Byron Bay Spring experiences

Spring in Byron Bay brings southbound humpback whales back toward the coast while the hinterland stays green, which suits a paddle or a long ride more than a lazy day on the sand. The spring experiences on this page are two dolphin kayak tours out of Byron Bay and an e-bike ride through the Northern Rivers hinterland.

Spring kayak tours with dolphins and whales

Both sea kayak tours leave from Lawson Street and paddle through Cape Byron Marine Park. The Byron Bay Dolphin Kayaking Tour takes around 2.5 hours, looks for bottlenose dolphins and turtles, and covers humpback whales during whale season, which the page gives as June to November. Wetsuits and safety gear are included, and it needs a moderate level of fitness.

The Byron Bay Sea Kayak with Dolphins and Turtles tour also runs through whale season, uses sit-on-top kayaks and says no experience is necessary. It adds local Aboriginal stories and sacred places, and runs daily all year, including 9:30am and 2pm departures.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail by e-bike

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Ride is a self-guided 23km e-bike ride that starts at Crabbes Creek and finishes at Murwillumbah, passing through the 520-metre Burringbar Range tunnel, where glow worms live. Pickup is free between 9am and 9:30am from Byron Bay, Tweed Heads and Kingscliff, and a return shuttle brings you back from Murwillumbah if you'd rather not ride the way home. E-bikes, helmets, panniers and a personalised bike fitting are included, so give your height when you book.

Whale season in spring around Byron Bay

Visit NSW describes the southbound humpback migration as running from August to November, when mothers and calves travel closer to shore, with September a peak month. That's why a spring kayak is a good time to be on the water. For a bigger boat, see Byron Bay whale watching, and for more to do, look at Byron Bay activities.

Frequently asked questions

Is spring a good time for whale watching in Byron Bay?

Yes. Humpback whales migrate south past Cape Byron from August to November, and Visit NSW names September as a peak month for that southbound migration.

Do I need experience for a Byron Bay kayak tour?

The Byron Bay Sea Kayak with Dolphins and Turtles tour says no experience is necessary, while the Byron Bay Dolphin Kayaking Tour asks for a moderate level of fitness and the ability to paddle your own kayak.

How does the Northern Rivers Rail Trail ride work?

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Ride includes free pickup from Byron Bay, Tweed Heads and Kingscliff, an e-bike ride of 23km from Crabbes Creek to Murwillumbah, and a return shuttle if you don't ride back.

Local tip: Tell the Northern Rivers Rail Trail operator your height when you book so they can fit you with the right size e-bike.

Pick a spring paddle or a rail trail day and book your Byron Bay experience. All good days are waiting.