Byron Bay’s appeal as a year-round destination is obvious in May, even as the region leisurely approaches ‘winter’.
With cooler, but still very comfortable, average daytime temperatures, the water is still warm and you’ll see many swimmers enjoying the ocean. And there’s plenty else on offer.
Spoil one of the most special people in your life – your mum on Mother’s Day – with a special Mother’s Day High Tea at Azure Bar and Grill. Soak up the feel-good vibes at two of Byron’s most enduring sporting events. Experience the magic of whale watching.
These are just some of the things that make the area spring alive during this special month. Let’s discover our Top 5 things to do in Byron Bay for May.
1) Mother’s Day High Tea
Mum’s the word in May, when we celebrate Mother’s Day. What better way to show your mum you care than treating her to a heavenly treatment at Osprey Spa or a decadent dining experience care of the resort’s annual Mother’s Day High Tea?
Pair a tailored full body treatment, rejuvenating facial or deeply relaxing massage with Azure Bar and Grill’s special Mother’s Day High Tea.
Mother’s Day Champagne High Tea: Sunday 12 May
Indulge in a tower of sweet and savoury treats designed by Executive Chef Ebony Baker.
Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea featuring delectable sweet and savoury treats including scones, finger sandwiches, bagels, quiche and cakes, accompanied by live music, bottomless tea and a glass of Louis Roederer champagne or mocktail on arrival.
2) Harvest Food Trail
Behind every bite of food you put in your mouth is a story. It’s the story of the land or body of water the ingredients came from. It’s the story of the passion and toil poured into each culinary experience by the people who brought it to your plate.
The Harvest Food Trail is a self-drive weekend experience that connects you with the people behind some of the region’s most celebrated food and beverage offerings. This is an experience in paddock to plate deliciousness.
Choose where you stop off on your foodie exploration from a list of more than 35 leading food producers, farms, restaurants, distilleries and breweries.
Wild Harvest Feast
Elements of Byron is proud to host two Harvest Food Trail events this May.
Wild Harvest Feast – Thursday 2 May.
Join our foraging tour and then feast on Executive Chef Ebony Baker’s 6-course degustation lunch menu with paired wines from Shaw and Smith.
Bush to Bar – Saturday 4 May
Forage for native botanical ingredients then practise the art of cocktail making in an immersive workshop. Bookings are essential.
3) Whale Migration
From May to September
Byron Bay’s association with whales goes way back, from its first centre as a whaling town (between 1954 and 1962) to now, when these magnificent creatures are protected, in one of the most spectacular destinations in the world.
As if whales aren’t impressive enough, between May and November humpback whales migrate along the east coast of Australia in one of the animal kingdom’s longest migrations!
During this annual event (a must see at least once in your life), the whale’s journey over 2,500km from their Antarctic summer feeding grounds, past Cape Byron headland to the tropical waters further north. There, they give birth before returning again, past Byron, with their babies in tow.
Popular viewing spots include Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point, and even from Belongil Beach, at the edge of Elements of Byron. Another special way to witness this spectacle is through a whale watching cruise hosted by ecotourism venture Out Of The Blue Adventures, where you can expect to have a marine biologist on board as your tour guide.
4) Ocean Swim and Triathlon
Byron is renowned throughout the world for its stunning beaches and bushland, which in May become the setting for two of the region’s most popular sporting events.
Earlier in the month is the Byron Bay Ocean Swim Classic.
First held over 30 years ago, this fantastic family-friendly event throws out a challenge for people of all ages. Whether you work out your muscles or your vocal chords cheering people on during the classic 2.2km event or the mini swim (open to entrants from nine years of age), just get involved. It’s worth it.
Next in line, is the Byron Bay Triathlon. Described as ‘an iconic multi-fun weekend’, this swimming, cycling and running event has been ticking along for more than 20 years. Along with promoting a healthy lifestyle, we think it’s also a great opportunity to show off your lycra!
5) The Banya
35-37 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby
A European-inspired bathhouse with a modern twist, The Banya brings the ancient ceremony of hot and cold therapy into the present day thanks to its wood-fired sauna and steam room that ignites the body’s natural detoxification abilities.
Followed by a cold plunge into a pool to activate the nervous system and boost immunity, your body will feel revitalised and ready for action.
This adults only immersive social, bathing and dining destination also offers a lap pool, three hot mineral pools, five massage treatment rooms and a rooftop sundeck with cocktail bar.
From spying whales passing by Byron’s iconic lighthouse to indulging in a delectable Mother’s Day high tea, soaking up the region’s sporting traditions, unwinding in an experiential bathhouse and sampling the area’s food story, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Byron during May.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.