Byron babes: Byron Bay for kids

Byron is packed with kid-sized thrills the whole family will love.

Young girl with snorkel standing on the sand at Clarke’s Beach, Byron Bay. Image credit: Destination NSW

Jetstar
July 2021

Byron Bay is a compact, easy-going coastal town with a bunch of super-fun activities for the whole family. The kids will be busting to learn how to surf or get in a kayak and pal up with a dolphin. There are casual cafes, lively markets and so much outdoorsy stuff to do, you’ll wish you had brought the kids here sooner. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Join a surf school

Byron is a professional surfing hotspot, so book the kids in for a surfing lesson and let them join in the fun. There are a range of surf schools in the area that can teach little ones as young as five how to get up on a board. Some schools provide everything, from the boards right down to the rashies. Main Beach, Wategos and The Pass are all easy beaches for your kids to practise their new-found surf skills.

A small girl stands on a green surfboard on the sand at Clarkes Beach as an instructor kneels next to her, teaching her to surf. Image credit: Destination NSW — Getting ready to hit the waves. Image credit: Destination NSW

Hit the markets

With loads of food and live entertainment, the lively Byron Community Market is a great place to keep the kids entertained. They can get their face painted, listen to live music and check out roving performers. There are heaps of stalls selling local produce and delicious street food for junior foodies (and the grown-ups), plus plenty of arts and craft stalls for treasure hunters. Beyond Byron, check out the fun markets in nearby towns like Channon and Bangalow.

People wander the stalls of Byron Market, with a sandwich board advertising pecans in the foreground. Image credit: Destination NSW — The markets are a fun and tasty outing for the kids. Image credit: Destination NSW

Sea kayak with dolphins

What kid wouldn’t want to paddle out in a kayak out to check out the local dolphins? Go Sea Kayak offer three-hour adventures where kids as young as five learn to kayak then head out onto the water. They offer a range of tours to account for age and fitness (you don’t even need to be able to swim!), so gather the whole family for this magical experience.

Aerial shot of two kayaks in the water. Image credit: Destination NSW — Sea kayaking is a lot of fun – especially when you spot a dolphin. Image credit: Destination NSW

Be a mini farmer

The Farm is a famous foodie destination, but it’s also a cracking place to take the kids as it’s a working farm. They can check out the animals before they have some lunch, or they can take part in the Mini Farmers program. They’ll do everything a working farmer does – collect the eggs, feed the animals, check the fences and harvest the gardens. They’ll cook up farm-fresh produce and learn about sustainable, ethical practices. It’s fun, it’s educational, and it’s delicious.

A woman holds a child on her lap on the grass at the Farm, with people looking at animals in the background. Image credit: Destination NSW — They’re never too young to start foraging! Image credit: Destination NSW

Walk the lighthouse track

The Cape Byron Lighthouse Walking Track is an absolute must-do for any visitor to Byron – even small ones. You can start and finish at any point along the way, so it’s easy to tailor it to the shortest legs. From a variety of boardwalks and bush tracks, just pick the parts that best suit your family. The views, and the lighthouse, are incredible. Pack a picnic lunch to have at one of the beaches the track passes. Or encourage your budding photographers by walking the track at sunrise or sunset.

A walking track on a sunny day, with the Cape Byron Lighthouse in the background. Image credit: Destination NSW — Walking this track is an iconic Byron experience for the whole family. Image credit: Destination NSW

Find out more about Byron Bay