If you’re still on holiday in the Byron Bay region, check out a few of these local events and markets.

For the kids: Most days during the school holidays – Byron Bay Circus Arts

Circus Arts Byron Bay is the place to be during school holidays! This location offers a comprehensive timetable of activities during both the QLD and NSW school holidays including full and half day circus programs, flying trapeze, free balloon twisting workshops, indoor climbing and a kids play space. Check out their website for the timetable. 

18th January – Ballina Brick Event 2020

Showcasing the amazing LEGO creations from some of the best builders in the local fan community. Featuring amazingly detailed dioramas, custom LEGO creations and much, much more. You can even join an exclusive behind the scenes tour with a master builder as your guide. Once you’ve seen all the displays, let them inspire your imagination on the build tables, go vertical on the build wall, or even make your own train in the play area. Want to take some LEGO home with you, why not purchase something from our large range of LEGO sets, parts and custom minifigs.

When: 18th January, 8am – 3pm
Where: Ballina RSL, River Street Ballina

19th Janauary – Byron Bay Community Market

Normally only, on the first Sunday of every month, Byron Bay gets an extra market this January.  Enjoy a the beautiful, beachside location while browsing the famous market with stalls selling arts & crafts, gifts, fresh local produce, fashion, food & drink + much more.

Where: Main Beach Foreshore, Byron Bay
When: Sunday 19th January 8am-3pm

19th January – Lisa Hunt’s Forever Soul @ The Beach Hotel

Feel like a Sunday Session, or just want to enjoy Byron’s local diva get very soulful. She has an amazing voice and puts on a great show. If you’ve not seen Lisa perform (or even if you have), it makes a great afternoon. A great holiday and local vibe and right in front of the beach.

Where: The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (opposite Main Beach / near the Swimming pool).
When Sunday 19th January – 4-7:30pm

24th January – The Market on Dusk, Ballina

The Market On Dusk is an evening of shopping local businesses ethically made and eco-friendly stalls, amazing food trucks and live local music by the river at Missingham Bridge Amphitheatre Park, Ballina.
This market is family friendly with the Ballina skate park and park sourrding the field. If you feel the need to get wet and cool off the water if only a minute walk away.

When: 24th January, 4-10pm
Where: Missingham Bridge Park, Ballina

26th January – Bangalow Market

The Banaglow community market is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Set on the Ballina Showground you’ll find hundreds of colourful stalls selling gifts, arts and crafts, jewellry, food, local produce and much more.

When: Sunday 26th January 2019 – 8am – 3pm
Where: Bangalow Showground, Bangalow. 

Australia Day events will be posted on a separate upcoming article. Stay tuned. 

1.  BANGALOW CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVAL – 24th December

Get into the Christmas Spirit at Bangalow this Christmas Eve.  The main street of Bangalow is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian-only zone for the night. There’s street stalls with great food, many street entertainers and the local restaurants and bars are also open. There’s a great Christmas atmosphere.

We recommend that you get there early as parking is a bit tricky.

When: 5pm-9pm

Where: Main Street of Bangalow

2. MARKETS

The last big markets before Christmas are:

Byron Bay Twilight Market – Saturday 21st Decemeber – 4pm-9m – Railway Park, Jonson Street (middle of main street), Byron Bay..  Stalls selling arts and crafts, jewellry and gifts from local artists.

Bangalow Market on Sunday 22nd – 8am – 3pm – Bangalow Showground.  Large community market – gifts, arts and crafts, fashion, furniture, local produce, food, plants. Even get a massage and watch local entertainment.

There are many local markets in the area. There’s always a large community market every weekend and farmers markets at various locations. Get gifts, arts & crafts, fresh, local produce, tasty food and much more.

3. LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT

Check local papers and guides, there’s always a band on at The Beach Hotel, The Great Northern or The Rails in Byron Bay. The Byron Bay Community Centre regularly has plays and events running. See their official website here. 

4. THE BEACH (ES)

There’s a lot of stunning beaches on the far north coast – from Byron Bay (Tallows, Belongil, Main Beach, Clarkes) to Lennox Head and several around Ballina. At Christmas time, one thing that you can be sure of – it’s going to be hot. So head to the beach for the sea breeze, warm sub-tropical waters and lots of fun activities to do or just relax and enjoy the view.

 5. EAT & DRINK

Well it is Chistmas afterall!  You’ll be spoilt for choice with the many restaurants and bars in the area. Many have won food awards. There’s something for all tastes and budgets though. From cafes to pubs and bars to fine dining.

If wanting to go to a restaurant over the festive season we recommend making a reservation (especially for Christmas Day) as they will get booked out fast.

You can also pick up great locally produce food from the local shops and markets. Cookies, coffee, chocolates, cheese, craft beer, local nuts (this is the Macadamia region) to name a few.

6. ACTIVITIES

Surf – this area’s renouned for great surfing breaks.  Or try one of the local activites including surfing lessons, stand-up paddle boarding, hot air ballooning, horse riding on the beach and many more.

7. EXPLORE

The Byron Bay region isn’t just about the beach, the hinterland as World-Heritage listed national parks and sub-tropical rainforests. Climb Mount Warning, visit Nimbin, check the lookout at Minyon Falls. Enjoy lunch or buy some crystals at the Crystal Castle.

Take a trip to Ballina and fish in the river or hire a boat for the day.

Visit the local hinterland villages like Newrybar, Uki and Clunes.

8. RELAX AND REVITALISE

Get yourself relaxed for your holiday. There’s many day spa and wellness clinics around Byron Bay and Ballina. From massages, full day spa treatments to facials. Or try a yoga class – Byron Bay is known as the ‘yoga mecca of Australia’. There are no shortage of good yoga classes and instructors.

The School summer holidays and Christmas/ New Year period is just around the corner. There is lots to see and do around the Byron Bay region and Byron Bay Farm Cottages accommodation. So if you are looking for inspiration about things to do while on a Byron Bay holiday (and there’s so much more than just the beach), we have compiled a list below:

Around the Byron Bay region

• Enjoy the many stunning beaches in the area
• Walk up to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse – with stunning panoramic views and Australia’s most Easterly point.
• Explore the hinterland region with World-Heritage rainforests and national parks
• Climb Mount Warning

• Visit the local hinterland villages with boutique shops and cafes. You will often see ‘honesty boxes’ along the country roads selling a variety of locally grown produce including fruit & veg, nuts, coffee and honey – you can’t get much fresher than straight from the farm!
• Go shopping at one of the local community markets with hundreds of stalls selling everything from local produce to arts & crafts, jewellry, fashion and food.
• Try one of the local adventures or day tours. From hot air ballooning, surf lessons, sky diving, circus arts to sea kayaking with dolphins (we can provide you with more information upon request).
• Treat yourself at one of the many local cafes and restaurants. – many have won awards.
• Enjoy a drink at one of the local bars/ hotels. Like the famous Beach Hotel, right on the beach front at Byron. Or the Railway Friendly Bar (just known as ‘The Rails’ to locals), where you can see live bands play every night and get a great burger. In the region, the Brunswich pub has a great outdoor area or the Lennox Point Hotel has one of the best sea views around from their upstairs balcony. ‘The Point’ at Ballina (underneath the Ramada) is just a few feet from the Richmond river – it’s not uncommon to see dolphins swim by just metres from your outdoor table.

On the Byron Bay Farm:

• Have a picnic or BBQ on our 300 acres or just enjoy the views
• Try rowing on our lake (boats provided)
• Fishing in our lake (bring your own fishing gear)
• We have our own mountain bike track for guests and members
• Meet the local farm residents (cows wander freely and say hello to the horses and chooks too).
• Gather your own free range eggs for breakfast
• Relax and enjoy the peace and views from your private verandah

For more information about things to do around Byron Bay, contact us or view our accommodation availability and/or book online

Circus Arts Byron Bay

Things to do around Byron Bay:

• Whale watching – Humpback Whales make their annual migration up the East coast of Australia between May and October. A great place to spot them is from Cape Byron Lighthouse.
• Walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse – a beautiful walk that winds around Cape Byron and you’re treated to stunning panoramic views at the top. There’s a small museum, gift shop and cafe at the top. You can also drive to the lighthouse, though parking spaces are limited.
• Enjoy one of the many adventure activities in the area like learn to surf, stand-up paddle boarding, hot air ballooning, horse riding on the beach and much more.
• Visit the Byron Bay hinterland – with World-Heritage listed rainforests and National Parks, waterfalls, wildlife and quaint country villages.
• Visit the Macadamia Castle and animal park – not just about nuts, there’s a petting zoo, crazy golf, bird shows and more.
• Byron Bay Circus Arts often has school holiday classes and fun for kids
• Byron Bay market is on the 1st Sunday of every month and Bangalow market is the last Sunday of the month – both just a few minutes drive from Byron Bay Farm Cottages.

300 acres of pasture for the kids to play

Things to do at Byron Bay Farm Cottages:

• Get to know the local animals
• Go for a walk and check out our beautiful views
• Bring your mountain bike and you can use our own purpose made mountain bike trails
• Kayak on our own private lake
• Fish at our lake (BYO gear)
• BBQ or picnic in lovely pasture settings
• Chill out on your own private deck that overlooks the lake
• Get back to nature on our 300 acre property

All of our cottages are self-contained, modern and private. See more about our holiday accommodation here. We are just a few minutes drive from Byron Bay and beaches.

contact us for further information.

Sample Food Festival is held in the village of Bangalow and is supported by 200 stall holders who include local restaurant owners, farmers, and local food producers. Celebrity chefs will include Matt Moran, an Australian food icon and TV presenter and Federico Zanellato of LuMi Dining Sydney, who was nominated Citi Chef of The Year 2017 by SMH Good Food Guide. Federico will be wowing Sample lunch patrons with his signature style of modern Italian with a Japanese twist and will also be a guest chef at the Sample Food Festival.

When: Saturday 7th September 2019

Where: Bangalow Showground

$5 entry at the gate. Kids Free. Free Parking all day onsite.

Sample Food Festival also includes a services of dinners and special events running over four days and three nights.

Food photography and styling – mobiles – Workshop on 5th September 2019

Food Instagramers take note: as part of the festival there will also be aLearn how to take beautiful food photos with your phone camera in a hands-on workshop with acclaimed food photographer Fran Flynn. Includes delicious catered lunch. See more info here. 

Bangalow and Byron Bay accommodation

Byron Bay Farm Cottages is just a few minutes drive from Bangalow. We offer modern self-contained cottages nestled on 300 private acres. We’re also just a few minutes drive from the heart of Byron Bay and beaches – the best of both worlds! See our accommodation or check our availability, rates and book online here.

Sample Food Festival info source and more information: https://samplefoodevents.com/sample-food-festival/

There’s lots of things to do around Byron Bay that dad will enjoy:

• If he’s adventurous try one of the many local activities like surf lessons, stand-up paddle boarding, sea kayaking, sky diving or hot air ballooning.
• Gourmet Dad? – Enjoy lunch or dinner at the local restaurants, cafes and bars. There’s many to choose from and cuisines from all around the world.
• Visit the Stone & Wood brewery.. the artisan beer made right here in Byron. Or enjoy a beer at the Beach Hotel, right on the beach front at Byron.
• Walk to the Cape Byron Lighhouse – famous for beautiful panoramic views at the top.
• Visit the Byron Bay Community market – a monthly market that takes place on the first Sunday of every month. There’s hundreds of stalls with arts & crafts, gifts, local produce, even massages and entertainment.
• Yoga and day spas aren’t just for mum, they all have packages for men to rejuvanate. There’s many day spas in the area and Byron is known as the ‘yoga mecca’ of Australia.
• Just chill and enjoy the many miles of white sandy beaches and gorgeous scenery.

Thinking of booking Byron Bay accommodation?

At Byron Bay Farm Cottages, we have self-contained cottage accommodation suitable for the whole family.  Located on 300 acres just outside of Byron, there’s lots to do on our property too:

• Kayak or row on our own private lake (kayaks supplied0
• Fish at our lake (BYO gear)
• We have our own mountain bike trails that guests are welcome to use. (BYO bike and gear).
• Enjoy a BBQ or picnic with stunning views.

Fathers Day in 2019  is on Sunday 1st September.

See more about Byron Bay Farm Cottages here

Lennox Head is just a 20 minute drive from Byron Bay and Byron Bay Farm Cottages.  The Skullcandy Oz Grom Open is one of the most highly anticipated Junior surfing events in Australia. The event was founded in 2012 by LE-BA Boardriders who had an objective for an event which offered an exciting and innovative contest of the highest standards that had never been seen before in junior surfing. This will be its 8th year.

Located just opposite Lennox Point Hotel on the beautiful Seven Mile Beach and an idylic location with a short stroll to all shops and amenities. There’ll be stalls with all things ‘surfing’, food and drink + it’s close to all the local cafes and shops.

Sunday is also the Lennox Head Market – located at the Community Centre just behind the main street – a great place to find fresh, local produce, arts and crafts and gifts.  Or enjoy a BBQ by the Tea Tree Lake – Lake Ainsworth.

– Lennox Head is the place to be this weekend!

In the great outdoors:

• Walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse – spot the migrating Whales from  the top (May to October).  There’s also the option to drive to the Lighthouse instead though parking is limited so it’s best to get there early. There’s a cafe and museum too. The 360 panoramic views are amazing!
• Visit the local Community Markets – there’s hundreds of stalls selling arts and crafts, toys, tasty treats, fashion, local produce and much more. Byron Bay’s market is the 1st Sunday of every Month, Bangalow’s market is the last Sunday of every month.
• Try one of the many local adventure activities like learn to surf or stand up paddle boarding, sea kayaking with dolphins, hot air ballooning (obviously not for very young children).
• Visit the Byron Bay hinterland – there’s World Heritage listed National Parks and sub tropical rain forests. Waterfalls, wildlife (try spotting a koala or platypus) and quaint country villages. Driving through certain parts of the hinterland you’ll see ‘honesty boxes’ at the side of the road, here the property owner has a small stall where they sell the local fresh produce that they’re growing or making. From fruit and vegetable to nuts, coffee and honey, you just select your choice and be honest, and put your money in the box provided.
• Enjoy the beaches – there’s so many gorgeous local beaches to choose from!

Organised classes, programs and venues for children around Byron Bay:

• Byron Bay Circus Arts school is a great option for a fun kids class. It’s indoors too which is good if it’s rainy weather. They run school holiday programs for children between 5-15 but they operate all year round. See there website here. 
• The Macadamia Castle, just 15 – 20 minutes drive from Byron Bay is a small animal park and petting zoo. There’s also a great cafe and crazy golf + options for the kids to be ‘wildlife guardians’ for the day – numbers are limited and you need to pre book that but normal park entry and visits you can turn up on the day or also book online. See there website here.
• Kidz Klub Australia has a range of activities and entertainment in school holidays. See more here.
• Summerland House Farm – Located near Alstonville – Summerland House Farm is an Avocado and Macadamia Farm they have a water park for children to enjoy, a nursery and gift shop plus small farm animals and tractor farm tours. See more here

At Byron Bay Farm Cottages:

We have modern, self-contained cottages suitable for the whole family. With our own private 300 acres of pasture land there’s plenty for kids big and small to do:

• Get to know the locals – horses, cows and chickens
• Kayak on our own private lake
• Fish at our lake – BYO fishing gear
• Mountain Biking on our own, purpose-built mountain bike trails – BYO bikes
• Explore our 300 acres – there’s lot’s of fresh air and great hinterland and Byron Bay views.
• Enjoy a BBQ in the outdoors
• Relax and unwind on your own private deck overlooking the lake.

For more info on our accommodation see here  

Or check our availability and book securely online here

Due to its sub-tropical location, the winter weather in Byron Bay has an average day time temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and an overnight low of 13 degrees.  Without the strong heat and humidity of summer, it’s the perfect time of year to explore this beautiful region.

Things to do around Byron Bay:

• Whale watching – Humpback Whales make their annual migration up the East coast of Australia between May and October. A great place to spot them is from Cape Byron Lighthouse.
• Walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse – a beautiful walk that winds around Cape Byron and you’re treated to stunning panoramic views at the top. There’s a small museum, gift shop and cafe at the top. You can also drive to the lighthouse, though parking spaces are limited.
• Enjoy one of the many adventure activities in the area like learn to surf, stand-up paddle boarding, hot air ballooning, horse riding on the beach and much more.
• Visit the Byron Bay hinterland – with World-Heritage listed rainforests and National Parks, waterfalls, wildlife and quaint country villages.
• Visit the Macadamia Castle and animal park – not just about nuts, there’s a petting zoo, crazy golf, bird shows and more.
• Byron Bay Circus Arts often has school holiday classes and fun for kids
• Byron Bay market is on the 1st Sunday of every month and Bangalow market is the last Sunday of the month – both just a few minutes drive from Byron Bay Farm Cottages.

Things to do at Byron Bay Farm Cottages:

• Get to know the local animals
• Go for a walk and check out our beautiful views
• Bring your mountain bike and you can use our own purpose made mountain bike trails
• Kayak on our own private lake
• Fish at our lake (BYO gear)
• BBQ or picnic in lovely pasture settings
• Chill out on your own private deck that overlooks the lake
• Get back to nature on our 300 acre property

All of our cottages are self-contained, modern and private. See more about our holiday accommodation here. We are just a few minutes drive from Byron Bay and beaches.

We also have a Winter School Special offer, see here for more details or contact us for further information.

Treat Mum to a Byron Bay Getaway

Mother’s Day this year is Sunday 12th May 2019

Mum’s do a lot for their families, what would we do without them?!  Show your appreciation by treating mum to a Byron Bay break like no other.

Byron Bay is the iconic Australian beach town and renowned for its beautiful scenery and friendly, laid-back atmosphere. There’s lots to do here for Mum; Byron Bay has lots of day spas to choose from – perhaps a rejuvanating massage or a yoga class? There’s also many award-winning cafes and restaurants (most will have Mother’s Day specials on), day trips and activities like hot air ballooning, kayaking with dolphins and much more. Of course, relaxing on the beach or taking in the stunning panoramic views from Cape Byron Lightouse are not to be missed when visiting Australia’s most Easterly point.

And what about the Byron Bay accommodation?

Byron Bay Farmstay Cottages are located on 300 acres of pasture land and only a few mintues drive from the heart of Byron Bay and beaches – we have the best of both worlds!

All cottage accommodation is secluded, modern and self-contained. We even have our own private lake that the cottages over-look! Sit on the verandah and enjoy the peace and quiet and country views.

Guests are welcome to roam the farmland, use the lake – kayaks and rowing boats are available, we have BBQ areas and the best scenery for talking walks.  We also have specially built mountain bike trails for the energetic. Or sit on our picnic tables and take in the panoramic views of the hinterland and towards Byron Bay and Cape Byron Lighthouse.  And feel free to gather some of our free range eggs for your breakfast.

View our cottage accommodation (click here) and/or view our availability and book online (click here).

For any enquiries please don’t hestiate to contact us.