The Best of Byron Bay’s Bars, Australia

Take your pick of Byron Bay’s best bars with our insider’s guide
Take your pick of Byron Bay’s best bars with our insider’s guide | © Travelscape Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Amy Blyth

Byron Bay is where the cool kids come to party on Australia’s East Coast. This relaxed beachside haven offers an eclectic mix of bars to suit all tastes, whether you’re into trendy Parisian-style wine joints, Vietnamese-themed bars, surf shacks or craft breweries. Plan your perfect night out with this guide to the best places to drink in Byron Bay.

1. Supernatural Cellars

Wine Bar, Wine, Snacks

This self-styled slice of Paris by the sea is arguably Byron’s favourite wine bar. Designed by Hunter Valley winemaker Peter Windrim and Shelter eatery owner Peter Lennox, Supernatural Cellars showcases over 50 naturally produced organic wines from around the world. Expert staff will help you select the best wines, which you can pair with salty seaside snacks including oysters, kingfish ceviche and zucchini fritters.

2. The Sticky Wicket

Bar, Beer, Cocktails, Australian

Byron bay town centre and high street shops and stores, New South Wales,Australia
© martin berry / Alamy Stock Photo

There’s nothing like a traditional Aussie sports bar and the Sticky Wicket is exactly that. Think HD TVs on the wall, couches, everything from craft beers to cocktails and a menu full of tacos, burgers and chicken wings. The Sticky Wicket is conveniently set in the heart of Byron Bay, opposite the famous Northern Hotel, and has a 1950s theatre sign outside to advertise the sports of the day. There’s even a dance floor and live music with DJ sets in the upstairs nightclub.

3. Woody’s Surf Shack

Bar, Pub, Nightclub, Austrian, Pub Grub

Woodys Surf Shack
Courtesy of Woody's Surf Shack
A Byron Bay staple, Woody’s Surf Shack is an essential stop on any bar crawl. The decor is inspired by a group of surfers who made the Bay their home in the ’60s and ’70s, and features surfboards, vintage photos and graffiti. Relax in retro booths or on the outdoor patio, shoot some pool, make some moves on the dance floor and enjoy anything from tinnies to bubbles or cocktails. Every Wednesday, Woody’s gives away a brand-new surfboard, and there’s a Hip-Hop Hooray theme on Tuesdays.

5. Light Years

Bar, Vietnamese

Light Years is a relative Byron Bay newcomer, launched by three Melbourne guys in 2017. What’s special about this place is its Vietnamese-inspired design reminiscent of French-colonial Hanoi, complete with authentic street food such as roasted duck pancakes. Their cocktail menu is an artisanal delight, offering the popular Netflix and Chill – a rum-soaked popcorn concoction. Hit up Light Years for their Hot Pho and Cold Beer mid-week offer and you won’t be disappointed.

6. Loft Byron Bay

Bar, Australian

Order cocktails with a view at the Loft Byron Bay. Located just off Main Beach, the bar has an elevated terrace so you can look out over famous Jonson Street while you relax with friends. This is one of the newest bars in Byron Bay, with a seaside ambience and contemporary Australian food menu which includes a popular weekend brunch.

7. Locura

Bar, Tapas

This late-night bar is known for its dance music and industrial design. Locura has a quality drinks list heavy in tequila and mezcal, combined with a tapas-style food menu that ranges from pork tacos to ceviche. What really draws crowds though is Locura’s music, collated by renowned producer Jono Ma, which morphs from disco to jazz, soul and deep house at the weekends. Check out the Cinco De Mayo Sunday fiesta with live Latin tunes and take advantage of early free entry before 10pm, Thursday to Sunday.

8. The Railway Friendly Bar Byron Bay

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

Come to the Railway Friendly Bar Byron Bay for nightly live music covering a range of genres, whether you’re into roots, reggae, folk or rock. Locally known as the Rails, this Byron Bay bar has been around for over 30 years and is located in a former railway station. Hang out in the atmospheric beer garden, sip on one of 20 on-tap brews and snack on an extensive pub grub menu.

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