Overflowing with natural beauty, it’s no surprise that Byron Bay lures travellers from near and far. Artsy energy suffuses this seaside town with beautiful scenery, beaches, and rainforests just about everywhere you look. For years, it has set the standard for bohemian living in Australia. But as tourism levels continue to rise, so do the crowds and soaring prices. While Byron will always be a local favourite, travellers looking to explore beyond and beat the peak summer crowds will find plenty of equally stunning places that offer the same alternative lifestyle, beautiful beaches, incredible views, and clear turquoise waters. Here are some excellent alternatives to Byron Bay to consider for your next trip.
1. Yamba
The diminutive little cousin to the south, Yamba is increasingly giving Byron Bay a run for its money with more people around the country making a beeline for the small coastal town instead. Yamba and Byron have a lot in common — incredible coastal beauty, iconic surf culture, artistic spirit, and a strong focus on wellness and holistic living, yet Yamba has managed to fly under the radar for a long time. A sublime alternative to Byron Bay, Yamba is gorgeous with world-class surf, not one but seven sandy beaches, aqua-blue shores, local markets, retro cinemas, and excellent shopping. Some argue it’s even better than Byron Bay. Find out for yourself and plan a trip here.
2. Brunswick Heads
Brunswick Heads, or ‘Bruns’ as it is known locally, might be just 15 minutes north of Byron Bay but they couldn’t be more different. While it lacks the glitz and buzz of its famous neighbour, the tiny, unspoiled village packs a punch. Here you will find a quieter escape complete with the same pristine beaches, tranquil river views, and lush hinterland surrounds but with a fraction of the crowds. Wandering around the town provides plenty of opportunities for photo ops with natural attractions, riverside playgrounds, retro motels, and colourful boutique stores. It’s also a foodie hotspot with excellent options to enjoy a meal by the water on a balmy summer evening.
3. Bellingen
Offering a relaxed and understated alternative to the relatively busier summer scene in Byron Bay is the pretty-as-a-picture town of Bellingen along the beautiful Waterfall Way. Dramatic waterfalls, community markets, dense rainforest views, leafy cafes, and verdant forest-fringed swimming holes are on offer in this inland bohemian town. Bellingen exudes the same away-from-it-all energy as Byron but with far fewer crowds than you’d imagine of a place this beautiful. You can pass your days swimming, sunning, exploring the dense national parks, indulging in delicious local produce, and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. This is an idyllic substitute for Byron Bay and is especially suitable for nature lovers.
4. Nimbin
Bursting with artsy, bohemian, and gritty energy in droves, Nimbin has earned its reputation as Australia’s alternative lifestyle capital and it’s also one of the best alternatives to Byron Bay in NSW. The pace is slower at this hipster hangout which attracts travellers with its markets, galleries, music festivals, a sprinkling of colourful and inclusive street art, and incredible wilderness thanks to the surrounding national parks. Nimbin is where the revelry-seeking holidayers go to for good times, a free-spirited vibe, and a taste of counterculture. Despite its lively reputation, it’s generally a more affordable and less touristy place than Byron Bay, but no less beautiful.
5. Mullumbimby
The small town of Mullumbimby is sandwiched between the bold, character-filled towns of Nimbin and Byron Bay but manages to hold its own. With a glimmering coast, beautiful views to feast your eyes on, fresh air, colourful markets, and quirky boutique stores, the tiny town will leave you feeling like you stumbled upon a closely guarded secret. Hippie culture and natural wonders go hand in hand naturally given its location and it’s a go-to spot for those seeking out a slice of wholesome, laidback living and one of the best bohemian towns in NSW.
6. Port Stephens
A major drawcard in the warmer months and notably more “urban” than the other towns on this list, Port Stephens makes a compelling case as one of the top alternatives to Byron Bay. Easily accessible from Sydney and other major cities, it offers a wonderful blend of coastal charm and modern conveniences with sapphire-hued waters, beaches, vibrant marine life, jaw-dropping views and more. There is a wide variety of attractions on offer as well including the southern hemisphere’s largest coastal sand dunes and the longest beach in NSW, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and excellent whale watching.
Which of these beautiful coastal towns will you add to your travel bucket list this summer?