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Despite what everyone thinks about Australia, the weather can take a turn for the worst especially over the winter period. Luckily it doesn’t happen very regularly but if you’ve arrived in Byron Bay and there’s no sun, I’ve put together some tips on what to do in Byron Bay when it rains.
Activities for Rainy Days in Byron Bay
1. Go for a Surf
Rain, hail or shine mate. If there is a wave and you haven’t learned to surf yet… get out there and give it a go! Sometimes the water is even warmer when it’s raining! And in the end you’re gonna get wet anyway! Mad Travel Shop can book your surf lesson 7 days a week and get you on the way to catching your first barrel!
2. Go shopping
Taking a stroll into town and glancing at the shops isn’t a bad wet weather idea either. For such a small coastal town, Byron Bay has a lot going on in the world of fashion. Check out the vintage surf shops dotted around the centre as well as more classy shops that are also quite prominent in Byron Bay. Pick yourself a bargain, souvenir or both!
3. Visit Crystal Castle (or Mullumbimby)
Crystal Castle, located just outside of Mullumbimby in the Byron Bay hinterland, is the home of breathtaking scenery, relaxation and spirituality that the area is famous for. Crystal Castle is a place of total relaxation. A place to take in a wonderful guided meditation, massage or go for a walk around the amazing Buddha Gardens.
4. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an easy, dry day trip from Byron Bay located only about 1 hour up the coast. There’s a Greyhound bus departing Byron Bay every day at 10am and returning at 4pm. Whatever cuddly, creepy or crawly Australian animal you’re into you’ll find it and with entry at only $31, it’s a bloody cheap day!
5. Nimbin
No matter what mother nature is throwing at you Nimbin will always be living up to its expectation as the “Alternative Capital of Australia”. Grasshoppers and the Nimbin Shuttle run tours out to Nimbin 7 days a week and take in a local market every Sunday. One of the cheapest and best day tours in Australia.
6. Visit the Pig House Flicks Cinema
If you’re staying with us here at The Arts Factory Lodge catching a movie in the “Pig House Flicks Cinema”, located at the back of the Buddha Bar is a cheap, easy and relaxing idea (but you don’t have to be staying here to enjoy the cinema!). They play new release movies as well as the odd classics every now and again. If you’re staying with us at the Arts Factory Lodge let them know as they’ll give you a discount.
7. Have a massage or some Reiki!
Our in-house massage, guided meditation and reiki therapist Denise will take care of your aches and pains and take you to a better place. She normally works 4 or 5 days a week and prices are very fair for Arts Factory customers, so get in there!
8. Visit the pub!
The pubs and clubs offer a great range of live music no matter the day or what the weather is doing. If you’re staying at the Arts Factory while in Byron Bay, we have an in-house weekly talent show to get you started and an Open Mic Night held in the Byron Bay Brewery every Wednesday. Apart from that check out The Rails Pub, The Great Northern Hotel and the Beach Hotel for live music.
9. Go on a Bushtucker Walk!
Tuesdays through to Thursdays at the Arts Factory Lodge we have our in-house entertainment guru Cockatoo Paul running his famous Bushtucker Walk around the gardens of the Arts Factory Lodge. If the weather turns sour, Cockatoo Paul brings you in under the cover of the Lodge and helps you make awesome wristbands, anklettes and necklaces out of plant fibres from around the property. It’s a donation only kind of thing and you even get a free beer or wine afterwards and maybe even a memento to take home!
10. Learn to drum
Learn African drumming with Albert the resident drum master at The Arts Factory Lodge. His lessons are completely free, all equipment is provided and the lessons run for around 2 hours every session. All levels of expertise are welcome, it’s mainly just about having fun and meeting some new people. They run 3 times a week so get in there, pump the beat and get your drum on!
If you’re still not sure what you should be doing when it rains in Byron Bay come and ask the rad reception staff at The Arts Factory Lodge and we will give you more advice on things to do when you are staying with us.
