A chilled bottle of wine, delicious gourmet food and the perfect company in stunning nature – romance is epitomised by the kind of picnics you can enjoy in Byron Bay.
From panoramic hinterland views to deserted beaches and a river that transforms before your eyes, the hardest choice will be choosing which to lay your picnic blanket down at.
And with plenty of top-notch cafes as well as easily accessible supermarkets, delis and bottleshops near the resort and in the town centre, finding the perfect accompaniments to romance is easy.
Let’s take a tour of our favourite picnic spots in Byron Bay.
Byron Bay Lighthouse
For a picnic in an iconic location, with panoramic views of and one of the best sunsets in Byron Bay, head up to Cape Byron Lighthouse.
There’s plenty of grass areas to lay out a picnic rug, as well as plenty of spots to perch on walls or the tarmac around the lighthouse. The views are unmatched in Byron Bay, and crowds often gather here to witness one of the town’s most spectacular sunsets.
From Byron Bay, you can easily drive to the car park at the top or walk up the stairs from Wategos Beach (more car parks here). For an alternative picnic spot, take the left turn halfway up the Cape Byron Walking Track and head down to Little Wategos Beach or on the grassy hillside above it – another stunning (and often quieter) spot for a romantic picnic.
Three Sisters Track
To the south of Byron Bay is a quiet hillside offering ocean views far from the crowds. This haven is accessed along a short trail at Broken Head, transporting you through coastal bush before you emerge to views that will take your breath away.
The walk to the picnic spot will take around 15 minutes and is an easy stroll that undulates gently. Settle on the hillside to enjoy the view, which features the Three Sisters – a rock formation with a fascinating Aboriginal history (there’s information about this on the nearby plaque).
As a bonus, this picnic spot is also a great spot for whale watching (May – October). There’s also access down to Kings Beach from here at low tide, so you can enjoy an after-picnic ocean dip.
Belongil Beach – or Elements’ Beach Lounge!
For a romantic picnic on the beach, you’re spoiled for choice in Byron Bay. There are great picnic beaches from Broken Head to the south (most with step access) through the town’s many beaches and on north past Brunswick Heads.
One of our favourite spots is along Belongil Beach, accessible from Elements of Byron via the Beach Lounge. Head out the gate and turn right, wandering slowly towards Byron Bay along a stretch of sand bordered by shimmering ocean on one side and nature reserve on the other.
Find a spot alongside the idyllic Belongil Estuary, or cross this to find a quiet spot along the often-deserted stretch of beach as it sweeps south towards the town’s Main Beach. Alternatively, guests can stay at the resort and enjoy a romantic picnic on the sand accompanied by a gin & tonic served from Botanica Beach Club bar.
Riverside in Brunswick Heads
Drive 15-minutes north from Byron Bay to the fishing village of Brunswick Heads to find a host of romantic picnic options.
Aside from the beaches—Torakina Beach has plenty of shade on the beach while Brunswick Beach is a long and wide stretch of sand—the riverside is a gorgeous spot for a long afternoon picnic.
While you graze from one of the picnic benches or on the grass in one of the village’s parks, you’ll witness a remarkable transformation. The tidal river changes colour from shimmering aqua blue to a deep golden brown as the ocean water floods in and out over a few short hours.
Being close to a range of food and drink options is another advantage of this picnic spot. Choose from fish and chips, pizza, great cafe food, ice cream and a popular pub with plenty of outdoor seating.
You’ll discover it’s easy to extend your picnic far past sunset in Brunswick Heads.
So, next time you’re in Byron Bay, take a picnic hamper and savour a truly romantic experience featuring good food, breathtaking views and the very best company.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.