How To Get To Byron Bay
Byron Bay Lighthouse
Byron Bay is located 800 km north of Sydney and 200 km south of Brisbane, or just about 70 km south of the Gold Coast Airport. I know, it’s been said before, but it is the most easterly point of the Australian mainland and really easy to find. See also our photos of Byron Bay.
By Car
You can’t really miss it if you drive on the M1 Highway, the main east coast highway of Australia that runs from Sydney to Cairns. Just take the exit for Byron Bay which will lead you directly into the town centre.
By Plane (International)
It’s probably best to book a flight into Brisbane rather than Sydney since you would have to change planes and airport, plus coming from Europe you are saving about 3 hours on travel time. There is no direct public transport from Brisbane Airport to Byron Bay but there are quite a few private mini buses will take you from the airport directly to your Byron Bay accommodation. You can book your Byron Bay Airport Shuttle here.
By Plane (Domestic)
The closest airports to Byron Bay are Ballina (NSW) and the Gold Coast (Coolangatta, QLD). The Gold Coast/Coolangatta to Byron Bay Airport Shuttles run more often and that will take you from door to door.
By Bus
There is also an over night bus from Sydney but the journey is long and exhausting. Taking the bus may make sense if you plan on stopping in a few places along the east coast.
Rent a Car or Camper Van
Obviously the easiest and quickest way to get around is renting a car or camper van but it is also the most expensive. Please remember that all vehicles dropped off in another state may attract a $150 interstate surcharge.
Hertz Renal Cars is the only national company that has got a branch in Byron Bay, so unless you are using Hertz you will have to drop the car of at either the Gold Coast or Ballina. However, there are quite a few independent rental car companies in Byron Bay where you can rent a car for a day or longer to explore the hinterland and more remote beaches.
Accommodation
We strongly recommend to book your accommodation well in advance simply because Byron Bay can get very busy at times, especially during festivals, school holidays and schoolies (3 weeks of teenage mayhem). For more information see our Byron Bay accommodation guide.
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How to get to Byron Bay in a larger map
