Byron Bay sits about 90 minutes south across the New South Wales border, a genuine change of register from the Gold Coast's high-rise beachfront.
A Different Kind of Beach Town
Where the Gold Coast is towers and tram lines, Byron is low-rise, slower-paced and built around its lighthouse headland, main beach and a food and coffee scene that draws day-trippers from across the region on its own merits.
The Northern Rivers Hinterland
Inland from Byron, the Northern Rivers hinterland towns, Bangalow, Mullumbimby and the Nightcap and Border Ranges national parks, reward anyone with a hire car and a spare day, offering rainforest and waterfall walks well away from the coast.
Where to Stay and Eat
Byron itself has accommodation across every price point, though it books up well ahead of any weekend, marathon or otherwise. Bangalow, a short drive inland, is a quieter, less crowded alternative with its own well-regarded cafés and restaurants.
Getting Back
Shuttle seats and car hire both tighten up around Gold Coast Marathon weekend, so booking transport a few days ahead rather than on arrival is the sensible approach for the return leg north.