Haven't Visited Byron Bay in a While? Here's What's New
30th December 2025
If your last Byron Bay trip was a few years ago, the outlines will feel familiar, but the details have changed. New dining, fresh precincts and a fuller events calendar give the town a different energy heading into 2026. Here’s few tempting new reasons to visit Byron Bay this year.
A Familiar Place, New Reasons To Visit
Byron Bay has always been a place people return to, over and over again. Can you blame them? Byron is a place where warm light meets salt air, where the atmosphere is best in the early mornings and the quiet pull of the ocean tempts you all day.
During the past few years, and after the pandemic, things slowed down a little, with some festivals pausing and openings stalled. But now, with some distance from that period, there’s a steady sense of movement and some exciting new developments on the way.
Events are reappearing on the calendar and new dining spots have found their footing. Plus, getting around the region looks a little different than it did a few years ago. For those who already know and adore Byron Bay, here’s an easy excuse to come back and see what’s quietly taken shape in their absence.
Jonson Lane
One of the most noticeable changes in Byron Bay in the last few years is Jonson Lane, a new mixed-use laneway precinct that opened around 2023 in the heart of town.
Anchored by a landscaped open-air walkway, it brings together boutique fashion labels, local cafés, wine bars and restaurants under one contemporary roof, with establishments such as Light Years Restaurant and Bar Heather adding fresh dining energy to the scene.
The development also includes high-end residential apartments above the ground-floor retail and was intentionally curated to house Byron-based brands rather than big national chains, reflecting the love of local creatives and independent operators that Byron Bay has always had.
Northern Rivers Rail Trail
So, it’s not yet fully built, but the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a major new walking and cycling project progressing through regional NSW that will eventually pass near the Byron Bay area and significantly expand active-travel options in the broader region.
When complete, the trail will stretch roughly 132 km along a former rail corridor from Murwillumbah to Casino, linking towns and countryside with mostly flat, accessible paths for walkers and cyclists. What a way to see the region.
Sections are already open, including a 24 km route from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek featuring heritage bridges and tunnels, and planning is underway to extend it through parts of the Byron Shire between Bangalow and Booyong. This long-term project adds new opportunities for multi-day rides or long day trips outside of Byron itself as the network continues to develop.
E-Biking
On that note, Byron Bay has become an e-bike-friendly destination over the years, with multiple options for hiring electric bikes both within town and for exploring the surrounding region, making it easier than ever for visitors to get around without a car and to tackle longer rides.
You can now pick up e-bikes from local hire operators in Byron Bay, including spots offering everything from fat-tyre retro e-bikes to step-through and dual-seat models, with delivery or pick-up in town. Rental fleets often include helmets and other accessories, and some companies will even deliver bikes directly to your accommodation. Cycling to your dinner plans just got even easier!
Events Calendar
Byron Bay’s calendar has become increasingly full of varied experiences beyond its classic summer rhythm. Byron Bay Bluesfest continues to draw large crowds around Easter with international and Australian artists across five days, and after talk of its end in 2025, strong demand has now helped confirm its return for 2026!
On the local cultural front, events like the Byron Bay Comedy Festival and Byron Bay Tango Festival bring new energy with curated lineups of performers each May, while the Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic and triathlon add sporting occasions that mix celebration with participation.
Wellness-oriented gatherings are also emerging, such as the Byron Wellness Festival, featuring yoga, sound healing, breathwork and cacao ceremonies over a long weekend. Regular markets, from the beachfront Byron Beachside Markets to creative Saturday night markets in Railway Park, further punctuate the year with live music, art and local makers. There are literally endless fresh ways to experience the community here in 2026.
Another notable return is the Byron Bay Surf Festival, which is set to come back in August 2026 after a break. The festival has long been a fixture in the local surf calendar, and its return signals a renewed focus on Byron’s surf culture through screenings, talks, exhibitions and community events, rather than just competition alone.
The Food Scene
Byron Bay’s food scene has also expanded noticeably over the past few years, moving beyond its long-standing café culture into a more varied dining mix. Newer additions like Pixie Food & Wine have brought a European, wine-led feel to town, whilst smaller, more refined venues such as Dorsia sit alongside established favourites like Beach Byron Bay.
The overall result? More range than visitors might remember; including intimate dinners and relaxed, produce-driven meals across town.
Where to Stay
The Sebel Byron Bay sits right in the heart of Byron Bay, just steps from Main Beach and within easy walking distance of cafés, boutiques and nightlife. Rooms and self-contained apartments range from king rooms to one, two- and three-bedroom layouts with full kitchens, laundry facilities, balconies and living areas.
Guests can take advantage of an outdoor swimming pool, free on-site parking and complimentary Wi-Fi, with tour and ticket assistance available at reception if you’re planning day trips or activities.
