Must-Visit Byron Bay Festivals

Childish Gambino performs on the Amphitheatre stage during Splendour in the Grass in Byron Bay
Childish Gambino performs on the Amphitheatre stage during Splendour in the Grass in Byron Bay | © Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images
Amy Blyth

The laid-back Australian beach town of Byron Bay has a calendar packed with world-class festivals. Whether you’re into art, independent film, spiritual healing, music or surfing, here are seven must-visit Byron Bay festivals to experience in this sun-soaked coastal hub.

Nick Allbrook of Pond performs on the Amphitheatre stage during Splendour in the Grass

Get your groove on at the Byron Bay Bluesfest

When: Over the long Easter weekend

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Where: Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm

If you love blues and roots music, head to Tyagarah farm for Byron Bay Bluesfest. Since launching in 1990, the festival has attracted some of the genre’s top talent, including James Brown, Joss Stone, Bob Dylan and Mary J. Blige. The five-day event features over 200 acts performing across multiple stages, as well as food stalls, licensed bars and beer gardens. Creators have even launched a First Nations Boomerang festival in conjunction with Bluesfest to celebrate Bundjalung culture with traditional music, dance and art.

Boy and Bear playing at Bluesfest

Watch independent flicks at the Byron Bay International Film Festival

When: October

Where: Multiple Byron Bay venues

Australia’s largest regional film festival showcases the work of independent filmmakers from over 40 countries. The Byron Bay International Film Festival is known for its friendly vibe and open audiences, so settle in for 10 days of film spanning multiple genres – from documentary to the environment, human rights, music, surf and even virtual reality. Get the full industry experience with red carpets, networking at the sunset bar and opening and closing parties attended by film talent.

Nourish your body and soul at Byron Bay Starlight Festival

When: January

Where: A&I Hall, Bangalow

Starlight is a spirituality-themed festival that embodies the true essence of Byron Bay, aiming to nourish your body and soul. Experience crystal singing bowl sessions, all-day yoga classes with acclaimed instructors, psychic readings and shamanic practices. Throughout the four-day festival, listen to expert speakers and take part in workshops on health, sustainability and healing. When you’re not blissing out, browse the wellness market for natural products and gorge on gourmet vegan food.

Catch some waves at the Byron Bay Surf Festival

When: February

Where: Various Byron Bay locations

Byron’s honey-hued beaches and rolling waves have long been a magnet for the surfing community. This culture is honoured at the annual Byron Bay Surf Festival with two days of surf demos as well as live music, films and markets. Compete in the Wategos Wizards competition and watch some of the world’s best surfers show off their skills at the Freestyle and Stoke Surf Sessions. You can also take part in beach cleanups and relax with a beer at the sunset cinema or Surf Legends Lounge.

The Pass in Byron Bay is a popular surf spot

Camp out at the Falls Music and Art Festival

When: December to January

Where: North Byron Parklands

The idea for this famous music and art festival was born around a campfire in Falls Farm, Lorne, back in 1993. Since then, the Falls Festival has morphed into one of Australia’s biggest festivals with multi-day camping events taking place in Tasmania, Byron Bay and Lorne around New Year’s Eve. Camp out at the North Byron Parklands and catch as many of the 60-plus acts as you can, including international music stars, undiscovered local bands, comedians and theatre shows.

Get creative at the Byron Writers Festival

When: August

Where: Elements of Byron

Are you a budding writer? Then don’t miss this three-day festival that brings together hundreds of writers at a beachside location to salute the power of storytelling. The Byron Writers Festival has been running for over 20 years and offers a timetable filled with writing workshops and stellar literary speakers. Talks are held over six stages covering topics such as memoir, fiction, music, health and politics.

Experience a winter music extravaganza at Splendour in the Grass

When: July

Where: North Byron Parklands

Splendour in the Grass is one of Australia’s biggest winter music festivals. Come for three days of music mayhem at Byron Bay Parklands, where over 100 acts perform across three main stages and numerous smaller pitches. This NME Award-nominated festival caters to all music fans, from rap to psychedelic and mainstream pop. Join 30,000 revellers to camp, take part in dance and circus workshops, peruse the craft markets and enjoy art installations and food trucks.

Splendour in the Grass is one of Australia’s biggest winter festivals
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