Byron Bay Tours

Byron Bay tours get you past the beach and into the Northern Rivers hinterland: waterfalls you can swim under, rainforest with glow worms after dark, craft breweries, and guided walks with Bundjalung guides. Many tours here include pickup, so the sorting question is the time of day you'd like to be out and whether you want to be moving, eating, drinking or listening.

Waterfall, rainforest and river tours near Byron Bay

The Byron Bay Waterfalls and Hidden Gems Tour is a six-hour day that visits Killen Falls, Lake Ainsworth's tea tree lake and the Lennox Head headland, with a swim stop and a stand-up paddleboard included. Pickup is from your accommodation in Byron Bay.

The Glow Worms, Waterfalls and Rainforest Experience leaves at 2pm and returns around 8pm. It covers a guided hike through the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests, a waterfall swim and a glow worm colony, and includes an organic vegan dinner. It starts and finishes at 80 Jonson Street in town.

Prefer to paddle? The Brunswick River Nature Kayak Tour is a 2.5-hour guided paddle from Brunswick Heads with a riverside picnic, photos and wetsuits in winter. Departure times shift with the tide, usually between 7am and 10am. For something on two wheels, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Ride is a 23km e-bike ride that passes through the 520-metre Burringbar Range tunnel, where glow worms live, with a return shuttle.

Aboriginal cultural tours around Byron Bay

Three 1.5-hour walking tours share Bundjalung stories, language and bush tucker. The Cape Byron Guided Aboriginal Tour and the Broken Head Guided Aboriginal Tour are led by Delta Kay, an Arakwal Bundjalung woman. The Bangalow Bush Tucker Guided Aboriginal Tour follows Byron Creek in the hinterland.

Each runs on set days in the late afternoon, so check the day before you plan around it. More cultural options sit under Byron Bay Aboriginal experiences.

Brewery and distillery tours from Byron Bay

Behind the Barrel Byron Bay runs minivan tours with tasting paddles and pickup from Byron Bay, Lennox Head or Ballina. The full-day tour with lunch takes about six hours and visits breweries and distilleries including Stone and Wood and Seven Mile Brewery in Ballina. The afternoon tour starts at 2pm and covers two breweries and one distillery. Compare more under Byron Bay beer tasting and brewery tours.

Choosing between Byron Bay tours

Morning people suit the Brunswick River paddle or the full-day brewery tour. If your day opens up after lunch, the glow worm tour, the afternoon brewery tour and the Aboriginal walks all run late. A waterfall day with swimming needs swimmers, a towel and enclosed shoes. For more active choices, see Byron Bay activities.

Frequently asked questions

Do Byron Bay tours include pickup?

Many do. The Byron Bay Waterfalls and Hidden Gems Tour collects you from your Byron Bay accommodation, the Behind the Barrel brewery tours pick up from Byron Bay, Lennox Head or Ballina, and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Ride includes a return shuttle.

What time does the Byron Bay glow worm tour run?

The Glow Worms, Waterfalls and Rainforest Experience departs daily at 2pm from 80 Jonson Street, Byron Bay, and returns around 8pm. It includes an organic vegan dinner and national park fees.

Where does the Brunswick River kayak tour depart from?

The Brunswick River Nature Kayak Tour departs from 38 South Beach Road, Brunswick Heads, about 15 minutes from Byron Bay. Departure times change daily with the tide and are confirmed before your tour.

What should I bring on a Byron Bay brewery tour?

Bring valid photo ID showing you are over 18, plus casual clothing that suits the dress codes at each brewery. The Full Day Brewery and Distillery Tour needs at least two guests to run.

Local tip: Parking at The Pass and Broken Head can be busy before the Aboriginal walks, so arrive early enough to find a space.

Choose between a waterfall day, a glow worm night or a few tasting paddles, and book your Byron Bay tour. All good days are waiting.