'Something was missing, until I read hotel's unique policy - one of many surprises in coastal NSW town'

Picture this: you have an extra long weekend, the winter sun is shining and you’re immersed in a coastal green paradise.

Welcome to Byron Bay.

This NSW town might not be an unusual choice for a getaway - but here's why it might still surprise you.

READ MORE: Travel expert stunned by 'headline act' in bucket-list country

A short one-hour flight from Sydney and an hour drive from the Gold Coast, Byron Bay is a treasured town on North Coast NSW.

As someone from Sydney, it has always felt close enough I didn't ever think about going.

It'll always be there, right? But when I finally did go, the experience changed everything (I thought) I knew about the destination.

View gallery

Secret beaches around Australia that only insiders know about

Surprise #1: Where to stay in Byron Bay

Nestled in the heart of town is 28 Degrees, a charming guesthouse that's hidden so well, you might miss it. But that's why you'll love it.

Walk in the room and you'll notice something is missing.... Until you read the room's unique 'no-TV policy'.

Was I looking forward to a night of Netflix? Maybe. Was that really what my city-travelling, over-stimulated mind was craving? Likely not.

It honestly made me think twice about my whole getaway. As someone who doesn't know how to relax, I kind of had to.

READ MORE: 'It's one of those places you dream about but nothing prepares you for being here'

With no TV in sight, 28 Degrees encourages you to sit in the afternoon sun while you listen to music (Bluetooth speaker provided!), to read their carefully curated selection of novels and non-fiction tales, to find peace in a hot cup of coffee.

You're encouraged to go barefoot up the steps of your timber deck and down the steps of your private heated plunge pool. Not bad for a winter getaway, I say.

Oh and did I mention 28 Degrees is adult-only?

Inside the room, everything around you is consciously and where possible, locally sourced.

From the owner's homemade granola (included every morning, thank you, Deb), to the soft towels and bed linen. Don't get me started on how comfy the king bed is.

Location wise, you're just a stroll away from the main beach with Byron's vibrant café culture, local boutiques and live music scene outside your front gate.

Now, ready to step outside?

Surprise #2: What to do in Byron Bay?

May through to October is whale-watching season with dolphins all year round, so you'll definitely want to do the famous lighthouse walk.

What I didn’t realise was how long yet breathtaking the track was.

Not just a cliff walk, take the rainforest track up to the iconic 1901 Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia's most eastern point.

There's a café, toilets and a free museum at the top. Then take the ocean track down to turquoise Wategos beach.

Or make the hilarious (adventurous?) mistake that I made and start your trek at Main Beach. Trust me when I say the lighthouse is a lot further from Main Beach than it looks, you can't just race up to the top.

A round trip? It would take one to three hours with stops and to take in the sights.

I shamelessly admit that by the time I got to the top, I may have got an Uber back to town.

Yes, the driver laughed. But he admitted I wasn't the first rookie to underestimate the length of the full loop hike (plus I had a dinner reservation to make!).

But hear me when I say the views were absolutely breathtaking. And while it was quite the workout, my 62-year-old mum managed just fine.

We were so lucky to be greeted by wallaby and her joey, stopped in our tracks by a curious echidna. You'll certainly spot a bush turkey (or five).

Surprise #3: Best coffee in Byron Bay

Across the road from 28 Degrees you'll find Marvel St Café, brewing coffee so good you'll want to return.

Soak in the warm winter sun with a table outside, order a freshly pressed sourdough toastie and listen to a live acoustic set on your slow Saturday morning. A nice surprise if you ask me.

For a coffee and a pastry, hit up the Sunday Sustainable Bakery down the road and split an almond chocolate croissant.

Surprise #4: Where to dine in Byron Bay?

Ask a local and they'll tell you to dine at one or two restaurants renowned for their Asian and Italian cuisine.

Book a table at Light Years for their crispy pork belly, steamed rice and greens (plenty for two). Or head to Pixie Italian for the type of Italian you'll crave on a cold winter's day.

For a night out in the Hinterlands, a 10-minute drive will take you to Bangalow Tuckshop.

Enjoy a locally curated menu inspired by classic Aussie staples – with a hint of Japanese (koji buttermilk nuggets anyone?).

Your mouth will water over the 'slow lamb' served with roasted pumpkin, pomegranate and agrodolce. It slides off the bone.

Surprise #5: Best pubs in Byron Bay

No trip is complete without a bevvy at the Beach Hotel.

Be surprised by their giant disco ball shark (yep, you read that right).

Kick back with live music Thursday to Sunday nights on the Main Beach strip. Dig into a classic pub feed and enjoy a boogie with the locals from 8pm.

Best time to visit Byron Bay

Thanks to its glorious weather, Byron Bay is a popular destination all year round. Beat the summer crowds and take advantage of sales with a weekend away in winter or spring.

I never thought I'd be swimming in winter but with an average of 20 degrees all week during my trip, I couldn't resist.

How to get to Byron Bay?

To get to Byron Bay, it's an easy flight to Ballina Airport, the closest to Byron, from most Aussie cities.

From there, you can organise a transfer or Uber into town. It's worth asking your hotel if that's something can they organise as 28 Degrees kindly did.

Once I was in town, I didn't hire a car. Everything was a short walk away and most guest houses offer complimentary bikes you can borrow, or you can hire bikes in town.

The writer stayed as a guest of 28 Degrees Byron Bay.

View gallery

Two Aussie beaches among the 'most popular' for 2025