St Elmo

Top choice in Byron Bay


Perch on a stool at this moody modern tapas restaurant, where bar staff can whip up inventive cocktails or pour you a glass of wine from the largely Australian and Spanish list (including natural and minimal intervention drops). The solidly Iberian menu is bold and broad, with traditional favourites mixing it up with contemporary flourishes.

Solo diners can do half serves of some dishes so as not to miss out on the multi-course fun. Desserts are an unexpected highlight. Reserve a table or come early to nab a spot at the bar.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Byron Bay attractions

1. Main Beach

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Immediately in front of town, lifesaver-patrolled Main Beach is busy from sunrise to sunset with yoga classes, sunbakers, buskers and occasionally fire…

2. Clarkes Beach

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3. Captain Cook Lookout

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Start your 3.7km walking track around Cape Byron from the Captain Cook Lookout. The rainforest stretch near the lookout has the best wildlife-spotting ops.

4. Cape Byron State Conservation Park

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5. Tallow Beach

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6. Belongil Beach

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7. Watego's Beach

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East of Main Beach, the small crescent of Watego's fringes Byron's most affluent enclave. Dolphin sightings are common here.

8. Cape Byron Lighthouse

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This 1901 lighthouse is Australia’s most easterly and also its most powerful shipping beacon. Inside there are maritime and nature displays. Take one of…