Byron Bay Camping: Your Ultimate Guide for 2023

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Long before the Hemsworths set up (their palatial) camp, Aussies have been raving about the charms of Byron Bay camping for years, firmly cementing it as one of the most popular travel destinations to boot.

At the risk of sounding a little woo-woo, it must be said that the sometimes sleepy, sometimes heaving town, casts a spell over anyone who comes to visit.

If you’ve been itching to pack up the family and head off on a Byron Bay camping holiday, then consider this an official sign from the divine gods of Byron Bay to go ahead and book it in.

The Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay Camping 

Is Byron Bay Good for Families?

If there was a ‘chill’ capital of the world, then Byron Bay would unequivocally claim the title.

The idea of travelling with children can be an eye-twitch-inducing prospect for parents, but it’s hard to think of a more suitable place to take your family on holiday than the iconic Northern NSW coastal town.

The endless scope for adventurous activities, the infectious community vibes and those beaches, make Byron a no-brainer family travel location. And if we’ve learnt anything over the past couple of years, it has certainly been a newfound appreciation for getting outside, which is exactly why a Byron Bay camping trip should be high on your family must-do list.

The Best Byron Bay Camping Grounds

Byron Bay Camping - First Sun Holiday Park
Add First Sun Holiday Park to your list of awesome Byron Bay camping spots.

First Sun Holiday Park

If you’re looking to stay within a sniff of the action, you’ll find no better spot to camp than the First Sun Holiday Park.

Situated just a stone's throw from popular surf break ‘The Wreck’ and across the road from Jonson Street, you’ll be spoilt for choice on which part of Byron to explore first.

Nab a campsite within the camping grounds closest to the beach, and you can roll out of the tent for that perfect sunrise moment.

Location: Lawson St, Byron Bay

Discovery Holiday Park

Score extra brownie points with the kids by booking in to stay at the Byron Bay Discovery Holiday Park, because boy, do they have the bells and whistles.

The most notable attraction is the 500sqm Barrel Water Park, complete with a three-metre waterslide and a lagoon pool. They also have a Kidzklub where children can get involved in a number of art, craft, drama, sports and games activities like making suncatchers!

Location: 399 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay

Suffolk Beachfront Caravan Park

A step back from the hustle and bustle just five kilometres out of town lies the idyllic Suffolk Beachfront Caravan Park nestled in bushland against the shores of the famous Tallow Beach.

This eco-friendly park is perfect for families who are all about stepping into the zen and relaxing away their days.

Stay in one of the safari tents, switch off the electronics (if you dare) and reconnect with nature.

Location: 143 Alcorn St, Suffolk Park

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The Best Sights in Byron Bay

Byron Bay Camping - Byron Bay Lighthouse
Visiting the Cape Byron Lighthouse is practically a rite of passage when in Byron Bay.


Now that you've got your Byron Bay camping accommodation sorted, it's time to sort out the second most important part of any Byron Bay holiday itinerary - the many (many) gorgeous sights on offer in Byron Bay.

Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk

Hit the track before dawn and reach the Cape Byron Lighthouse as the sun rises over the easternmost point of the Australian mainland.

After catching the spectacular sunrise marvel at the 19th-century lighthouse and breathe in the beautiful air as the waves hit the headland.

Wategos Beach

Arguably Byron’s best swimming spot, you’ll find Wategos Beach just two kilometres east of town.

Come for a quick dip in the sheltered cove or make a day of it and pack a picnic. For those looking for an even more secluded slice of paradise, head around the corner to Little Wategos.

Stroll the Streets

Whilst not a sight-seeing activity per se, we’re going to argue that one of the best ways to soak up the essence of this funky town on a Byron Bay camping trip is to simply stroll its quirky streets.

The beauty of this town is a sum of its parts - quirky stores slinging healing crystals, seasoned buskers on street corners and locals surfers weaving through swollen sidewalks off to get their post-surf pie from the bakery. They are certainly sights to be seen.

Top Family-friendly Activities in Byron Bay

Byron Bay Camping - Sea Turtles
Get up close to the alluring sea turtles at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve.

Arakwal Bundjalung Aboriginal Tours

One of the most respectful (and essential) activities you can partake in when visiting any Australian town is to learn about the rich history of the land from First Nations peoples.

We encourage all visitors to pay respects to the Arakwal Bundjalung peoples by heading off on one of their many insightful guided tours of the region.

Sea Turtle Tour

If your kids want to get up-close-and-personal with some locals of the marine variety, then a Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour is the way to go.

Explore the ocean underworld at the Julian Rocks Marine Reserve just a five-minute boat ride from Byron Bay and get a selfie with a majestic sea turtle that will hold pride of place on the fridge for years.

Crystal Castle

If you don’t return from a Byron Bay camping trip with a souvenir crystal - did you even really go to Byron Bay?

A must-do activity for the family is a day at Crystal Castle, where you can do more than ogle at a five-metre smoky quartz geode in all her glory. You can explore an enchanted cave, walk through a Labyrinth and find divinity (or some nice trees, at the very least) in the Shambhala Gardens.

The Best Places to Eat in Byron Bay

Byron Bay The Farm
For some of the freshest produce in Bryon, head to The Farm.

The Farm

Taking a visit to THE Farm is a right of passage and really a non-negotiable on a Byron Bay camping trip at this point!

Parents will be positively chuffed by the onsite fare courtesy of the Three Blue Ducks masterminds and the kids will be delighted to explore the acreage, home to pigs, ducks, chickens, sheep and cows.

If you’re brave enough to buck up the courage to jump on horseback then the educational agricultural tour will not disappoint.

Location: 11 Ewingsdale Rd, Ewingsdale

The Top Shop

The Top Shop cafe is something of an institution in the Byron community.

What was once a 1950s milk bar is now the hive of activity full of locals and visitors all there for the same reason - great coffee and even better food.

Sitting on top of a hill, you’re encouraged to pull up stumps on the grassy knoll and enjoy your meal a little closer to the earth.

Location: 65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay

Hotel Brunswick

There are plenty of sturdy old pubs in the area but few capture the soul of the Northern Rivers quite like Hotel Brunswick.

Don’t be put off by the distance; the 20-minute drive north of Byron Bay will be well worth it as you whiz through lush farmland. The pay-off at the end of the journey is a sprawling pub overlooking the Brunswick River. Hearty pub grub, live music and plenty of space for the kids to play will make this an excursion you won’t soon forget.

Location: 4 Mullumbimbi St, Brunswick Heads

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