Byron Bay's Bold History of Activism

“No War” nude women’s protest. Image by David Young.

From forest protests to fighting for equality, discover how Byron's spirit of resistance has shaped the town's vibrant identity.

By Kate Love

Byron Bay has always been a place where activism and community spirit go hand-in-hand. From environmental protection to social justice, the town has seen its fair share of protests aimed at defending its values and way of life. As someone who grew up in the Byron hinterland and has returned after living overseas to call it home once again, I’ve seen firsthand how these movements have shaped the town’s identity and the ongoing conversations around sustainability, equality and local preservation.

From blocking the franchises of McDonald’s and KFC to student strikes for climate action and surf protests against Byron Baes, here are some of the most notable activist movements in Byron Shire and the Northern Rivers.

Terania Creek Protest (1979)

One of the most iconic protests in Byron Shire's history took place in 1979 at Terania Creek, where local residents stood against the logging of ancient rainforests. It was a landmark moment in Australia’s environmental history, where ordinary people blocked bulldozers to save a precious part of the natural world. The protest was successful, and the forest was saved. It’s something that’s still celebrated in the community today, with Protesters Falls in Nightcap National Park acting as a symbol of that victory.

McDonald’s Protest (1990s)

One of the more notable protests in Byron’s history was the fight against the establishment of a McDonald’s fast food restaurant in town. In the 1990s, the locals banded together to resist the corporate giant, arguing that McDonald's didn’t align with the town’s values of sustainability and preserving its unique character. The protest was successful, and the chain was never allowed to set up shop in the heart of Byron Bay. This was one of the early signs of the town’s resistance to mass commercialisation and the desire to keep Byron’s identity intact.

Christine Ahern and Veda Turner celebrate 20 years since saving Paterson Hilltop. Image by Paterson Hill Action Group HQ.

Paterson Hill Protest (1990s-1999)

In the 1990s, there was another fight to protect land in Byron Bay. Paterson Hill, a beautiful, undeveloped hill, was targeted for housing development. The local community stood firm against this, and after years of protests, culminating in mass arrests in 1999, the NSW government stepped in and purchased the land, preserving it for future generations. The land was eventually incorporated into Arakwal National Park, securing its long-term protection.

Club Med Protest (2000s)

Another defining protest in Byron’s history was against the development of a Club Med resort on the local coast. The proposal threatened to destroy some of the region's most pristine beaches and fragile ecosystems. Once again, the community rallied, with passionate protests organised by both locals and environmentalists. In the end, the protest was successful, and the plans for the resort were shelved. It was an important victory for both the local community and the environment, reaffirming Byron Shire’s commitment to protecting its natural beauty.

Whether it's preserving local land, standing up for women’s rights or resisting the corporate forces that threaten to commercialise the area, Byron Shire's legacy of activism is one that remains a beacon of hope for change, not just locally, but globally.

KFC Protest (2000s)

Byron Bay also resisted the establishment of a KFC fast food outlet in the early 2000s. Local residents again took to the streets to voice their opposition to a chain that represented everything they felt was wrong for Byron. The campaign to stop KFC from setting up in the town was another key moment in Byron’s ongoing resistance to the spread of global fast food chains and corporate culture.

Anti-War Protests (2002)

The 2003 invasion of Iraq led to the most memorable protest I’ve been a part of. Byron Shire, like many parts of Australia, was an active part of the anti-war movement. In 2002, I was part of a nude protest in the Byron hinterland where 750 women shed their clothes and spelled out “No War” (that’s me at the top of the A), one of a series of nude protests that made global headlines and showed the town’s strong commitment to peace. It was a powerful display of unity, especially from a place that has always championed the values of love and respect for all people.

Anandan McEwen up a pole at Bentley Blockade. Image by Gasfield Free.

Bentley Blockade (2014–2015)

The Bentley protests were a pivotal moment in environmental activism in the Northern Rivers, focused on opposing coal seam gas (CSG) mining. Concerned locals and environmental groups blocked drilling attempts by Metgasco, fearing groundwater contamination. I was part of one of many localised Lock the Gate Alliance groups, supporting the thousands of people who converged on the site to form a blockade. After months of protests and camping out at the site, the community successfully forced Metgasco to abandon its plans, marking a key victory for grassroots environmental action in the region.

Black Lives Matter Protest (2020)

In recent years, the Black Lives Matter movement has gained significant momentum in Byron Bay. Thousands gathered in the streets to protest Aboriginal deaths in custody, shining a light on systemic racism and inequality. I was there, marching alongside friends and community members, calling for justice and equality. This protest, like many others in Byron, was a reminder that activism doesn’t stop with one cause. It’s a continual movement towards justice and understanding.

Byron Baes surf protest at Main Beach. Image by Oli Ayo.

Byron Baes Protest (2021)

The filming of Byron Baes sparked another round of protests in the community. This time, the issue was the impact of reality TV on the town’s identity. Many locals expressed concern that the show would commodify Byron Bay, turning it into a playground for influencers and reality TV stars rather than the authentic, laid-back and creative community that has defined our region for decades. The protests were a call to protect the town’s identity from exploitation and to preserve its unique and unpretentious nature.

As a long-time resident of Byron Bay, it’s clear that the community has always been driven by a commitment to environmental preservation, social justice and a dedication to protecting its unique character. The town’s activism continues to push boundaries and lead the charge for a more just and sustainable world. Whether it's preserving local land, standing up for women’s rights or resisting the corporate forces that threaten to commercialise the area, Byron Shire's legacy of activism is one that remains a beacon of hope for change, not just locally, but globally.