There’s nothing quite as lovely as Byron Bay in March. The water’s warm and the days are still long. There’s no shortage of cool activities and events, either. With fewer crowds, it’s a great time to catch the surf bug at one of the many spectacular Byron Bay surf spots.
Still on the theme of aquatic adventures, Byron in March plays host to one leg of an annual international Ocean Film Festival at the Brunswick Heads Picture House, a celebration of our oceans in sublime footage taken above and below the water’s surface. Or you can simply grab a deliciously healthy bite in the village or spend a day blissfully immersed in nature with a to-go gourmet picnic hamper.
Here are our top 5 reasons to visit Byron Bay this March.
1) Easter Long Weekend
The Easter weekend in Byron Bay is the perfect place for a short, rejuvenating four-night holiday at Elements of Byron. You’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do – or not do.
Easter in Byron has long been associated with the internationally renowned music revelry that is Bluesfest (more below). But if crowds aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more to keep your holiday vibes alive and kicking.
One of the best ways to soak up the spirit of Byron is to head to one of our pristine beaches or immerse yourself in the soul-soothingly lush hinterland.
On Easter Sunday, the place to be is the quarterly Byron Beachside Market.
Held on the foreshore east of the Surf Club, you’re sure to find something original and wonderfully homegrown as you peruse the hundreds of stalls peddling artisan goods, health and well-being pamper products and treatments, and yummy food.
Still on the theme of markets, the region is positively pulsing with vibrant community markets – not just in Byron, but further afield. Check out this handy guide to plan another Easter Weekend market outing!
2) Bluesfest
Coinciding with the Easter long weekend, Bluesfest is five days of blues’ n roots music that unites generations, warms the soul and creates a lifetime of memories with an astounding lineup of artists.
While world class music is without a doubt the stage of the show, one of the most special elements of Bluesfest is its carnival atmosphere.
Wander aisle of stalls showcasing local artisan designed and made clothing, accessories and more, or fuel your dance moves with a diverse and delicious range of eats.
Whether you’re devouring Brazilian BBQ or Balinese style vegan bowls you’ll find plenty to satisfy your appetite.
3) Plant Powered Cuisine
Celebrated as Australia’s wellbeing capital, Byron Bay is a hive of vegan and vegetarian passion. From a casual, plant-powered smoothie for breakfast to restaurants with menus dedicated to the vegan movement.
Just minutes walk from your villa, Element’s own Azure Bar and Grill offers a growing range of vegan and vegetarian options led by Executive Chef Ebony Baker’s love of the pure perfection and diversity of the region’s produce, with many ingredients foraged from the resort grounds. You’ll also see nourishing elixirs by Australia’s Beauty Chef Carla Oates offered during breakfast.
You’ll find one of Byron Bay’s vegan institutions just five minutes walk from Elements of Byron. Vagabond is a plant powered cafe that serves healthy breakfast and lunch options as well as sweet vegan treats that go perfectly with a rich coffee.
Also in the Habitat precinct, B Smooth Bar offers quick and easy power-packed smoothies.
Folk brings house made, home grown, soul food together with swinging tunes. Soba noodle salads, nourishing bowls and the famed folk burrito, this food is made with love. The best thing is, it’s about a 20 minute walk from Elements of Byron.
If you’re looking for a vegan icon in the heart of Byron village, you can’t go past No Bones. An al fresco terrace creates a funky ambiance while a menu of deliciously creative dishes that enliven the freshest produce with international flavours make it very easy to enjoy the brussels-not-beef focus.
Before you go forth and explore, here are more tips on Byron’s best vegan and vegetarian options.
4) Best Spots for a Romantic Picnic
Byron Bay in March is breathtakingly beautiful and simply ideal for a romantic picnic.
For an unbeatable ocean walk, just at the beachside entrance to Elements, you can stroll from north Belongil Beach towards Brunswick Heads. Even if you don’t make it all the way, you’ll enjoy the serenity, locals-only vibe and many picnic beach options.
If you don’t want to picnic on the sand, purchase a cocktail or a cool beer from Botanica Beach Club and relax on the beachfront sun lounges, or grab some takeaway from Breeze Poolside Bar and Cafe and find a cosy spot with an unforgettable view at the Heart of the Bay.
Another picnic-perfect beach hot spot can be found at Wategos Beach. Picnic on the sand or high on the grassy knoll with a view of swimmers, surfers and dolphins at play. This location also offers complimentary barbeques.
Bangalow Weir Parklands offers a lush green palette as the backdrop for your picnic and can be found just off the main street of this enchanting hinterland town. The shady park offers picnic tables, barbeques, a walk along the creek and a slide built into the hill for the youngest ones. With plenty of cafes just around the corner it’s easy to grab some takeaway on the way.
Another favourite is the Broken Head Picnic Area. With Broken Head Beach on one side and a grassy park and the Three Sisters Walking Track on the other, this picnic comes with the opportunity for a bush walk, cool off in the ocean or the chance to spot migrating whales and soaring eagles.
Take your picnic to the next level with Wild Goat Events. Choose a local picnic spot, decide on your style of picnic and let the Wild Goat Events team do the rest. They’ll set up a styled picnic setting and gourmet food that will take your picnic from humble to unforgettable holiday memory.
Platter Me Beautiful creates savoury, sweet grazing boards and breakfast boxes from premium local ingredients while the iconic Harvest Deli at Newrybar offers deli hampers laden with goodies from their very own patisserie, fromagerie and veggie gardens – everything you need for an impromptu picnic, especially to the nearby Killen Falls (see below).
Read more about romantic picnic spots in Byron Bay.
5) Killen Falls
It doesn’t have the renown of some of the other waterfalls in the region, but Killen Falls in Tintenbar is well worth a visit.
This gem offers an easy walk to a lookout, followed by a more challenging descent to a swimming hole with a roaring 10-metre waterfall at one end. Don’t forget to wear sturdy walking shoes so you can negotiate the rocky trail, as well as explore the caves under the falls.
Nestled in one of the last standing areas of Big Scrub rainforest, this is a nature experience you will treasure for life. From Elements, Killen Falls is a 25-minute drive south-west, with spectacular hinterland countryside along the way.
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.