Best bars in Byron Bay.

One of Australia’s most iconic coastal destinations, Byron Bay’s relaxed vibe and crystal-clear waters draw crowds from far and wide. But it’s not just the sandy shores drawing in the masses, Byron’s buzzing bar scene second to none. Spanning both ends of the spectrum, you’ll find everything from sleek, modern and ever-so-trendy, to easy-going beach shacks and everything in between. From a cosy tapas and wine bar on Bay Lane to a dreamy pastel-hued paradise (we’re looking at you Light Years), these are the best bars in Byron Bay to visit when the cocktail cravings hit.

Light Years

Mixing laid-back Australian beach culture with an effervescent Asian dining experience, Light Years is a perennial favourite for Byron’s local cocktail community. Hidden away just back from Main Beach, this gorgeous coastal hangout with its pretty pastel hues, friendly staff and gorgeously garnished drinks will keep you around all night. For something fruity, order a round of lychee rose martinis paired with mud crab, prawn and scallop dumplings and some spicy Korean fried chicken bao buns.

3/17 Lawson St, Byron Bay

Supernatural

When wine o’clock hits, this European inspired bar turned tapas joint has you covered. As perfect for as glass as it is for a bottle (natural of course), Supernatural offers an all-encompassing collection of drops from around the globe as well as classic and contemporary cocktails – think tangy highballs and smoky sours. The menu champions seasonal, locally procured produce to create moreish bites like sweet and sour eggplant, boneless chicken wings with homemade sriracha and cured salmon with beetroot and goats cheese. Stop by for happy hour between 5pm and 6pm and enjoy $15 margs and negronis.

9 Bay Ln, Byron Bay

The Mez Club

Located along Byron’s main high street, The Mez Club is a must for cocktail hour. This beautifully designed venue has a rustic Mediterranean vibe, with white-washed walls, floor-to-ceiling doors and beautiful Moroccan-style furniture. The cocktails served here are fresh and vibrant and dangerously moreish. The Turkish Princess’ and ‘Classic Margarita’ come highly recommended.

4/85-87 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

Botanica Beach Bar

For an indulgent splurge Elements of Byron ticks every box. Not only for its luxe lodgings but for its trendy Botanica Beach Bar — a retro-style caravan, set up every day from 2pm-6pm, bang on Belongil Beach. Here you can order cocktails, mocktails, beers, wine, and even some tasty nibbles — with sand at your feet and panoramic views of Byron Bay Lighthouse.

144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay

The Bolt Hole

Sitting at the top of a two-storey building, The Bolt Hole is a vintage-style bar, complete with green chesterfields, antique light fittings and tarnished copper bar. The bar not only has impressive views of the hinterland, but it also has an impressive line-up of whiskies and gins (over 200 to be exact), plus an array of cocktails, craft beers and organic wines. 

9 Fletcher Street, Bryon Bay

Loft

Soak up some serious coastal chic vibes at Loft. Its light-filled interiors open out onto a terrace area that has views of Jonson Street and down towards Main Beach. The all-day menu draws from local produce, including ocean-fresh seafood, to craft modern Australian dishes that pair beautifully with cocktails that are as pretty as they taste.

4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

Locura

An after-hours haunt hidden above Lawson Street; this popular twentysomething hangout is the place to party after the party. ‘Locura’, meaning “madness” in Spanish, has a sleek, minimal-style interior, yet still manages to feel warm and welcoming, thanks to soft lighting, a cosy outdoor terrace and revolving line-up of live music and DJs ready to see out the evening. While the drinks menu features the standard assortment of club classics, it’s the cocktails that reign supreme here.

6 Lawson Street, Byron Bay

Balcony Bar & Oyster Co

Steps away from Main Beach, The Balcony Bar embodies all that is Byron – laid-back and effortlessly cool. Renowned for their share plates of ocean-fresh seafood and delicious oysters, do as the locals do and park yourself up on the balcony with a cocktail in hand and watch Byron pass you by in the streets below. 

7/3 Lawson Street, Byron Bay

The Rails Hotel

Resident free live music venue, The Rails Hotel has been supplying the beats and all-around good vibes to Byron’s bustling Jonson Street for over four decades. Sharing their stage with local and touring bands playing everything from roots to reggae and blues to funk, this humble hotel is a local treasure. The sun-drenched beer garden is the perfect place to while away a summer’s afternoon with classic pub fare rounding out the quintessential hotel experience serving burgers, steaks and seafood.

86 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

For more destination guides and local travel inspiration, head to Sitchu.