School Holiday Activities in Byron Bay September 2023

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If you are looking for things to do in Byron Bay these school holidays, then you have found the right article. Away from the hustle and bustle, Byron Bay offers a whole range of spring school holiday activities to keep you and the kids entertained and happy. These family activities Byron Bay style have got you covered!

Parents will love getting back to nature while the kids will love all the kids activities Byron Bay has on offer. With stunning scenery (hello beaches AND rainforest) there really is a heap of things to do in school holidays in Byron Bay. We have you covered with kids school holiday activities from bushwalks to waterfalls to glow worms.

We know that you can’t get out and about every day, so we have included some school holidays Byron Bay ideas for staying at home as well. However with so many school holiday activities in Byron Bay, we know that the kids (and you!) won’t be sitting around bored.

We have compiled the complete guide to the best school holiday activities in Byron Bay over the September school holidays to help make your life so much easier!

State schools finish on Friday 12 April and return to class on Monday 29 April 2024.

Easter school holidays in NSW are Saturday 13 April to Sunday 28 April.

Fun things to do for the Byron Bay school holidays

We have broken our list of Byron Bay school holiday activities into sections to help you:

As with everything at the moment, please check with the venue directly (either by their website or social media pages) to ensure they are open during the times you wish to attend. You should also check their current policy around advanced bookings, entry requirements/timings and social distancing rules. 

10 fun free school holiday activities

Who doesn’t love a free day out in Byron!?! With no cost involved, you can let your creativity run wild and have a great time without breaking the bank. Whether it’s going for a hike, visiting a Byron Bay museum, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park, there are endless opportunities to have fun and make memories with our kids without spending a cent. And who doesn’t love that feeling of discovering something new and exciting without spending any money? So go ahead, embrace your adventurous side and take advantage of all these amazing free Byron Bay activities available this September!

Add these free family activities Byron Bay to your list these spring school holidays.

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Bring the kids to the most easterly point in Australia and take a look the lighthouse and maritime museum there. See how the lighthouse originally worked and read up on the history of whaling in the area. Families tip: Take a guided tour up the lighthouse as an added bonus.

Read more about the lighthouse here.

Minyon Falls Lookout

Take a trip to Minyon Falls to see spectacular views of the rainforest and falls. The kids will love swimming in the pool below so don’t forget your swimmers. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.

Learn more about the falls.

Go on a guided bushwalk in the stunning area.

Mullum Farmers Market

Spend a morning at the local market where you can actually meet the farmers who grew the produce. Listen to some live music and let the kids enjoy the dedicated kids space.

Click here to read more.

Apex Park Playground, Main Beach Byron Bay

Located beside Main Beach in Byron Bay, this conveniently located park offers free barbeques, shade and lots of equipment to play on. Watch the kids play while enjoying stunning coastal views.

Visit the website here.

Suffolk Skate Park

Just outside Byron Bay is the Suffolk Skate Park, a dream destination for future skateboard pros. Suitable for skateboards, scooters and bikes – and with a playground nearby – this park is also a dream destination for parents looking to entertain different aged kids.

Find out what else is at the park here.

Visit the library

When the kids need some downtime, or the weather isn’t so great, there area also great indoor activities Byron Bay offer. The easiest solution is the library. There are a great range of activities on all year round, as well as a specific school holiday program.

Take a look at the website to see what’s happening.

Bangalow markets

These markets are so well known that they are a must for your holiday activity list. Set on a beautiful tree filled space, these markets are crammed with smells, sights and sounds to delight all the family.

Read more about the market here.

Clarke’s Beach

What holiday is complete without a trip to the beach?! Clarke’s Beach is perfect for families as it is well protected and good for kayaking. Bring lunch as this beach has picnic tables and a playground. Just remember Clarke’s Beach is not currently patrolled so keep your kids close to you. Families tip: If you have an early riser, bring them down to watch sunrise.

Find out more about Clarke’s Beach here.

Brunswick Fairy Trail

Go on a hunt for fairies and ignite your child’s imagination! Visit the Brunswick Heads Visitors Information Centre (or click on the link below) to download the clue sheet then take a walk and find the fairy houses. Houses are made of recycled items and aim to spark the curiosity of children.

Click here to read more and download the clue sheet.

Visit Railway Park

This park is located conveniently in the middle of town, making it the perfect place for a break while wandering through town. Grab a coffee and sit in the shade while the kids enjoy the slides, tunnels and nature play area.

Check out the playground here. 

10 fun cheap school holiday activities

Good fun doesn’t have to be expensive. You just have to know where to find it – and we do! Take a look at these ideas.

Ballina Tenpin Bowl

Challenge the kids these holidays to a game of tenpin bowling. With lightweight balls, bumper lanes and a café onsite, this is a great option to please the kids.

Read about bowling here.

Ballina pool and waterslide

A great way to get the kids have a splashing good time is to send them down a waterslide. The Ballina Pool has two waterslides, a splash area and heated pools, all overlooking the Richmond River.

Click here for the website.

Circus Arts Byron Bay

Delight the kids by involving them in a day or half-day program at Circus Arts. They can learn tightrope walking, juggling or have a go at the flying trapeze! Let them run wild.

Check out the school holiday program here.

Art and Wine Co Byron Bay

Don’t let the name fool you, Art and Wine Co offer an amazing range of kids art and creativity classes. Kids can experience the joy of making art in clay, paint or by drawing.

Check out the website to view the school holiday program on offer.

Brunswick Bush School

Help your kids to reconnect with nature at the Brunswick Bush School. Kids spend a day outdoors creating and having fun using hands-on skills. Different programs are on offer depending on age groups.

Find out more here.

Tied up with string

Unleash your creative streak with a makers morning or ‘crafternoon’ at Tied up with String. With a focus on upcycling and natural resources, kids can make whatever their heart desires.

Visit the website for more info.

Byron Bay Solar Train

Take a train trip using solar power! This world first solar powered train runs trips daily where families can relax in a restored 1949 train carriage. Sit back and let the scenery roll by.

Read more on this incredible Byron Bay train here.

Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum

The Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum has a range of seacraft on display as well as displays and exhibits aimed at showcasing the local history.

Find our more on the website.

Rollerworld

Strap on the skates and get into the rink! Rollerworld offers skating sessions or lessons for kids (and adults!) so there really is no excuse not to have a great time. You’ll need to head for Lismore for this but it is only a 45 minute drive and so much fun!! DO IT!!

Visit the Rollerworld website here.

KidzClub

KidzClub specialise in kids entertainment and host a range of kids activities.  These spring holidays they have a special program ready to go, including drumming, crafts and a lots more.

Take a look at their website for more about KidzClub.

10 BIG days out in Byron Bay these September school holidays

Go big or go home with these awesome activities in and around Byron Bay.

Crystal Castle

Experience the magical world of the Crystal Castle and see some of the world’s biggest crystals. Walk through the garden and see the enchanted cave and labyrinth or just bask in the serenity while the kids enjoy the playground.

Read all about it here.

Grab your tickets here.

Let’s Go Surfing

school holiday activities gold coast

Byron Bay is an iconic surfing destination and the perfect place to learn this sport. Have a lesson from a professional then hit main beach with your board and let the fun begin.

Find the best beaches for surfing.

Try a private lesson here.

Go kayaking & snorkelling

Located in the waters off Bryon Bay are some incredible creatures including dolphins and sea turtles. Take some time to go below the water these holidays and see what life is like. Head out onto the water in kayaks and get amongst the beauty of these wile creatures!

Book a sea turtle tour here.

Visit The Farm

The Farm is a Byron Bay institution. With the motto of ‘Grow Feed Educate’, they are passionate about teaching the next generation. Kids can experience life on the farm and even become a farmer for a day these school holidays. Families tip: Stay and enjoy a gelato in the playground onsite afterwards!

Take a look at what’s on here.

Pegasus Park Equestrian

No matter the experience level, Pegasus Park has a horse suitable for everyone – even for nervous riders. Take a ride on the beach or a trail ride through the bush on one of their majestic horses these school holidays to leave some lasting memories.

Find out more about horse riding here.

Get the kids started here.

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (formally Macadamia Castle)

The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (fornally known as the Macadamia Castle) is a must-do day trip these holidays. Start with a game of mini golf, then feed some animals before enjoying lunch (and some hot macadamias!) in a castle. Be sure to check out their holiday program for a ‘behind the scenes’ animal experience.

Read up on the Bron Bay Wildlife Sancturary here.

Experience Byron Bay hinterland

The hinterland and surrounding area of Byron is pristine and well worth a day trip. Take a conscious tour and see some more local sights, including waterfalls, glow worms and secret local beaches.

Find out more here.

Go Kayaking

Take to the water and go kayaking! Choose to ride the ocean waves with dolphins or the take in the surrounds of the Brunswick River. Life is better on the water.

Read more about kayaking here.

Book your sea kayak tour here or your river tickets here.

Byron Bay Skateboard School

Send the kids to school these holidays – skateboard school! The school conducts open sessions and day camps which are great opportunities for kids to make friends and try something new.

Check out the website here.

Spaghetti Circus

Roll up, roll up! Enjoy a day being a circus performer these holidays at the Spaghetti Circus. Holiday programs including a range of circus activities and that will be sure to tire the kids out.

Find out more about the circus here.

5 things to do at home these school holidays

Staying at in doesn’t have to be boring. Make some time and memories at home these school holidays.

Make an A-Z scrapbook

Using magazines see if you can find a picture of something that begins with each letter of the alphabet. To make it more difficult, try to choose a theme ‘animals’ or ‘places’ beginning with every letter of the alphabet. If you get stuck you could draw some of the things in.

Have a living room disco

Crank the music and get dancing! Pick your favourite tunes and dance around the living room. Close the curtains for a darker, more ‘disco’ atmosphere.

Listen to audio books

There is nothing better than curling up with a good book, so we know the kids will be enthralled by a good audio book. Why not pull the mattresses off the beds and make a cozy corner to listen in.

Write a letter to a friend

Get out the paper and pens (no devices, that’s cheating!) and handwrite a letter. If the kids are too little, draw a picture instead. Then next time you are out, get them to post it in a postbox.

Do chalk drawing

Take out the coloured chalk and get drawing on the driveway. This is also a great way to meet your neighbours and for the kids to make new friends.

Theatres with kids shows on in Byron Bay these school holidays

Palace Cinema

Spoil the kids these holidays with a trip to the movies – and maybe some popcorn! Palace Cinema is centrally located and shows all the best kids movies each holidays.

See what’s on at the Palace Theatre here.

Home of the Arts

Surrounded by parklands and a lake, HOTA, Home of the Arts is a vibrant cultural precinct situated in the heart of the Gold Coast. Year round, indoors and out, HOTA presents live music, theatre, dance, comedy, opera, kids shows, art, cinema from local, national and international artists and companies. It is a perfect place to take the kids to enjoy some theatre arts these school holidays.

Find out what is on at HOTA these school holidays.

Byron Bay kids holiday ideas

Taking toddlers, kids, or teenagers to Byron Bay for the school holidays is a fantastic idea because it offers a variety of exciting activities and experiences for all age groups. Toddlers can enjoy playing on the beautiful beaches and exploring the nature reserves, while older kids and teenagers can try their hand at surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling.

As you have seen in our article, the area also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking, allowing families to get out and explore the stunning landscape together. Additionally, Byron Bay has a vibrant and eclectic culture, with a range of local markets, cafes, and restaurants to explore. Overall, a family holiday in Byron Bay is sure to be filled with fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

If you’re looking for more things to do in NSW, click here. Or if you are heading up across the northern border check out our huge list of school holiday activities on the Gold Coast here.

Soooo…. what do you think? Plenty of Byron Bay days out ideas here to keep you and the kids entertained for the whole school holidays? These Byron Bay holiday ideas are updated every term, so remember to bookmark this page.

Let us know if we missed your favourite or if you would like us to add your venue or event!

Even more school holiday ideas:

If you are heading north these school holidays check out our other articles:

If you are heading south these school holidays, these holiday ideas might help:

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Hayley Mill

Hayley is a lover of life and has lived and worked overseas, including in Thailand, Austria and the UK. She has been writing since she can remember, with her favourite topics being travel (50+ countries and counting!) and her family. She loves taking her family on adventures and believes travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you 'richer'. She has a double degree, Bachelor of International Business and Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University, majoring in Marketing and Chinese language, but now speaks more German than Mandarin!

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