These Are the Best Gelato Spots in Byron Bay

In the Pink is Byron Bay’s most popular ice-cream shop. It’s been serving up frozen goodness for over 25 years, just three minutes from Main Beach. The owners are constantly experimenting with their artisan gelato, using local and imported ingredients from Italy. Everything is made from scratch, and the menu includes a range of drinks and cakes. There are 44 ice-cream flavours to choose from at In the Pink, including staples like strawberries and cream, and peppermint chocolate chip, as well as more unusual options such as Toblerone, Jaffa and seasonal fig. Vegans will love the sorbets, including the mojito with rum, mint and lime.

Baskin-Robbins, an American import, is the world’s largest chain of ice-cream speciality shops. This particular franchise may not have Byron Bay’s independent charm, but it does offer a huge variety of ice-cream flavours. Scoops include caramel praline cheesecake, chocolate chip cookie dough and very berry strawberry. Alternatively, you could go for something completely different, such as movie theatre popcorn, green tea or rainbow sherbet. Baskin-Robbins also boasts a menu of sundaes, milkshakes and drinks, as well as desserts like belgian waffles and banana splits if you want something more substantial.

This family-run business has been creating Italian gelato and sorbets since 1999. Bella Rosa Gelateria and Espresso Bar is located in the heart of Byron Bay on Jonson Street, close to Main Beach. The owners make daily batches of gelato on-site, using natural ingredients that vary by the season, be it raspberries for sorbet or boysenberry blush for creamy cones. There’s something to suit all tastes at Bella Rosa, including dairy-free and gluten-free gelato, as well as sundaes and off-beat flavour combinations like almond and coffee cream. Try the coconut dipped cones and menu of hot drinks, milkshakes and smoothies.

If you’re heading out of Byron Bay to visit Brunswick Heads, 20 minutes up the road, be sure to stop in at Bernardi’s for your ice-cream fix. Authentic Italian gelato is served in cups or crunchy waffle cones; try innovative flavours such as pear and ginger, as well as old favourites like raspberry and chocolate. Bernardi’s has some outstanding dairy-free varieties, too, including macadamia, pistachio and burnt caramel, as well as refreshing sorbets. You can even make a meal of it and come for lunch, as Bernardi’s has a selection of quiches, frittatas, salads and cakes, as well as coffees and juices.

Love Byron Bay Crêperie and Chocolate Boutique isn’t strictly a gelato bar, but it does serve quality ice cream – the perfect addition to its crispy sweet crêpes, which come with various toppings. Vegan options are available, and while you wait, you can have a peruse around the store, which offers a tempting array of chocolates and cocoa products from all over the world.

If you’re looking for something other than gelato, you can’t go wrong with YoFlo, a frozen yoghurt and fruit bar. The concept is self-serve, so grab a cup, fill it with your favourite flavours and toppings and then pay by the gram. Mick Godwin launched YoFlo in 2013 from a stall on the corner of Jonson Street and Marvell Street; it’s has grown into a popular Byron staple. Expect a rainbow of flavours, including zesty mango or raspberry, chocolate-hazelnut and dairy-free coconut. Sprinkle on gourmet delights such as fruit, jelly babies, muesli and Tim Tams. YoFlo also has a menu of breakfast bowls, coffees and smoothies.

Trekking up to the town’s famous Cape Byron Lighthouse? Then reward yourself at the top with some ice cream from this cute café, which has a large terrace with sweeping views of the bay. Cape Byron Lighthouse Cafe sells gelato from In the Pink, which you can enjoy while looking out for dolphins and whales below. If you’re ravenous from the hike, the café also has a menu of croissants, toasties, cakes and a range of drinks.