Byron Bay is famous for its stunning blue skies and perfect point breaks, but don’t be fooled, this laid-back town can still get its fair share of rainy days.

If you find yourself in Byron when the rain starts to fall and you’re not sure what to do, you’re in the right spot. We have put together a list of our favourite rainy-day activities to check out on a rainy day, and trust us, you’ll want to save it for when the sun comes back out!

But before we dive in…

When does Byron Bay see rain? Byron’s rainy season tends to hit during summer, from January to April. But don’t let that dampen your spirits! It’s the perfect time to discover a whole new side of this gorgeous place, with plenty of fun, laid-back activities that are just as ‘gram-worthy as those sunny days.

Rainy Day Activities in Byron Bay

1. Stone & Wood Brewery Tour & Tastings

When the rain rolls in, there’s no better place to hunker down than our Byron Bay Stone & Wood Brewery. Nestled just a short drive from Byron Bay, we reckon this is the perfect spot to escape the weather and dive into some seriously good beer. 

Join us for a brewery tour where we’ll take you through the journey of our brews, from how we craft each drop to the unique flavours that reflect the heart of the Northern Rivers. After the tour, it’s time for a tasting session, where you can savour our latest creations, all brewed with a whole lot of love and respect for the land we call home.

So, grab a glass, relax, and let us show you just how enjoyable a rainy day can be when you're with good beer, good company, and the warmth of our local community. Cheers to that! 

2. Watch a Movie at Palace Cinema

Image courtesy of Palace Cinemas

Rainy days and movies go hand in hand, don’t they? But when you're in Byron, a trip to the cinema is far from ordinary, it’s got that special Byron magic. 

Whether you’re into the latest blockbusters, indie gems, or Aussie and international film festivals, the Palace Cinema has something for everyone. And here’s the best bit: each of their cinema rooms is fully licensed, so you can kick back with a cold one (maybe a Stone & Wood Pacific Ale) and enjoy it right alongside your flick.

We reckon there’s no better way to escape the rain and embrace a true taste of the Northern Rivers. 

3. Watch The Waterfalls in The Hinterland

Image courtesy of Jenny's Travels

On a clear day, you might find yourself cooling off in the watering hole at the base of Minyon Falls. But when the rain’s coming down? That’s when you’re in for a real treat. 

The falls come to life, gushing with power and beauty, there’s nothing quite like it. Nestled in the heart of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest in the Byron Hinterland, this spot offers a lush, winding walk through the rainforest, all the way to the Minyon Falls Lookout. We wrote a guide for the best Hinterland hikes in Byron Bay, check it out!

Pack a rain jacket, sturdy shoes, and maybe an umbrella, because you’re about to experience one of nature’s most stunning spectacles, rain or shine. It’s the perfect reminder that our corner of the Northern Rivers is something special. 

4. Rainy Day Recharge: Byron’s Best Spots to Soak, Steam & Slow Down

Image courtesy of The Banya Bathhouse

When the skies turn grey in Byron, there’s no better time to lean into the slower pace and treat yourself to a little self-care. Thankfully, this corner of the world has more than its fair share of beautiful spots to unwind, warm up, and recharge. 

Start with The Kiva Spa in Mullumbimby, a hidden sanctuary just a short drive from town. Surrounded by tropical gardens, their bathhouse includes hot hydrotherapy spas, a wood-fired sauna, steam room and a plunge pool, making it the perfect place to exhale and reset. Whether you're ducking in for a quick soak or booking a full massage treatment, it’s well worth the visit.

Closer to the coast, Comma Bath House & Day Spa in Byron offers a modern take on ritual and rest. With minimalist spaces and seriously good massage therapies, it’s all about slowing down with intention. Rain outside, deep tissue massage inside? Yes, please.

And if you're after a full wellness experience, The Banya in Mullum blends the classic European bathhouse with a luxe Byron twist. Think cold plunges, mineral-rich soaking pools, steam rooms and cocktails at the bar post-soak, ideal for couples, solo chill time, or a little group pampering. 

Whichever way you choose to relax, these local spas offer more than just shelter from the rain, they’re little pockets of calm that remind us to pause, breathe, and take care of ourselves. And that’s something we reckon pairs perfectly with this beautiful region we get to call home. 

5. Explore Byron Bay’s Quirky Shops and Markets

Image courtesy of byronbay.com

When the rain rolls in, there’s no better way to spend the day than exploring Byron Bay’s quirky, boho-filled streets. The town’s creative and eclectic shops are a huge part of what makes it so special, and they’re calling your name, rain or shine. 

Stroll through the vibrant laneways, and make sure you swing by the Industrial Estate, packed with cool spots you won’t find anywhere else. And if you’re in town when the markets are on, you’re in for a treat.

It’s a perfect mix of local talent, handmade goodies, and a community vibe that makes the Northern Rivers feel like home.

PS. Looking for some of Australia’s most well-regarded markets? Check out our favourite markets in the Northern Rivers. 

6. Discover Byron Bay's Best Art Galleries

Image courtesy of East On Byron

Byron Bay’s art scene is the perfect way to spend a rainy day. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these galleries will give you a taste of the town’s creative heart. 

Lone Goat Gallery, tucked inside the Byron Bay Library, is a must-visit, showcasing fresh exhibitions from local and international artists. They even host talks and workshops to dive deeper into the art.

Thomgallery is all about connection, founded by local artist Alex Thom, it’s a space that invites you to experience art in a personal, meaningful way, with pieces that really speak to you.

And for something a little different, Yeah, Nice Gallery in the industrial estate is always buzzing with new exhibitions and events, making it a fun, accessible spot to discover art and maybe even take home a new piece.

Just make sure to check opening hours before you head out, especially on a rainy day, some of these spots keep flexible hours, and you won’t want to miss them. 

7. Embrace Your Creative Side with Clay Workshops

Image courtesy of Muddy Clay Play

Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most creative spots, so why not embrace your artistic side with a hands-on clay workshop? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone. 

The Claybarn’s Friday Night Social Club is a great way to kick off the weekend with a bit of fun, while Ochre Ceramics offers the perfect mix of clay, wine, and cheese for a relaxed, creative afternoon.

Mud Byron’s Community Workshops are all about bringing people together, and the Byron School of Clay’s Pottery Classes will have you shaping your very own masterpieces in no time. It’s the perfect rainy day activity to get your hands dirty and create something uniquely yours.

From the home of the original Pacific Ale, here’s how it stacks up against its cousin, the Pale Ale.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring down the tap list or fridge door, tossing up between a Pacific Ale and a Pale Ale, we get it, they sound similar, but they’re not quite the same. And around here, where the warm air rolls in off the ocean and good beer is part of the daily rhythm, knowing the difference matters.

We’re Stone & Wood, deeply rooted in the Northern Rivers, and fiercely passionate about brewing beer that reflects our place and our people. So, let’s crack this open.

Where Pacific Ale Came From (And Why We Brewed It)

Back in 2008, when we first fired up the tanks at our original brewery in Byron Bay, we weren’t chasing trends or trying to fit in. We just wanted to brew a beer that tasted like this place, fresh, light, tropical, and perfect for those long, salty afternoons that roll in from the Northern Rivers coast. That’s how Pacific Ale was born.

We chose Galaxy hops before they were the go-to choice. While everyone else was aiming for crystal-clear brews, we embraced the haze and the flavour it brought. We weren’t trying to fit into a tidy little style box; we just made a beer that felt right.

Galaxy hops hold a special place in our story, not just for their bold passionfruit, citrus, and peach aromas, but for the journey we’ve shared with our longtime mates at Hop Products Australia (HPA), the growers behind Galaxy. It’s more than a supplier connection; it’s a true friendship that’s grown alongside us both. Galaxy hit the scene just as we did, and together, we helped put Australian hops on the craft beer map. Galaxy reminds us why using homegrown ingredients matters. The best hops, grown right here on Aussie soil, bringing their unmistakable flavour to every drop.

When we look out over the Pacific Ocean, where rolling hills meet the sea, that’s the feeling we wanted to capture. That’s where the name came from: Pacific Ale. A beer inspired by the coast we proudly call home. Pacific Ale was never about copying anyone else. It was about crafting something that feels like coming home.

Pale Ale: A Classic with Bite

Pale Ale’s been around a lot longer, first brewed in England and then adapted over the years by brewers around the world. It’s known for its balance of malt and hops, with a slightly firmer bitterness compared to Pacific Ale.

In Australia, you’ll usually find Pale Ales sitting somewhere in the middle, not too hoppy, not too malty. Often, they bring citrus, pine, or earthy hop notes, balanced by a backbone of toasty malt.

It’s the kind of beer that pairs with a pub feed, a game of backyard cricket, or a cooler evening by the fire. Familiar, steady, and just bold enough to make itself known.

What Makes Galaxy Hops So Special

Ask anyone who’s had a sip of Pacific Ale, and they’ll tell you: it’s the smell. That burst of passionfruit and citrus on the nose, like cutting into a ripe tropical fruit salad, that’s the Galaxy hop doing its thing.

Grown right here in Australia by our mates Hop Products Australia (HPA), Galaxy hops are a native standout. They’re packed with flavour and aroma but bring only a gentle bitterness.

That’s why Pacific Ale stays smooth and super easy to drink, tropical and refreshing without overdoing it. We reckon Galaxy is what gives Pacific Ale its soul, bright, bold and unmistakably Aussie.

When to Drink What: Picking Your Beer for the Moment

Not sure which beer suits the moment? Here’s how we see it:

Pacific Ale is made for warm arvos, long lunches, backyard BBQs and salty skin. It’s your barefoot, post-swim beer, light, hazy, and seriously refreshing.

Pale Ale is great when you’re after something with a bit more bite. It’s what you’ll want with a hearty feed, a cool change, or a Sunday roast at the pub.

Both are worthy of a spot in the fridge, it just depends on the moment.

Brewed for Good

At Stone & Wood, beer’s only part of what we’re here for. We believe business should be a force for good, which is why we’ve been certified B Corp since 2016, holding ourselves to high standards when it comes to sustainability, transparency and looking after our crew and community.

From our solar-powered brewery and regenerative practices to our inGrained Foundation supporting local grassroots causes, we’re committed to leaving the Earth better than we found it.

So, when you crack a Pacific Ale, you’re also supporting a better way of brewing, living and giving back.

From the Taproom to the Backyard

Whether you’re pouring a fresh Pacific Ale straight from the taps at our Byron brewery, cracking a stubby on the deck, or sharing a six-pack with mates under the sun, or after a surf, it always tastes better in good company. Pale Ale brings the punch; Pacific Ale brings the sunshine.

Come See Us (And Taste the Difference) Want to taste the difference for yourself? Come and visit us at our Byron Bay brewery, you’ll find fresh beer, good food, friendly faces, and a chance to see where it all began.

Not in town? No stress, our online store has you covered or check your local for Pacific Ale and Pale Ale in the fridge or on tap.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a beer that’s brewed with purpose, made with care, and rooted in the Northern Rivers. Cheers to good beer, good mates, and this beautiful corner of the world we call home.

Meet the Radler — a crisp, golden beer cut with bright citrus flavours that make every sip feel like a sunny afternoon with good mates. Brewed with pale regen malts and Galaxy hops, it pours lightly hazy with a pillowy foam, delivering a delicate sparkle that’s perfect for warm days.

Our Citrus Radler bursts with vibrant notes of grapefruit, orange, and lemon, creating a refreshing, naturally zesty taste that’s refreshingly light.

It’s not just a beer. It’s a beer with a twist. Perfect for anyone who loves their beer crisp, lively, and citrus-kissed. Cheers to good times and great flavour!

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT RADLER

WHAT IS IT?

Radler, it is a story of beer meeting citrus — lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit.

WHY WAS IT INVENTED?

In the Alps, high in the mountains, for cyclists on a hot summer’s day.

WHEN IS IT BEST ENJOYED?

For those warm summer days that feel like they will never end, and you are glad it will not.

WHO IS IT FOR? WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Radler... it is like a spritz in the sun. It is light, yes, but with the soul of a beautiful beer. The kind of beer that doesn’t make you feel heavy.