TRAVEL NOTES / BYRON BAY
Byron Bay Events & Seasonal Calendar
Byron Bay Events & Seasonal Calendar
A roundup of local events, markets, surf seasons and whale watching information to help you plan your stay in Byron Bay. Please use it as a reference when choosing when to travel.
A roundup of local events, markets, surf seasons and whale watching information to help you plan your stay in Byron Bay. Please use it as a reference when choosing when to travel.
Regular Markets
Byron Community Market: First Sunday of each month, approx. 8:00am–2:00pm (around Railway Park)
Byron Community Market: First Sunday of each month, approx. 8:00am–2:00pm (around Railway Park)
Byron Community Market: First Sunday of each month, approx. 8:00am–2:00pm (around Railway Park)
Byron Farmers Market: Every Thursday, 7:00am–11:00am (Butler Street Reserve)
Byron Farmers Market: Every Thursday, 7:00am–11:00am (Butler Street Reserve)
Byron Farmers Market: Every Thursday, 7:00am–11:00am (Butler Street Reserve)
Bangalow Farmers Market: Every Saturday, 7:00am–11:00am (Piccabeen Park)
Bangalow Farmers Market: Every Saturday, 7:00am–11:00am (Piccabeen Park)
Bangalow Farmers Market: Every Saturday, 7:00am–11:00am (Piccabeen Park)
Bangalow Market: Fourth Sunday of each month, 8:00am–2:30pm (Bangalow Showgrounds)
Bangalow Market: Fourth Sunday of each month, 8:00am–2:30pm (Bangalow Showgrounds)
Bangalow Market: Fourth Sunday of each month, 8:00am–2:30pm (Bangalow Showgrounds)
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Cape Byron Lighthouse in Byron Bay is Australia's easternmost whale-watching spot. Northbound whales begin to appear from around June and peak in July and August. From September, mothers with calves start heading south, peaking in October, with chances to see them through November.
Cape Byron Lighthouse in Byron Bay is Australia's easternmost whale-watching spot. Northbound whales begin to appear from around June and peak in July and August. From September, mothers with calves start heading south, peaking in October, with chances to see them through November.
Seasonal Events & Highlights
Seasonal Events & Highlights
Spring (September–November) 2026
Spring (September–November) 2026
Southbound whale watching begins in September and peaks in October. Labour Day (NSW public holiday): Monday, 5 October 2026.
Southbound whale watching begins in September and peaks in October. Labour Day (NSW public holiday): Monday, 5 October 2026.
Summer (December–February) 2026–2027
Summer (December–February) 2026–2027
Christmas: Friday, 25 December 2026; Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December; substitute public holiday: Monday, 28 December. New Year's Day: Friday, 1 January 2027. Australia Day: Tuesday, 26 January 2027. Surf conditions are mostly gentle east to north-east swells, making it a popular season for beginners.
Christmas: Friday, 25 December 2026; Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December; substitute public holiday: Monday, 28 December. New Year's Day: Friday, 1 January 2027. Australia Day: Tuesday, 26 January 2027. Surf conditions are mostly gentle east to north-east swells, making it a popular season for beginners.
Autumn (March–May) 2027
Autumn (March–May) 2027
Easter: a four-day long weekend from Good Friday, 26 March, to Easter Monday, 29 March. Anzac Day: Sunday, 25 April, with a substitute public holiday on Monday, 26 April. Please note that Byron Bay Bluesfest, the large music festival usually held at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm around Easter, was cancelled for 2026 and its operator has entered liquidation, so no 2027 event is confirmed at this time. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Easter: a four-day long weekend from Good Friday, 26 March, to Easter Monday, 29 March. Anzac Day: Sunday, 25 April, with a substitute public holiday on Monday, 26 April. Please note that Byron Bay Bluesfest, the large music festival usually held at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm around Easter, was cancelled for 2026 and its operator has entered liquidation, so no 2027 event is confirmed at this time. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Winter (June–August) 2027
Winter (June–August) 2027
King's Birthday (NSW public holiday): Monday, 14 June. Northbound whale watching begins in June and peaks in July and August. The Byron Writers Festival is usually held in August (in 2026, 14–16 August); 2027 dates have not yet been announced. Bank Holiday (NSW, banks and some institutions only): Monday, 2 August. Stronger southerly swells are more common, so conditions increasingly suit experienced surfers.
King's Birthday (NSW public holiday): Monday, 14 June. Northbound whale watching begins in June and peaks in July and August. The Byron Writers Festival is usually held in August (in 2026, 14–16 August); 2027 dates have not yet been announced. Bank Holiday (NSW, banks and some institutions only): Monday, 2 August. Stronger southerly swells are more common, so conditions increasingly suit experienced surfers.
About the Surf Season
About the Surf Season
Byron Bay is a surf destination all year round. Summer (December–February) brings gentle conditions suited to beginners, while winter (June–August) brings stronger swells and more conditions for experienced surfers. Each break, such as The Pass and Wategos Beach, has its own character. For advice on the best timing, please feel free to get in touch through the contact form.
Byron Bay is a surf destination all year round. Summer (December–February) brings gentle conditions suited to beginners, while winter (June–August) brings stronger swells and more conditions for experienced surfers. Each break, such as The Pass and Wategos Beach, has its own character. For advice on the best timing, please feel free to get in touch through the contact form.
Note: The dates listed are based on official information at the time of writing and may change. Please also check each official website for the latest event details.