Home to international movie stars, merchant bankers, local artisans and amateur yoga practitioners alike, Byron Bay (or simply Byron to those in the know) is an eclectic community in one of Australia's most spectacular settings. Cape Byron is the most easterly point on the Australian mainland, and is an iconic promontory that is surrounded by stunning beaches to both the north and south, and a magnificent lush hinterland to the west.

Close to such towns as Mullumbimby, Bangalow, Nimbin and Lennox Head and the spectacular Mt Warning in Wollumbin National Park, Byron Bay is the perfect place from which to explore this breathtaking area.

With award winning restaurants, quaint craft shops, superb art galleries, vibrant local markets and celebrated music festivals all part of the Byron Bay story, it's little surprise that Byron Bay becomes one of the most in-demand holiday spots during the summer months. With a range of exceptional accommodation to suit even the most discerning of traveller, Byron Bay will delight even the most jaded.

Byron Bay can refer to both the town and the region, so for simplicity's sake in this article any general mention of Byron refers to the town and its immediate surrounds.

What are the must-see attractions in Byron Bay?

Given it's breath-taking natural beauty, any must-see attraction list should start with Byron's exceptional beaches. From the sheltered family-friendly cove that is Wategos Beach to the wide expanse of the imaginatively named Main Beach and the impressive surfing waves of Tallow Beach to the South, Byron is a water lover's paradise.

Surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and paddle boarding are all available, as is skydiving or hot air ballooning and gliding for those that seek some serious thrills. Horse riding, mountain bike tours and surfing lessons are all popular, as are a wide selection of yoga and meditation retreats.

Get a sweat up by walking to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, and watch the whales cruise past while enjoying the magical sunrise over the ocean or sunsets over the hinterland.

Want to try something completely different? Jump on the Byron Bay train - a journey with a twist. The world's first solar powered train, the renovated historic carriages give a ride like no other on a 3 kilometre track that joins the centre of Byron with the North Beach Precinct and Byron Arts Estate.

Spend a lazy few hours cruising the weekend markets to pick up some local arts and crafts, book a table at one of the area's award-winning restaurants or settle down and watch the world go by from a number of excellent cafes.

Whether it's an adrenaline filled adventure you're seeking or something more laid back, rest assured that Byron Bay has something for everyone.