Hidden Gems: Byron Bay

Hidden Gems: Byron Bay – With its jaw-dropping scenery, beautiful white beaches and rich endowment of wildlife, we’re adding Byron Bay to our Hidden Gems destination list. 

Byron Bay is a coastal town at the most easterly point of Australia. A paradise of wild waters, spectacular beaches, and outstanding natural beauty, it is renowned for its food, vibrant arts and culture scene and the abundance of its outdoor activities. Byron Bay’s spirit is bohemian and wild, making it a wonderful destination to savor slowly.  

“Byron Bay is somewhere where industrial history combines wellness culture, where the traditional meets the holistic against a breathtaking sea and landscape.” 

The location 

Located at Australia’s most easterly point, Byron Bay is a small coastal town on the edge of New South Wales. It is roughly a two-hour drive from Brisbane, an eight-hour drive from Sydney, and a 50-minute drive from the closest city, Gold Coast.  

The people 

The local population numbers almost 6,500 people enjoying the famed laid-back and healthy Byron Bay lifestyle.  

The climate  

Byron Bay enjoy a humid subtropical climate, meaning warm summers and mild winters. Winters have daily maximums usually reaching 19 °C and a minimum of 12 °C. Summer is generally hot (27°C) and can also be wet in the evening.  

Tourism   

Although populated for thousands of years, the area of Byron Bay began to embrace tourism as a major industry in the 1960s when it became a popular hangout for hippies and surfers. Today, it welcomes visitors from all over the world all year round. Learn more about what Byron Bay has to offer here.

Best time to visit 

Ideally, plan your visit before or after the busy summer season when the village population swells, and its beaches are packed with holidaymakers. Visiting in the spring or autumn months ensures warm ocean temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and more space to enjoy Byron Bay’s nature and beauty.  

What makes Byron Bay unique  

Byron Bay is often described as having an innate positive energy, making it a perfect destination for those who wish to combine beach and wellness travel experiences.  

What to do in Byron Bay 

• Cape Byron Lighthouse  
• Guided Aboriginal Tour 
• Byron Farmers Market 
• Wategos Beach 
• Northern Rivers Rail Trail 
• Crystal Castle 
• Whale watching  
• Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary  

Flying private to Byron Bay   

Chartering a private jet for your trip to Byron Bay will guarantee a seamless and stress-free experience. Customize your trip to your exact requirements and tailor your itinerary to reflect your personal preferences.  

Entry airports 

Gold Coast Airport 

• ICAO: YBCG
• IATA: OOL
• Elevation: 6m 
• Coordinates: 28°09′54″S 153°30′22″E / 28.16500°S 153.50611°E 
• 40-minute drive from Byron Bay 

Operational information 

• No landing permits are required for private and charter flights
• JET A1 is available
• Standard operating hours are between 7am-5pm (UAS can facilitate afterhours if required)
• Parking is available
• FBO is available
• FBO amenities including pilot lounge, crew flight planning room, VIP lounge
• Full ground handling equipment is available

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport  

• IATA: BNK 
• ICAO: YBNA
• Elevation: 2m 
• Coordinates: 28°50′00″S 153°33′42″E
• 30-minute drive from Byron Bay  

Operational information 

• Landing permits are required for private and charter flights
• Lead time depends on the type of operation but generally 5 working days
• Jet A1 is available
• Operational 24/7
• Parking is available on request through the airport authority
• There is no FBO but ground handlers can assist with private charters
• Ground handling equipment is available but no push-back equipment

Commercial flights 

Gold Coast Airport welcomes over 400 weekly international and domestic flights. International airlines provide direct services from Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Japan (Tokyo), and New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown). Ballina Byron Gateway Airport welcomes 68 flights from all over Australia on a weekly basis.  

Immigration  

• Every visitor to Australia will require a tourist visa, regardless of their nationality 
• New Zealand passport holders are the only visitors that can secure a visa on arrival 
• Visitors from other countries must arrange visas before their trip 
• Application is possible via the ETA app or on the Department of Home Affairs website here   

Health screening   

Australia currently do not have any health requirements in place.  

Visitor tips  

• International yogis will revel in the local tranquil retreats   
• Culinary enthusiast? Be sure to check out Byron Bay’s award-winning restaurants and craft breweries 

To create your ultimate Byron Bay travel experience, contact UAS Charter or UAS Executive Travel. 

For more Hidden Gems, visit the UAS Blog