runs for 3.5 hours and includes hotel transfers to and from your Byron Bay accommodation.
Unfortunately the tour is restricted to kids aged over 10 years old or those who can walk for 1 to 2 kilometres without help.
Prices
– Kids (10 to 17 years): $90
– Concession: $115
– Adults: $125
– Family (2 Adults + 2 Kids): $350
7. Taste rare fruit at Tropical Fruit World
Location: 29 Duranbah Road, Duranbah
Some of your children are probably grimacing at the thought of a fruit tour, but this is an attraction they won’t want to miss! The park features rare fruits your kids never knew existed, such as the chocolate pudding fruit, chewing gum tree, banana bubblegum fruit and ice-cream bean! I bet that has their attention now!
Join the Plantation Safari around the grounds to taste, touch and smell some of these amazing fruits that sound too good to be true. The park features over 500 different varieties of exotic fruit from around the world.
The park features rare fruits your kids never knew existed, such as the chocolate pudding fruit, chewing gum tree, banana bubblegum fruit and ice-cream bean!
This is an exciting, interactive adventure the whole family will love. There are so many activities and sights to see at Tropical Fruit World including Treasure Island, the Mini Rail Road, Jungle River Cruise and Fauna Park.
The park is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Hotel transfers aren’t included in the admission but can be added on for an additional fee.
Prices
– Kids (4 to 16 years): $25
– Concession: $35
– Adults: $45
– Family (2 Adults + 2 Kids): $110
– Family (2 Adults + 3 Kids): $120
6. Take a mountain bike tour
Location: 80 Jonson Street, Byron Bay
Get active on your Byron Bay holiday and go on a mountain bike adventure through the world heritage listed Nightcap National Park. Weave your way around the ancient volcanic terrain with the help of a passionate, qualified guide.
You’ll be led on a range of fire trails, back country single tracks, downhill strips and log jumps, perfect for those thrill seeking young ones. As you ride around Minyon Falls you might even spot a koala lounging in the tree!
You’ll be led on a range of fire trails, back country single tracks, downhill strips and log jumps, perfect for those thrill seeking young ones.
The ride paths change daily but they always include a stop for a light snack and finish with a swim at a secret swimming spot at the crest of Minyon Falls. There is a picnic lunch included for you to enjoy around the water as well as a final stop on the way home for homemade organic ice-cream.
The ride is suitable for all fitness levels and riders from beginners to advanced. Depending on the path chosen and the fitness levels of the riders, the trail can total between 12 and 25 kilometres return with some steep inclines.
Prices
– Kids (under 15 years): $99
– Adults: $125
5. Explore the ocean on a snorkel tour
Location: 9 Marvell Street, Byron Bay
Swim with sea turtles, manta rays and a range of tropical fish species at the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve just off the coast of Byron Bay.
This is a great way for the kids to get up close with some Australian marine life that have made the Byron Bay waters home. While in the water you’ll also get the chance to brush fins with some friendly Wobbegong sharks and hundreds of different fish species.
While in the water you’ll also get the chance to brush fins with some friendly Wobbegong sharks and hundreds of different fish species.
Tours run for approximately an hour and leave three times a day, from 8am, 11am and 2pm. The snorkel site is about a 5 minute boat ride from the mainland. All snorkel equipment is included in the price, as well as wetsuits and snorkel lessons if required.
Prices
– Kids (under 15 years): $55
– Adults: $65
4. Join the circus at Circus Arts
Location: 17 Centennial Circuit, Byron Bay
Ever dreamed about running away to join the circus? Well Circus Arts can help you perfect your skills to become a great circus performer.
There are so many great activities the kids will love! Circus Acts have everything you need to get that real circus experience, they can learn to fly on the 10 metre high trapeze, climb the indoor wall, learn to juggle or master the hula hoop.
Circus Acts have everything you need to get that real circus experience, they can learn to fly on the 10 metre high trapeze, climb the indoor wall, learn to juggle or master the hula hoop.
There are a range of classes to choose from for all ages and a play space for the young ones up to 10 years old. In the space they can run around and play with the range of toys, books, puzzles, blocks and cars or jump around on the jumping castle.
Big Top Cafe is also open for parents to relax while the kids run themselves silly with all of the activities on offer.
Prices
– Play Space from $5
– Climbing Wall from $13
– Classes from $15
3. Go Sea Kayaking
Location: 56 Lawson Street, Byron Bay
Get wet and have fun as you paddle over the waves and float over the beautiful blue waters of Byron Bay. The 3.5 hour tour will take you out into the ocean to paddle among playful dolphins and if the timing is right you can get up close to the migrating Humpback whales.
Your experienced guide will take you around the area sharing local aboriginal stories and histories about Byron. Paddling out is a little challenging but it’s worth it when you get to surf the waves back in. You can paddle along Cape Byron, Wategos or The Pass and see the lighthouse from your kayak.
The 3.5 hour will take you out into the ocean to paddle among playful dolphins and if the season is right you can get up close to the migrating Humpback whales.
This is the perfect activity for those adventurous kids who love a challenge and love being rewarded for it. As well as kayaking, you can also snorkel! All safety and snorkel equipment is included in the price, giving you and your family two exciting activities to try.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never sea kayaked before, novices are more than welcome and your guide will be there to help you the whole time. Tours run all year round twice a day at 9:30am and 2pm.
Prices
– Kids (0 to 14 years): $59
– Adults: $69
2. Spot a Humpback whale
Between June to November Byron Bay becomes a Humpback whale hotspot. The migration season is the prime time to head out to the waters and watch these giant creatures play with each other.
You can take a 2.5 hour tour out to the one of the best sighting spots to witness these beautiful animals first hand. If you’re children haven’t seen Humpback whales in real life before they will be blown away as they propel themselves out of the water so close to the boat.
If you’re children haven’t seen Humpback whales in real life before they will be blown away as they propel themselves out of the water so close to the boat.
Only a short boat ride from the mainland, your eco-guides will give you all of the information you need to know about the Humpbacks and are there to answer any questions you or the young ones may have.
There are underwater viewing devices on board to give guests a great experience from above and below the surface. Guests will also be issued hydrophones so they can listen to the whale song!
Light refreshments and life jackets are included in the price. Tours run three times a day; 8am, 10:30am and 1pm, throughout whale season.
Prices
– Kids (5 to 12 years): $55
– Adults: $89
1. Ride a horse on 7 Mile Beach
Location: Seven Mile Beach
This is the perfect way for you and your children to enjoy the sun, surf and scenery of Byron Bay as your expert guide takes you along 7 Mile Beach on horseback.
You’ll be taken along the secluded beach and if you’re lucky you might spot some dolphins playing in the waters not far from the shore.
Experience a different side of Byron Bay by riding horseback along the beach with an expert guide.
We aren’t the only ones who love the water, the friendly horses also love to go into the Byron Bay surf. Remember to pack your board shorts because selected tours will let you catch some waves with your horse!
Perfect for first time riders and children, the whole family will love seeing Byron Bay by horseback.
Prices
1 hour ride
– Kids (5 to 13 years): $70
– Adults: $80
1.5 hour ride
– Kids (5 to 13 years): $95
– Adults: $105
In addition, if you’re looking for all the top things to see and do in and around Byron Bay including activities, attractions and more, be sure to check out our main region section to browse and book online!
We did the night vision walk last year and would highly recommend! Very kind staff and saw some animals that would normally run away otherwise. Miss you Byron!
Hi Donna,
Thank you for your feedback and recommendation 🙂 The night vision walk is definitely a unique way to see some wildlife you otherwise wouldn’t!