Nestled in northern NSW, Byron Bay stands alone as the premier holiday destination in Australia. Known for its stunning beaches, amazing surf spots, pristine rainforests, and vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, Byron has something to offer for everyone. Cafes, bars, and exceptional restaurants adorn every corner, turning Byron Bay into a sanctuary for food enthusiasts. Getting to Byron Bay, however, is not always immediately clear to first-time visitors.
Reaching the laidback coastal destination of Byron Bay isn’t necessarily a straightforward task, given its lack of a direct airport. Yet, numerous options such as flying into the nearby Ballina airport, utilising conveniently located public transport, or a self-guided scenic drive through New South Wales’s northern charms provide various ways to experience this popular destination. Your choice hinges on a combination of budget and time constraints. Allow us to break down your wide variety of options in a bit more detail!
Convenient Airports Near Byron Bay
Ballina to Byron Bay
The nearest airport to Byron Bay, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (airport code BNK), sits merely a 30-minute drive away. Offering weekly flights to and from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Newcastle, this airport is a popular choice for visitors.
Transport from Ballina Airport to Byron Bay: Numerous shuttle services and car rentals are available at the airport, offering a seamless transition to start your Byron Bay adventure.
Gold Coast to Byron Bay
Getting from the Gold Coast Airport (OOL) to Byron Bay is just a 45-minute drive down the M1. Gold Coast is a larger airport than Ballina and will have more flights running in and out of it, giving you a greater chance to get to Byron Bay at your preferred time. Moreover, they have an international terminal for Byron Bay visitors from abroad. There are shuttles to and from Gold Coast Airport to Byron Bay, as well as hire car options available.
Brisbane to Byron Bay
Your third option for flying into Byron Bay is coming via Brisbane International and Domestic Airport (BNE). Brisbane Airport is just about a two-hour drive to Byron Bay, with regular buses and rental car options available to you. Brisbane Airport might also be the easiest move for those visiting us internationally, with the most frequent international flights out of the three mentioned airports.
On the Road: Scenic Drives to Byron Bay
Ballina to Byron Bay: A short and sweet 35 km drive north, taking about 30 minutes.
Gold Coast to Byron Bay: Just 65 km south, this route offers a quick 45-minute drive, dotted with stunning beaches.
Brisbane to Byron Bay: A scenic 165 km drive south, which typically takes just under 2 hours.
Sydney to Byron Bay: An 8.5-hour journey covering 765 km, with numerous charming coastal towns to explore along the way.
Melbourne to Byron Bay: Melbourne to Byron Bay is a road trip absolutely, taking about 16 and a half hours of pure driving time over 1,625kms. We’d recommend a quick overnight stop in Sydney before moving up New South Wales’ stunning coast.
Taking The Bus To Byron Bay
If a car isn’t within reach or air travel isn’t suitable for your budget, using public transport becomes a brilliant alternative for reaching Byron Bay. While this might not be the quickest method of travel, public transport lends you a chance to relish Australia’s stunning landscapes without any navigational stress.
From Gold Coast, you could grab a ride on the Byron Bay Express shuttle bus, plunging directly into the coastal town’s core for as little as AUD$40 for a one-way trip or AUD$70 for a round trip. From Sydney, the Greyhound Australia bus serves as a fairly inexpensive commute, although it takes about 13 hours, costing around AUD$112-$220 return – or from $62 one way. Routes also operate from Melbourne to Byron Bay with Greyhound Australia, Firefly Express, and Premier Motor Service conducting weekly trips, although these journeys stretch over a long 17 hours. Please keep in mind that all of these prices are subject to change.
How To Get Around Once In Byron Bay
The beauty of Byron Bay is that its town centre is reasonably compact, so travelling by foot is a viable option for reaching most restaurants, cafes and accessing the main beach. This convenience is even more prevalent when you opt for luxury accommodation in the heart of Byron, such as Hotel Marvell.
If you’re looking to explore some of the amazing waterfalls or other scenic perks that Byron Bay has to offer, you are able to hire a car or take public transport. However, if you’re in Byron Bay and are looking to get somewhere that public transport doesn’t venture, but don’t want to go through the hassle of hiring a car – your best bet would be to contact Byron Bay’s taxi service.
Once you’re at Hotel Marvell, our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you with what your best options are, so please don’t hesitate to ask!
