The beaches, hinterland and relaxed bohemian lifestyle found in Byron Bay on our northern NSW coast represent everything tourists love about Australia. But in recent years, one of the top reasons for the staggering increase in popularity of this spiritual coastal oasis is the number of celebrities and influencers who flock there. Byron Bay has transformed into a real estate hotspot. 

Byron Bay ticks all the lifestyle boxes

Property is expensive in Australia, and we'd lying if we suggested that Byron qualifies as an affordable coastal town. But when you look more closely at what this small paradise offers, it's not hard to see why Hollywood stars like Chris Hemsworth, Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Matt Damon - not to mention locally-grown celebrities such as Mia Freedman, Simon Baker, and Angus and Julia Stone - are so drawn to it. 

Byron ticks every box, and we think John W Sparks says it best in his description of the town:

“The spirit of Byron does not have to be explained or rationalised - it just is”

For those who can afford it, the town epitomizes the Aussie dream and so much more, especially if mental and physical health, sustainability and personal enrichment are your priorities. And nothing quite sums up the enviable lifestyle the area offers quite as well as the striking images on Elsa Pataky's Instagram page of her life with husband Chris Hemsworth.

Byron even has its own reality show!

On top of some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast, a vibrant cultural scene, unique shopping and eating experiences, and an abundance of wellness retreats for the spiritually minded - of which there are a few :) – Byron also offers a close-knit, supportive community.

Furthermore, for those who prefer a quieter pace of life, the town is surrounded by a stunning hinterland of rainforests, rich in nature trails and Australian wildlife. And with the Gold Coast only 1.5 hours away by car, the town’s accessibility makes it a realistic option for employees who must travel or work in the city. 

But what really makes Byron so unique?

Below are just a few of the attractions that make Byron so special:  

1. The perfect, temperate climate – With an average high of 24 degrees and a low of 17 degrees, Byron is not too hot or too cold, and in general, the type of people it attracts enjoy a healthy lifestyle which the climate facilitates.
2. Surf to suit every level – Byron’s beaches offer great surf no matter what your level, and with the water temperature only dropping to a minimum of 21 degrees on average, water sports are a far more pleasant experience than further south.
3. World-class beaches – The area is spoilt by some of the best beaches on Australia’s east coast. Snorkel or whale watch at Brunswick Heads, take a dip at Wategos Beach, or kayak on Cape Byron Marine Park.
4. A nature lovers' playground -Surrounded by wetlands and areas of subtropical rainforest, there is a wealth of natural beauty to explore. There are bush tucker guided tours and wildlife safaris, but if you prefer to keep it cheap and simple, there are plenty of opportunities to walk and cycle through the bush.
5. "Wellness" is made a priority – The challenge in Byron is not to take advantage of the many wonderful ways to use your body. But if the wildlife makes you nervous – and I imagine that the array of Australian wildlife Chris Hemsworth finds on his property may deter some tourists – the walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse offers a challenge with less risk. Practising yoga, meditating, raising chooks, and growing your own veggies are expectations in Byron, and although the many self-care options will depend on your budget -  with Olivia-Newton-John’s retreat, Gaia, and Elements at the top end - there are less-expensive options, such as taking your mat to the beach
6. There is a focus on healthy eating – Byron is a paradise for veggos, but there is a smorgasbord of eating options from Asian street-style food to top-class restaurants. Three Blue Ducks at The Farm and Raes on Wategos are Byron institutions, and if you haven’t tried a Byron Bay Cookie, you haven’t really lived.
7. Cocktails are appropriate at any hour of the day – Why wait until 5 o'clock? Stone & Wood - which makes one of the most popular craft beers in Australia - is only one of an impressive range of breweries, distilleries, and bars to discover in Byron. For cocktail hour, check out Light Years and Loft.
8. The Byron "style" is laid-back chic – The "look" in Byron in terms of interior styling and fashion is vintage and Boho chic, infused with some Balinese influence. Jonson St is the main drag for high street stores, but for hidden treasures, check out shops like Arnhem, Chia, Auguste, Bisque and Ha'veli. Alternatively, head to the local market on the first Sunday of the month.
9. The inhabitants respect and appreciate ancient and new culture – Byron is located in Bundjalung Country and the local community recognises the Arakwal, Minjungbal and Widjabul people as Traditional Owners and custodians. It invests in the encouragement and ongoing support of its Aboriginal culture. And no post about Byron would be complete without mentioning the town's music scene and festivals - BluesFest, the Byron Bay Music Festival, Splendour in the Grass, and a writers' and film festival are all annual events.

Of course, paradise comes at a cost!

You may not need Chris Hemsworth’s millions, but with the average house costing $3,000,000 last year and units sitting around $1,2000,000, sadly, Byron is not accessible to everyone. And though celebrities and influencers have brought a lot of revenue into the town, their presence remains a rather contentious debate amongst the locals. 

For those locals who don't work remotely, or in tourism or hospitality, employment remains an issue and the recent surge in property prices has not been welcome. Since the departure of the film crews that took advantage of the town's location during the COVID lockdowns and boosted employment, some people are still struggling to get back on their feet.

One man's loss is another man's gain

However, the drop in regional property prices and the recent interest rate rises do mean opportunities for buyers. And wise buyers know that their best chance of success is to stay ahead of the competition. 

One way to do that is to consider off-market property, which is where our expertise comes in. For access to our stunning hub of current off-market listings, sign up with us today for FREE. For more customised support, speak with our experienced team about our fantastic Buyer Assist service, where we take care of all the hard work for you.