April is a time of balance in Byron Bay. The weather is still warm, but doesn’t have the heat found in the middle of summer. It’s the kind of weather that’s perfect for active days of getting out and exploring the very best Byron Bay has to offer, especially during school holidays.
There are always plenty of reasons to book a visit. In April, the seemingly endless ‘yes’ list includes just-right ocean temperatures, a little magic, numerous ways to explore world famous beaches and a thriving art culture.
1) Discover a Little Fairy Magic
Hidden amongst the forest and gardens of Elements of Byron resort, is a resident community of the most magical kind – fairies who live in and around our on-resort Fairy Trail.
Elusive by nature, they’ll only be spotted swinging amongst the trees or settled into giant tree trunks by the keenest of eyes and quickest of minds.
Your journey begins with a map! Collect your Fairy Trail Map from Reception (resort guests only) and solve a series of clues to catch glimpses of colourful pods, houses and doors and even the fairies themselves.
Your journey takes you through some of our favourite natural environments so be on the lookout for kookaburras and other native birds and animals along the way. Just watch out for the trolls!
Humans have believed that fairies protect the earth since ancient times, and we think ours are doing a great job of ensuring the four beautiful native ecologies surrounding the resort continue to thrive.
How many fairies will you find?
2) Learn to Surf in Byron Bay
In the same way a visit to Paris wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower, or a trip to Egypt wouldn’t be the same without gawking at the great pyramids, many visitors to Byron Bay only feel they’ve experienced the region’s beauty once they’ve caught a white-crested wave or two. Or at the very least, tried to!
In April, with an average temperature of 25ºC, the water is inviting and perfect for swimming. And with the summer holiday crowds a distant memory, you won’t be jostling for space as you tackle the waves at favourite newbie spots at The Pass or Clarkes Beach.
You can DIY or book a Byron Bay surf lesson through one of the many surf schools around town, including Soul Surf School, Let’s Go Surfing and Byron Bay Style Surfing School.
3) Diving near Julian Rocks
In the stories of the Arakwal people, Nguthungulli was the Father of the World. He created land, water, animals and plants. And now he rests in a cave at Julian Rocks. He’s in good company.
Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve is home to sharks, wobbegong, nudibranchs and schools of reef fish. Humpback whales pass by during their annual migration from late April/May to November.
Sundive has fast boats and Byron Bay’s only PADI five star Instructor Development Centre. That means less time spent travelling and more time diving and snorkelling amongst the sea life, beautiful rocks and coral scapes of Nguthungulli’s underwater home.
4) Art at THOM Gallery
Refusing to define art by trend, taste or social status, founder and director of THOM Gallery, Alex Thom curates a continuously evolving collection of contemporary artworks in his expansive gallery.
With an eclectic permanent collection and a varied exhibition calendar, THOM Gallery intentionally invites viewers to consider that the journey of discovering art is just as important as the individual pieces themselves.
Located in the Arts and Industry Estate, just a 10 minute walk from Elements, THOM Gallery offers the chance to explore a highly collectible series of works from Australian and international artists and sculptors.
5) Pottery at the Byron School of Clay
At the Byron School of Clay, you’ll experience, literally, the earthy essence our region is so famous for. Working with the sensuous, silky nature of clay seems to have that effect.
This gorgeous studio, which you can find in the Arts and Industry Estate, offers intensely local and highly creative (some say meditative) pottery making experiences.
With a bunch of offerings for short-term visitors, including 2-hour private workshops and taster sessions, it’s a delightful way to create a handmade souvenir of your Byron Bay holiday.
Sessions are suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced potters.
The Month to Get Active
Don’t forget that there is plenty to do outside our top five list of things to do in Byron Bay in April. With searing summer days fleeing and the winter not yet upon us, it’s the perfect time to get active.
Don a life vest, grab a paddle and join a Go Sea Kayak tour, winding your way past the beautiful flora and fauna of the Brunswick River. You’ll learn about its incredible ecosystems and get the chance to see one of the dolphin pods that frequent its waters.
Hire bicycles to better explore Byron Bay or sign up for an epic riding experience like riding an e-bike through the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. The crew at Better by Bike will kit you up with a state of the art electronic bike and include pick up and drop off for a seamless outdoor experience.
The beautifully tea-tree scented, calm waters of Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Head are a playground for paddle boarders and other water lovers. You’ll find plenty of local surf shops and the like hiring out paddle boards to set up your day on the lake.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.