If you’re heading on a family holiday to Byron Bay, get ready for fun and adventure under the sea and sun. Often referred to as ‘Byron’, this coastal town is a popular holiday destination with plenty of water activities for all. With your Dollar rental vehicle by your side, discover the top five adventures to experience while you’re in town.

Pick up your Dollar rental Car from our Byron Bay branch in the centre of the city to get your holiday started. From here, it’s only a ten-minute drive to Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia’s most powerful lighthouse. Situated on Australia’s most eastern point, this heritage-listed lighthouse has a light intensity of 2,200,000 candelas and is the perfect place to learn about the history of the area. Take a guided tour to hear all about how and why the lighthouse was built and walk up the stairs to take in picturesque views across the Pacific Ocean. Turtles and dolphins are frequently seen from here, with humpback whales also spotted in winter during migration season (make sure you bring binoculars!). While here, get to know the area with a family walk along the Cape Byron Walking Track. The trail offers beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for photography. Check the park alerts ahead of your visit in case of any closures on the track. 

Take a scenic drive inland to the magical grounds of the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens, about 25 minutes from town in your rental car. Step into an enchanting experience where you’ll see and touch beautiful crystals, venture through caves and walk through the subtropical Shambhala Gardens. If you’ve ever wondered where the tallest crystals in the world stand, look no further. The Crystal Guardians tower at 5.5 metres high each, providing the perfect photo opportunity for all. Originally found in remote Uruguay, the Guardians are a pair of smoky quartz geode crystals which evoke a whimsical feeling and spellbinding display. Let children feel like fairies wandering through the forest on the Damanhur Spiral walk, seek out hiding spots in the Dragon Egg and Enchanted Cave and settle in for a bite at the Lotus Cafe. Let your family’s imagination run wild with a day out at Crystal Castle. 

Looking to add some more excitement to your Byron Bay getaway? Try out sea kayaking, with the added bonus of riding the waves alongside bottlenose dolphins. Cape Byron Kayaks have offered this one-of-a-kind experience since 1995, providing groups of friends and families with awesome opportunities to see these majestic creatures up close, while on board sit-on-top-style kayaks. No prior experience is required, plus children as young as five years old can take part, making it a fun activity for the whole family to do together. Enjoy this exhilarating ride as you take in captivating views of Cape Byron, the lighthouse and surroundings and delight in learning how to paddle and explore in your very own sea kayak. 

Operated by the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, connect with nature and engage with animals at the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Purpose-built with an on-site mobile hospital to save and recover local wildlife, the sanctuary houses native animals like koalas, kangaroos and emus, free-flight birds who display their soaring skills daily and reptiles and farmyard animals. Choose from a range of interactive wildlife experiences to get up close and personal with animals like owls, sugar gliders and snakes, or book the children into a school holiday program , like ‘Keeper for a Day’, where they can go behind the scenes of the sanctuary and learn about conservation and agriculture. If you’re planning to spend the day here, there’s a cafe on-site to keep everyone fed throughout, a gift shop to purchase souvenirs on your way out and a kids' playground, mini golf and water play areas. 

If water-based activities are your thing, swap kayaks for surfboards with a lesson at Soul Surf School. As one of Australia’s surfing capitals, there’s no better place to learn how to surf than in Byron, and Soul offers kids, group and private lessons so everyone can have a go. Kids' lessons cover everything from ocean safety to a range of techniques, providing a fun and safe time on the water for children of all abilities. Group lessons include half-day adventures to five-day surf tours, with courses to suit everyone. Private lessons are also available, offering one-on-one and two-on-one lessons for a personalised experience. Soul Surf School also offers accommodation options in town for those wanting to stay in the heart of the laid-back and diverse community. 

Experience the best of Byron Bay with these five adventures, perfect for families seeking sun-soaked fun. Dive into coastal wonders, explore lush forests, and embrace the spirit of this iconic destination.