length

5 Days

difficulty

Moderate

trip cost

From $2895pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

5 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Moderate

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

From $2895pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Guided Trip

Our Walk Experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Map
  • On the trail
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Food and drink
  • Walks with locals
  • Where do we stay?
  • FAQ's
  • Positive impacts
  • Similar Walks

Overview

Food, Wine & Walking - Byron Bay

Prepare for a relaxing yet expansive program of delicious food, sensational drinks and exceptional hiking in Byronshire and the Northern Rivers, exploring some of the producers and lesser-known attractions of this famous region as well as the town’s most loved eateries. This trip has so many good experiences included it’s hard to know where to start. (Okay, so there’s not much in the way of wineries up here but we’ve found delightful substitutes to visit and drink at!)

We have included visits to hinterland distilleries, coffee and macadamia farms, amazing cafes and restaurants loved by locals, a Byron brewery and in the delightful village of Bangalow you’ll get to experience a bush tucker walk exploring native food sources with a local Bundjalung woman, Delta. We explore the local food culture with meals at renowned restaurants, famous for their emphasis on native ingredients as well as their unique community vibe.

For the walking we have selected a beautiful hinterland waterfall walk and a visit to Nightcap National Park within the outstanding Gondwana Rainforests. We also include walks on the wonderful section of the coastal trail between Lennox Head and Ballina, as well as the outstanding trails around Cape Byron and the expansive ocean beaches between Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay. You’ll enjoy the fabulous local food of the region and connect with nature by hiking in some of Australia’s most beautiful locations.

We have wonderful healthy eating options each morning to get your energy levels up for our hiking adventures. We take breakfast each day at the best cafes and most popular spots favoured by locals. After our daily hike we’ll enjoy long leisurely lunches at fantastic eateries that showcase the best of the wonderful local produce and we have included dinners at two of our favorite restaurants. You’ll be staying in hotel accommodation in central Byron so that you can go out and do your own exploring or relaxing on the magnificent beaches and thriving cafe scene.

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Highlights

Food & Walking – Byron Bay

  • Guided hikes in lush hinterland rainforests and along stunning coastal trails
  • Superb healthy food showcasing local producers and suppliers
  • Distillery and brewery tour and tastings
  • Bush tucker walk with an Indigenous guide
  • Nourishing meals in renowned local cafes and restaurants
  • Free time to explore Byron and relax by the beach or pool
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Map

Byron Coastal and Hinterland

The Lord Byron Hotel

Located in the heart of Byron Bay within a tropical setting, The Lord Byron has everything you need for a comfortable stay. All rooms are beautifully decorated and the property is a 11-minute walk from the main beach and very close to centre of town.

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Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk

The stunning Cape Byron headland is the most easterly point of the Australian continent and where the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse sits, offering sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean. It’s a renowned whale-watching destination. Between June and November each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales pass the coast on their annual migration.

Tallow Beach

Tallow Beach is 3.2km from the heart of Byron Bay and a great place for swimming, birdwatching, whale watching, beach fishing, and just throwing down a towel to soak up the sun.

Broken Head Beach

Broken Head Beach is a jewel for nature lovers. The secluded reserve offers stunning coastal views and short walks.

Lennox Head

The coastline between the surfer’s hangout of Lennox Head and the town of Ballina offers a wonderful walk, with coves and headlands that are rich with Aboriginal history. Many informative signboards along the way tell the story of the First Nations people in this area.

Bangalow

Nestled in the hinterland hills, Bangalow is a pretty town with lovely parks, intriguing shops, high-quality cafes and restaurants. The historical architecture of the federation buildings give a warm ambiance to the town. The Bangalow Parklands has been regenerated with hundreds of native plant species and where you’ll find a variety of edible bush tucker.

Gondwana Rainforests

The Gondwana Rainforests are the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world. Collectively, the rainforests are a World Heritage Site with 50 separate reserves totalling 366,500 hectares from Newcastle to Brisbane. We visit a series of three different waterfall tracks in the Byron Bay Hinterlands that lead us to look outs and creeks in the Gondwana rainforest.

Brunswick Heads

The sleepy coastal hamlet of Brunswick Heads is a quintessential Aussie beach town, with surf shops, marina, glorious beaches, Art Deco architecture, quirky shops, cafes and restaurants.

Tygarah Beach

Tyagarah Nature Reserve protects a lovely strip of coastline, which runs for 7km between Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads. The coastal heath provides a gorgeous backdrop to the reserve’s unspoilt beach.

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On the trail

The Experience

The walks are a mixture of different terrain and conditions underfoot but generally not challenging for anyone of moderate fitness and walking ability. Coastal walks take place on well-defined easy-to-follow paths and we have one day of ocean beach walking from Brunswick Heads to Byron. The hinterland walks through rainforest to waterfalls follow paths and do involve some uphill and trail walking to reach the waterfalls.

Itinerary

DAILY DETAILS

Important info

Times and locations of walks and venues may vary each day according to local weather, closures and other factors. We will deliver all elements of the itinerary but some flexibility may be required to adapt the order of the schedule on the day.

Day 1: Rainforest walk, Gin tasting tour. Walk Cape Byron headland (5km)

Arrive by 10am into Byron Bay and we start at our hotel with a welcome meeting and briefing to inform for the week’s activities ahead. Following a sumptuous and healthy lunch, we will drive inland to the Cape Byron Distillery on a family farm. We’ll walk through the rainforest with a Brookie’s gin & tonic in hand while hearing the story of the distillery and learning the history of the Big Scrub. See, smell and touch the different native rainforest botanicals that are used to make their award-winning spirits. Finish with a guided tasting, and learn all about the art of distillation.

After the tasting we take a walk on the stunning Cape Byron headland, climbing first to the famous lighthouse and lookout before making a circuit around the headland on a path with many stairs and stunning views. Expect to see many Humpback whales passing by the Cape Byron headland, which is the most easterly point of the Australian continent. After taking in a magnificent Byron Bay sunset we head into town, having a chance to change before we head out to dinner at an excellent restaurant, loved by locals and renowned for its incredible food. The plant-based menu is modern Asian and dishes are matched with a diverse vegan wine list, local spirits and cocktails, and their own brewed range of craft beers, cider, kombucha and other beverages.

Overnight: The Lord Byron

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Coffee & Macadamia Farm visits. Walk Lennox Head to Ballina (8.8km). Bangalow Bush Tucker walk

A full day planned today and we start the day with a nourishing breakfast bowl at one of Byron’s most iconic cafes. Today we have a wonderful walk along the coastline between the surfer’s hangout of Lennox Head and the town of Ballina. Before we begin that we will call into Zentveld’s coffee farm and roastery for a morning caffeine hit. This family farm is situated on beautiful Bundjalung Country in the hills behind Byron Bay. The cooler subtropical climate of Northern NSW means their Arabica coffee is slow ripened with only one harvest each year. At Zentveld’s they farm using regenerative practices, actively produce compost, and grow cover crops to assist in soil health and coffee production.

Then we start our hike from Lennox Head along a coastal trail. Along the way you’ll pass coves and headlands that are rich with Aboriginal history and there are many informative signboards along the way that tell the story of the First Nations people in this area. Today’s walk is a mixture of trails, sealed paths and boardwalks and the views along the rugged coastal headlands are excellent. We will finish by the compact and neat little lighthouse in Ballina before we drive off to our lunch at Harvest in Newrybar. Harvest is a contemporary restaurant led by a team of Australia’s most talented and forward-thinking chefs, showcasing the diversity of local produce and supporting the farmers, growers and artisans behind everything it serves, Harvest is one of the Northern Rivers region’s most exciting dining experiences.

Following our leisurely lunch, we visit a nearby macadamia farm for a quick visit and tastings before we transfer to the nearby town of Bangalow, nestled in the hinterland hills. Here our local Indigenous guide Delta takes guests along the stunning Byron Creek, located within Bangalow Parklands, which has been regenerated this area with hundreds of native plant species that are really important to Bundjalung people. During the walk, Delta points out a variety of these edible bush tucker plants, as well as plants used for natural medicine, jewellery, fibre, tools and weapons. She speaks about local indigenous history and shares traditional stories that have been passed down to her from her ancestors. There are opportunities to learn some Bundjalung language and we are sometimes lucky to see Binging the river turtle or Junbung the platypus. At the end of the walk, we enjoy tasting a variety of delicious bush tucker foods and have cup of bush tea and a biscuit.

Overnight: The Lord Byron

Meals: B, L
Dinner is not included tonight but we will make recommendations.

Day 3: Hinterland food, walks and waterfalls (9km)

We start our day with breakfast at one of the Byron Locals’ favourite breakfast cafes with a good feed and great coffee. Today we are going to be driving into the lush hinterland rainforests, exploring the remnants of what was referred to by early settlers as The Big Scrub. This was a vast area of Gondwanan forests, that was largely cleared but pockets remain in the hillsides where the land was too steep for farming. We will walk to some of the outstanding waterfalls in the region such as Minyon Falls, Goonengerry or Whian Whian Falls (depending on local closures with track restoration). These are breathtaking waterfalls and the scenery is outstanding as we walk on both wide and narrow trails through the forest to reach the viewing points.

Our next destination is the superb Lilium Love Cafe – a very special place nestled in the hinterland hills. The food and products are ‘100% organic, seasonal, medicinal and consciously created’. We will enjoy a delicious late lunch before heading back to town in time to take in a spectacular Byron Bay sunset.

Overnight: The Lord Byron

Meals: B, L

Please note that this day was originally scheduled for the Minyon Falls walking tracks, which at the time of writing remain closed after recent heavy flooding but are due to reopen in June 2023. Daily walking distance may vary according to which tracks are open at the time we visit.

Day 4: Walk Brunswick Heads to Tyagarah. Brewery lunch (13.5km)

This morning we transfer to Brunswick Heads for breakfast at a popular local cafe there before we start a wonderful walk along the Tyagarah nature reserve, following a mixture of a fire trail through bushland and a walk along the shore. The beach walking is on an open and flat expanse of ocean beach that has wonderful views across the bay to the Cape Byron headland. Look out for white-bellied sea eagle sea eagles and other seabirds along this wonderful shoreline walk. Reaching the car park at Tyagarah we meet the van for a break and have morning tea. We then continue on our way to reach the outskirts of Byron at beautiful Belongil beach, walking into town for our lunch at the Stone & Wood Brewery. We get to sample tasting plates of their food and beers, in a fun and convivial space.

The rest of that afternoon is free time to explore Byron or just relax by the beach or pool. In the evening we’ll be heading to the sensational Karkalla restaurant in town. Karkalla is the passion project of Mindy Woods, proud Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia-bul clan. Featuring locally sourced, seasonal produce and native indigenous ingredients, Karkalla delights diners with the novel tastes of the local bush and produce.

Overnight: The Lord Byron

Meals: B, L, D

 

Day 5: Walk Tallows beach (5km). Depart Byron

We start our final morning with a last delicious Byron breakfast at the popular Byron Bay General Store, a firm favourite with locals and visitors, followed by a walk along the stunning open expanses of Tallows Beach to finish our trip. We have a late checkout (12 noon) and those who are heading to the airport that same afternoon can be transferred back.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's Included?

Included
  • 5 x daily hikes with an expert RAW leader and driver / support vehicle
  • Twin-share accommodation at the centrally located Lord Byron Hotel
  • 4 breakfasts at iconic cafes
  • 4 lunches at outstanding local venues, including Harvest Restaurant
  • Dinner at the Karkalla Byron Bay
  • Dinner at Yulli’s Byron Bay
  • Rainforest and gin tasting tour at Cape Byron Distillery
  • Visits to macadamia and coffee farms
  • Bush tucker walking tour with an Indigenous guide
  • Trailhead transfers each day
  • Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted
  • 10% GST
Not Included
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to Byron Bay from your location
  • Any meals not specified
  • Single supplement (on request only)
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Food and drink

Local producers

There are many delectable food experiences on this trip as we visit a selection of the best local producers and cafes the area is known for. You’ll get to taste whatever’s in season as we eat at the renowned Karkalla and Harvest restaurants and Lilium Love Cafe in the Byron hinterlands. Other popular spots we visit in town include The Farm, Yulli’s and COMBI – all known for their innovative and delicious offerings. Karkalla restaurant is the passion project of Mindy Woods, proud Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia-bul clan. The menu features locally sourced, seasonal produce and native indigenous ingredients. Harvest is a contemporary restaurant led by a team of Australia’s most talented and forward-thinking chefs and is one of the Northern Rivers most exciting dining experiences.

 

 

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Walks with locals

Local insights

On this trip we have included a couple of exceptional experiences with locals. We’ll be guided on a bush tucker walk with Delta, a wonderful local Bundjalong woman who’ll share her knowledge of the native fruits and produce that grows in the area of the village of Bangalow. Delta points out a variety of these edible bush tucker plants, as well as plants used for natural medicine, jewellery, fibre, tools and weapons. She speaks about local indigenous history and shares traditional stories that have been passed down to her from her ancestors.

At Cape Byron Farm & Distillery we will walk through the rainforest with a Brookie’s gin & tonic in hand while hearing their story and learning the history of the Big Scrub. See, smell and touch the different native rainforest botanicals that are used to make their award-winning spirits. We finish with a guided tasting, and learn all about the art of distillation.

Byron hotel

Where do we stay?

Accommodation

Located in the heart of Byron Bay within a tropical setting, The Lord Byron has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The property is home to a range of uniquely decorated queen-size rooms (each with a private balcony) and fully-furnished apartments. All rooms are beautifully decorated and include air-conditioning, a refrigerator, and tea/coffee making facilities. There is also a divine swimming pool and spa, tennis court, and spacious cabana area. The property is a 10-minute walk from the main beach and very close to centre of town. We will use a combination of twin-share rooms and a 3-bedroom apartment to accommodate our group. A single room is available upon request by paying a supplement.

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Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

RAW Travel hit the nail on the head with creating the ultimate Byron Bay experience. From the incredible food options, perfect yoga studio setting and hikes that capture the breathtaking views of the sea and the Forrest. This trip truly was the perfect reset button for the heart, mind and soul!

Diamond Sinanis

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Highly recommend. Our trip was well organised with wonderful hiking, yoga, great food and terrific tour guides. A great way to explore the beauty of Byron Bay!

Tania Cincotta

Customer Star Rating of 5   

Customer Testimonials

Well organised, great food, great walks and experiences. I have done three trips with RAW travel in the last 5 years and they have all been brilliant. I will keep coming back as long as my body allows me!

Simon Schubert

FAQ's

Need to Know

How fit do I need to be?

The walking is quite moderate on this trip, the coastal hikes follow a mixture of well-defined paths and trails, with some beach walks taking place on broad relatively flat expanses of beach. The day that we hike to the hinterland waterfalls is a bit more demanding as we will follow narrow trails through the scrubland and requires proper footwear such as walking shoes. If you are a regular walker of reasonable fitness and used to bushwalking then you won’t find this overly difficult.

What's the food like? Can dietary preferences be catered for?

The food on this trip is a highlight of this trip. We eat out at some of the local’s favourite venues throughout the region. Meal choices are aimed at supporting you with healthy, nourishing and delicious fresh food and taking advantage of some of the excellent vegetarian / vegan meals (though there are also non-vegetarian meals / venues each day). We will visit some of the hinterland’s primary producers and eat at venues that support the concept of growing their own produce, sourcing the rest locally and putting an emphasis on community in their approach. We will also be enjoying some of Byron Bay’s best venues for eating out in a town that is probably Australia’s foremost for conscious and healthy eating.

Please advise us of any dietary restrictions prior to or at the time of booking, so we can prepare accordingly. Many common dietary restrictions can be catered for but this may not be a suitable trip for people with very restricted diets and we reserve the right to refuse a booking on this basis.

What are the accommodations & facilities like?

You will be staying The Lord Byron in central Byron Bay. The hotel is a modern light-filled building that is home to 30 rooms and three fully-furnished apartments. Enjoy the tranquility of a property surrounded by lush foliage, a divine swimming pool and spa with wraparound decking, spacious cabana, and tennis court. From shops, cinema and cafes on your doorstep to the glow of golden hour spent poolside, your hotel experience at The Lord Byron will complement a wonderful week of walking, food and relaxation.

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Positive impacts

Social and environmental

All our adventures are fully carbon offset so that you know your travel has minimal impacts. Hiking itself is a low-impact activity but we offset the cost of all our office operations and food production as well, so you can be satisfied that you have chosen a form of travel that is both good for you and good for the planet. Each year we also plant trees on behalf of every customer who has travelled with us, aiming to build towards a carbon positive effect with our operations.

As a B-Corp a focus on local community is an important part of who we are. We are committed to supporting our local community and charities in many ways through fundraising events, sponsorships, environmental clean-ups and empowering people through training.

 

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TRIP date selection

when would you like to travel?

Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

dates
availability
price
single occupancy
dates
04/09/2023 - 08/09/2023
availability
Cancelled
price
$2,895
single occupancy
$600

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