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Byron Bay = how to get there

How to get to Byron Bay

Getting around Byron Bay

Plan your trip to Byron Bay

Byron Bay might be famous for its beaches, surf, and laid-back vibes, but first you’ve got to get here!

Luckily, this coastal icon is well connected, whether you’re coming from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, or beyond. From road trips with the windows down to shuttle buses, direct flights, and even train connections, there’s a travel option for every holiday style. However you arrive, you’ll soon see why Byron’s magic is worth the trip.


Plan your travel

Ballina Airport

How to get there

Located on the far north coast of New South Wales, Australia, known for its relaxed lifestyle and stunning natural surrounds, Byron Bay sits on the easternmost edge of the Australian mainland, where the Pacific Ocean meets lush hinterland, and is part of the Northern Rivers region.

Located around 800 kilometres north of Sydney and just south of the Queensland border, Byron Bay is easily accessed from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Its position along the NSW Far North Coast places it close to national parks, rolling farmland and some of the state’s most iconic beaches, making it a popular destination for beach lovers, surfers and nature seekers alike.

byron bay map image

Modes of transport

By Car

Road trips and Byron Bay go hand in hand. If you're wondering how to get to Byron Bay from Sydney, it’s about an 8–9 hour drive up the Pacific Highway. If you're travelling from Brisbane, it's a much shorter 2-hour trip south. If you’re cruising in from the Gold Coast, you’ll be in Byron in around an hour. Perfect day trip material! Driving here gives you the freedom to stop along the way — think picturesque towns, roadside fruit stalls, and stretches of coast begging for a swim. Pop Reflections Byron Bay into your GPS for easy directions and let the adventure begin.

By Bus

If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, Byron Bay has plenty of bus connections. Services run daily from Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, with major operators offering direct routes to the Byron Bay Bus Interchange on Butler St. Flying in first? You can catch a Byron Bay shuttle bus from Ballina Airport (about 35 minutes away) or the Gold Coast Airport (around 50 minutes). It’s a stress-free way to roll into holiday mode while someone else handles the traffic.

By Plane

Flying is the quickest way to get to Byron Bay, with three nearby airports to choose from.

The closest airport to Byron Bay is Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, just 35 minutes away from the heart of all the action (or relaxation, if that's what you're after!). Gold Coast Airport is about a 50-minute drive, while Brisbane Airport sits two hours north.

All three airports connect with shuttle buses and car hire, making it easy to get from runway to holiday mode in no time.

If you’re flying from Melbourne, Sydney, or other major cities, you’ll find regular direct flights to Byron Bay landing daily.

By Train

There aren’t any train stations connecting Byron Bay to other cities, but once you’ve arrived, you can hop aboard something pretty special — the Byron World First Solar Train. This immaculately restored 1949 heritage train is powered entirely by the sun! The three-kilometre coastal track links Byron’s town centre with the North Beach precinct and Byron Arts Estate, with a one-way trip taking just 10 minutes.

By Bike

For cycling enthusiasts, Byron Bay and the surrounding Northern Rivers region offer some incredible rides. While you won't be pedalling all the way from Sydney or Brisbane, once you’re nearby, you can bike into surrounding towns like Brunswick Heads or Lennox Head.

The coastal routes make for a breezy ride, with plenty of spots to stop for a swim or an açai bowl along the way. Just remember your helmet and plenty of water.

By Foot

If you’re already in town, Byron Bay is a walker’s dream. Reflections Byron Bay Holiday Park is a short drive to the town centre, so you can easily get around on foot from there — whether you're after cafés and shops or the beach and the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse walk.

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How to get there FAQs

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What is the closest airport to Byron Bay?

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is the closest airport to Byron Bay, just 35 minutes away from Reflections Holiday Park.

Whats the easiest way to get to Byron Bay from Sydney, Brisbane or the Gold Coast?

The easiest way to get to Byron Bay depends on where you’re travelling from. From Sydney, the quickest option is to fly to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (around 1.5 hours), then drive or catch a shuttle to Byron Bay. Driving from Sydney takes about 8–9 hours and is popular for road trips along the coast.

From Brisbane or the Gold Coast, driving is the simplest and most flexible option, taking around 2–3 hours depending on traffic. There are also direct flights into Ballina from both cities, as well as coach services that run regularly to Byron Bay for those travelling without a car.

What’s the closest airport to Byron Bay?

The closest airport to Byron Bay is Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, located about a 30–35 minute drive south of town. It offers regular flights from major cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with shuttle transfers and car hire available at the airport.

Another popular option is Gold Coast Airport, around one hour’s drive north of Byron Bay, which has a wider range of domestic and international flights and easy access via car, shuttle or coach services.

Can I rent bicycles to get around Byron Bay?

There are several easy options for hiring a bike in Byron Bay, with stores located in and around town. Popular choices include:

Most bike hire shops provide helmets and locks, and cycling is a great way to get around Byron Bay’s beaches, cafes and town centre.

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Ways to stay in Byron Bay

At Reflections Byron Bay, your stay is just as awesome as your journey here. Roll in with the caravan or pitch your tent at our campsites, take things up a notch and try glamping, or book a cabin with all the creature comforts. And yes, we have tiny homes too! Whatever your style, you’ll be steps from the beach and minutes from everything Byron is famous for.