Whether it’s secret dancefloors or cocktails with ocean views or a burlesque show, as the sun goes down, Byron Bay comes alive with an array of festive bars, tantalising drinks and a choice of atmospheres to suit any taste. 

Whether you’re seeking an evening sipping cocktails made from native botanicals, a romantic night to remember, or just want a new hangout that’s a local’s favourite, read on to discover the best Byron Bay has to offer after dark.

As you’ll see, there’s plenty to explore once the stars come out. And in some instances, the clink of the cocktail shaker is only steps from your Basq House room. With Basq House’s central location you can take your pick of Byron Bay’s most celebrated hot spots, so at the night’s end there’s only a stroll home. Here are some of our favourites.

On the main road into Byron Bay there’s a famous sign by the roadside with a hand painted message: ‘Cheer Up, Slow Down, Chill Out’, and it accurately sums up the town’s vibe.

So if chilling out and doing not much is your choice of a slow night in, you can’t go past sipping cocktails whilst lounging around Basq House’s illuminated central pool. A balmy evening spent this way is enough to send you dreaming about sultry evenings in Moroccan riads. All that’s required from you is to order from your poolside lounger and choose from the menu’s curated selection of cocktails, sparkling, red and white wines, champagne and beers.

On the other hand, if your evening signals a healthy reset, there’s nourishing vegetable and fruit juices available, as well as coconut water, and plenty of nature to immerse yourself in.

Called to watch one of Byron’s spectacular hinterland sunsets, or moon watching and stargazing in an open, sky-filled space, bordered by mountains and ocean? Then head up to our Roof Deck. It’s the ideal guest-only place designed for lounging to a curated, laid-back playlist, friends by your side.

85-87 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

Feel as if you’re landed in a Mediterranean hotspot that’s bursting with the colour, energy and flavour of old world Morocco. Climb the central stairs of The Mez Club to its Souk and discover a rustic circular room with white washed walls and a beating Spanish heart. Only a two minute walk from Basq House, and beloved by locals and visitors alike, The Mez Club grooves to the beats of a live DJ with spicy Spanish, French and Moroccan cocktails to sip as you while the night away.

4 Marvell St, Byron Bay

Just across the street from Basq House is Hotel Marvell’s buzzing rooftop Horizon Bar which offers panoramic views of Byron Bay and beyond. This bar comes alive with sunset sessions and cocktails each night. If it’s Friday, local DJ’s set the mood for a great weekend, so don your dancing shoes and head on up from 5pm. Bookings not required. Feel like brushing up on your mixology skills? Join their Tuesday night cocktail classes, however you will need to book first.

9 Fletcher St, Byron Bay

Just by the beach and only a five minute stroll from Basq House is Casa Luna, another local’s favourite. Here, the flavours and beats of Mexico and the Mediterranean join for one big party. A shared, tapas style menu is served with Latin-style cocktails, live performances and DJ tunes that will make you think of decadent nights in Ibiza, Mykonos or Tulum. And just to add to Casa Luna’s enchantment - each Thursday evening it’s the venue of choice for Byron’s local tango dancers. Perhaps that dress and dancing shoes are calling you after all?

4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 

One of Byron’s most popular evening hotspots and just off the sands of Byron’s famous Main Beach, Loft Byron Bay is nestled upstairs, just above the bustle of Jonson Street and Bay Lane. Exuding a white-washed coastal style beach chic, Loft’s comfy bar stools and warm wooden tables welcome visitors with killer cocktails, happy hour specials, local organic and biodynamic drinks, beers on tap and mouth-watering plates designed to share.

Cnr Lawson and Jonson Streets, Byron Bay

This is the spot in Byron Bay for people watching and sunset gazing. Perch on your balcony seat for a birds’ eye view of the bustling streets of Byron village below. Just down from Main Beach and in the middle of Byron’s bustling heart, The Balcony offers an extensive wine list and a cocktail menu with both old favourites and fun new flavours. It’s one of the best Byron venues for long evenings of oysters and champagne.

Jonson Lane, 139 Jonson St Byron Bay

Bar Heather is a standout venue in the Jonson Lane precinct and it’s only a 10 minute walk from Basq House for a wine-centred adventure with polish. A Parisian-inspired, natural wine focused bar and restaurant, Bar Heather is brought to you from the team across the street at Luna Wine Store. Fun, loud and with a late-era disco and Afrobeat soundtrack, Bar Heather showcases small independent wine producers from around the world. This is the place to discover lesser-known wines from France, Italy, Hungary, Georgia and beyond.

25 Childe Street, Byron Bay

A long-established rustic beachside bar and restaurant, Treehouse is directly across the road from Belongil Beach and only a five minute drive from Basq House. This is a great place for a post-beach nosh-up, with sarongs and thongs welcomed. With friendly Byron faces and chilled out vibes, Treehouse is the home of signature wood-fired pizzas, fresh cocktails, local brews and live music. If vintage is your thing and you love booths, retro TVs, stand up pianos, garden dining with the locals, this is the place for you! 

35 – 43 Jonson Street, Byron Bay

The Northern Hotel is an iconic destination right in the middle of Byron village. If you love seeing live rock and roll bands head down to The Northern, which has hosted for over 30 years many leading international and Australian rock ‘n roll bands.

Make sure you go upstairs for a local treasure - the Duelling Piano Bar. In the same spirit of famous duelling piano bars from Las Vegas, New Orleans and the UK, and with two purpose-built pianos, you’ll find some of Australia’s most talented pianists tickling the ivories, coaxing each other into a creative battle of music you can’t help but dance to.

Cnr Jonson and Bay Streets

Locally known as ‘The Beachy’ and directly across the road from Main Beach, there’s plenty of live entertainment at the Beach Hotel to be enjoyed in its lush beer garden. An open, vibrant space welcoming locals and visitors for over 30 years, this is the place to watch epic sunsets and gaze at iconic Byron beach views with a crisp on-tap beer or a classic cocktail and a great wood-fired pizza. 

Home to some of the best local and touring acts, live music nights at the Beach Hotel range from chilled out tunes to epic, dance-all-night sets. Before your next night out, make sure you check the Gig Guide to see what’s on.

86 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 

Just a three minute stroll from Basq House, The Rails has been presenting free live music to Byron Bay locals and lovers of this special place for more than 30 years. Formerly the Byron Bay train station (hence the name), this venue hosts local and touring bands that are best served loud. You’ll hear everything from roots, reggae and blues to funk, folk and rock. Its famous open beer garden offers more than 20 brews on tap and it’s the place to meet some locals as you dance the night away. Do check what’s on in the local Echo Gig Guide.

Byron Bay is a creative Mecca for talented musicians and performers, and you’ll often have the opportunity of seeing them perform along Jonson Street and near Main Beach. From singers to solo guitarists busking acoustically to fully-staged acts, it’s an eclectic and unpredictable lineup to Byron Bay’s street nightlife. It’s common to come across a throng of dancers moving to an impromptu jam.

For a little quieter evening, the allure of walking barefoot along the beach under a moonlit sky, listening to the waves break softly is as romantic as it is soothing. This is the Byron Bay most loved by locals and visitors alike.

30 Fingal Street, Brunswick Heads 

A live stage show at Brunswick Picture House is not to be missed. Retro vibes and a theatrical soul make this vintage-styled performance venue home to diverse acts ranging from burlesque, circus, cabaret and comedy to cinema and music. It’s a night out you’ll not forget – but be sure to book as shows most often sell out!

108 Jonson St Byron Bay

At only a five minute walk from Basq House, it’s easy to swap out the little screen for the big screen. Head to Palace Byron Bay for a night of choc tops and the latest releases in art-house, international and Australian films. This cinema has nine screens and a wine and coffee bar.

69 Jonson St Byron Bay

Even if you don’t consider yourself a theatre or dance buff, it’s well worth reviewing what’s on at the Byron Theatre. This venue offers high quality performances from visiting and local artists and is just around the corner from Basq House. Performances are typically curated for their thought-provoking storytelling, entertainment value and engagement with contemporary social, cultural and environmental topics.

Before your big night out, make sure you try one of Byron Bay’s best restaurants in our guide to dinner experiences. 
After all that twilight entertainment, work it off the next day hours by exploring Byron by bike. Read our guide here.