Although Byron Bay might be synonymous with sparkling sights of blue skies and surfers bopping in tranquil turquoise waters under the sun, that doesn’t stop the town from being susceptible to rainy days as well.
If you find yourself lucky enough to be in Byron Bay when it’s raining, and you’re wondering what the best things are to do, then consider yourself on the right page. Our team have shared with us their 16 favourite places to go on a rainy Byron day, and we’ve detailed them all below. And let’s just say… this is a list so good, that you’ll want to have it saved for even when the sun’s back out!
But first…
When does it rain in Byron Bay?
The Byron wet season falls mainly in summer, between January to March. And with this, creates an opportunity to experience a whole new side to Byron and a range of things to do that are equally as fun, chilled-out and ‘grammable.
16 Things To Do In Byron Bay When It’s Raining
1. Brewery And Distillery Tours & Tastings
Take a tour of the world’s most sustainable distillery, Cape Byron Distillery. Their 1 hour 45 minutes tour will set you back just $40 and includes a gin and tonic on arrival, a tour through their subtropical rainforest, and a full-guided tasting afterwards. Other awesome brewery and distillery tours and tastings to add to your rainy-day list include: Stone & Wood, Earth Beer Company, and Wandana Brewery.
2. Head To The Hinterland And Waterfalls
On a dry day, you might find yourself swimming in the watering hole at the bottom of Minyon Falls. But when it’s raining? You’ll be one of the lucky ones to see this waterfall gushing in abundance from above – a spectacular sight to see. Part of the epic Gondwana Rainforest in the Byron Hinterland, you’ll take a lush, winding walking track that leads you through the rainforest and out to the Minyon Falls Lookout. BYO rain jacket, sturdy shoes and umbrella for good measure!
3. Feel The Energy At Crystal Castle
What better way to match the calming sound of the rain, than with a visit to one of Australia’s most peaceful places: Crystal Castle. This magical sanctuary holds the biggest crystals in the world. You can sit in an ancient amethyst cave, wander through the tranquil Shambhala Gardens and rainforest, or take up a daily guided experience (like a crystal sound healing meditation experience). Afterwards, settle in for a hot Mystic Monk Chai Latte or superfood smoothie at their plastic-free cafe.
4. Unwind At The Rainbow Temple
The Rainbow Temple is a hidden oasis located in the middle of a rainforest, about 30 minutes outside of Byron Bay. On a rainy day, this is the perfect place for you to totally unwind, meet people from all walks of life, and soak up the healing energy.
5. Treat Yourself To The Kiva Spa In Mullumbimby
Whatever you do, make sure The Kiva Spa in Mullumbimby is on your hit-list of things to do when it’s raining in Byron. Absolutely magical and warming on a rainy or cold day, you can enjoy their ‘Bathhouse’ which has hot hydrotherapy spa pools, a woodfired sauna, hammam steam room and plunge pool. One hour here will cost you just $30. Alternatively (or – as well as), bliss out with one of their massage experiences, with a one-hour massage costing $95.
6. Stretch Out With A Complimentary Yoga Class
Hide undercover in Wake Up’s newly-renovated yoga studio. Daily yoga classes are part of the free perks included in your stay, so check out the weekly activity schedule and set aside time to get your zen on while it pours outside.
7. Venture To Byron’s Cafes And Restaurants
It goes without saying, Byron’s huge variety of delicious cafes and restaurants is a major drawcard to the town. And what better excuse to try them all than during the rainy season. We could write an essay on our favourite foodie hot-spots, but to get you started check out our list of eight of the best cafes, restaurants and bars in Byron Bay, and our favourite vegan food finds.
8. Catch A Movie At Palace Cinema
The movies are always a good idea on a rainy day… no matter where you find yourself. But in Byron? Your trip to the cinema comes with a perfectly unique Byron flair. Screening blockbusters, art-house films, and Aussie and international film festivals, the Palace Cinema is your go-to no matter what genre you’re into. In addition, each of their cinema rooms are fully-licensed, so you can take advantage of the curated drinks menu (including local Byron beers, wines, cocktails and aperol spritz), and take them right into your movie with you.
9. Get Throwing At A Clay Lesson
You’re in one of Australia’s most creative hubs, so embrace your crafty side with a clay lesson! There are plenty of clay-throwing workshops to choose from, including The Claybarn’s Friday Night Social Club, Ochre Ceramics’ Clay, Wine & Cheese Afternoons, Mud Byron’s Community Workshops, and Byron School of Clay’s Pottery Classes.
10. Groove Away With A Dancing Lesson
When pouring outside, get grooving inside. Take up a class at one of Byron’s insanely fun dance schools. One of our favourites is Groove Therapy 101 for hiphop, house, and afrobeat, where you’ll learn how to groove, tear up a dance-floor and spend an hour celebrating the body for what it can do, not what it looks like. Then there’s That’s My Jam (offering fun and inclusive dance classes for women), and The Cassettes (who deliver high on fun, one-off Disco Dance and 80s Dance Party Workshops.
11. Dive Underwater On A Snorkel Or Diving Tour
If you’re going to get drizzled on, may as well make a full splash! Dive into a Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour with the legends at Byron Bay Dive Centre. On this tour, you can expect to spy awesome marine life, including sea turtles, wobbegong sharks, graceful rays and a tonne of colourful fish. If you’re a diver, they also offer Diving Tours where you’ll discover leopard sharks and manta rays (over the summer) or grey nurse sharks (in the winter).
PS. Looking for more outdoor adventures? Why not rediscover Byron with these five alternative outdoor experiences and tours.
12. Hit The Waves With Surfing
Again, get full drenched and paddle it out with a spot of surfing. Take advantage of Wake Up! Byron’s complimentary surfboard hire and head out to the beautiful Belongil Beach across the road from us. Never surfed before? No stress! Soul Surf School offer group surf lessons that’ll have you standing up and throwing shakas on the water in no time at all!
13. Go Shopping
Enter: your perfect rainy day activity. Byron Bay’s eclectic, boho-inspired, creative and kooky shops are part of the town’s charm, and a must-do! Wander and wind through the streets, and be sure to also visit the Industrial Estate and the local markets.
14. Get Creative With A Painting Class
Immerse yourself in the laid back and creative vibes of Byron Bay by taking up an adult painting and wine class. We love Art and Wine Co’s Sea Turtle, Byron Surf Life and Van Life classes, where you and your mates can BYO vino.
15. Take A Casual Session At Circus Arts
Complete with a climbing gym, olympic-size trampoline, dance trapeze, cloud swings, and so much more, Circus Arts is your go-to for an activity that’s totally different to what you’re used to! Some of their classes on offer include Adult Aerials, Circus, Circus Fit, Adult Handstand, and general Self-Training. You can book in a 6- or 10-week course, or take up a one-off casual class.
16. Drive To The Neighbouring Towns
Tune into your fav tunes, and enjoy a drive out to Byron’s neighbouring towns. Each township has its own charm and unique personality, as well as regular markets that rotate between the neighbourhoods. Add to your local road trip hit-list: Newrybar, Bangalow, Mullumbimby, Lennox Head, Brunswick Heads (make sure you go to the Brunswick Picture House!), and Broken Head.
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