Byron Bay Film Festival 2025: Stories Under the Stars & Where to Stay by the Sea

There’s something magic that happens in Byron Bay after sunset. The ocean exhales, the palms hush, and the town glows—not just with bonfires and fairy lights, but with the stories of the world flickering across cinema screens.

Every October, the Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) transforms this coastal paradise into an international celebration of story, sound and soul. It’s Australia’s most immersive independent film event—and one that captures the spirit of Byron better than almost anything else.

And while the films inspire, the location grounds you. This blog will help you plan your BBFF 2025 experience—and show you why Broken Head Holiday Park is the perfect place to stay throughout the festival.

Why the Byron Film Festival Is Unlike Any Other

From 17–26 October 2025, BBFF will present 150+ films from over 30 countries, screened at some of the region’s most iconic and intimate venues:

• Palace Cinemas Byron Bay
• Brunswick Picture House
• Lennox Head Cultural Centre
• Hotel Marvell’s rooftop
• Otherworld, a unique VR/XR venue for digital experiences

Expect stories about:

• The climate crisis and environmental activism
• Surfing, oceans, and coastal culture
• Identity, gender, and community resilience
• Music, art, migration, and more

Whether you’re a filmmaker, traveller, dreamer or cinephile, BBFF draws you in with its energy—and leaves you changed.

Standout Films from 2024 to Get You Excited

Looking back at 2024 gives us a taste of what to expect this year:

• The Life & Death of Westerly Windina – Best Film & Best Surf Film. A journey of gender identity, surf stardom and self.
• Porcelain War – Visually stunning and emotionally devastating. Winner: Best Documentary & Best Cinematography.
• Fungi: Web of Life – An environmental masterpiece that reveals the hidden networks beneath our feet.
• The Most Australian Band Ever – Humorous and heartfelt. Winner: Best Music Documentary.
• Fragments of a Half Life – Shot in Byron, winner of Best Byron Film for its raw local storytelling.

More Than Just Films: What You Can Do at BBFF

BBFF offers immersive experiences beyond the screen:

• Opening Night Gala & Red Carpet Events
• Q&As and Meet-the-Filmmaker Sessions
• Co_Lab_Create VR/AR installation space
• Sustainability and storytelling panels
• Live music, short film showcases, animation nights

This isn’t just a festival—it’s a fusion of cinema, creativity, and community.

Where to Stay During BBFF: The Local’s Favourite Retreat

If you’re coming to Byron for the film festival, where you stay is just as important as what you see.

Broken Head Holiday Park offers the ideal location and atmosphere for festival-goers looking to relax, recharge and reconnect with nature—without straying far from the action.

Just 10 minutes south of Byron, BHHP offers:

• Beachfront cabins, powered and unpowered sites
• Shady rainforest surrounds and direct beach access
• On-site BBQs, camp kitchens, and family facilities
• Pet-friendly options for campers and van travellers
• Easy access to surf, hiking trails and sacred Arakwal land

Whether you’re solo, with a partner, travelling with friends or bringing the whole family, BHHP provides a peaceful sanctuary with the freedom to experience Byron your way.

General booking info:

Festival season is a popular time, and accommodation fills quickly. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred dates and site type. Rates vary depending on the style of accommodation, availability, and length of stay.

Please note: Broken Head Holiday Park is not an official BBFF venue. However, many festival attendees return year after year because of its natural beauty, accessibility, and strong connection to the cultural landscape of the region.

Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Broken Head Holiday Park During BBFF

1. Proximity to the festival: Just far enough from the crowds, close enough to reach any venue in 10–15 mins.
2. Nature all around: Start your day with a sunrise swim or rainforest walk before heading into town.
3. Family & group friendly: Plenty of space, amenities and flexible accommodation options.
4. Cultural connection: BHHP honours the traditional custodians of the land, the Arakwal people, through site design, artwork and storytelling.
5. Locally loved: BHHP is Aboriginal-owned and embedded in the Byron community—it’s the kind of place that turns guests into regulars.

Build Your Perfect Festival Itinerary

Here’s how to make the most of your BBFF getaway:

Day 1 – Arrival & Atmosphere

• Check in at Broken Head Holiday Park
• Grab lunch at The Roadhouse café
• Attend the Opening Gala at Palace Cinemas

Day 2 – Beach, Bush & Big Screens

• Early surf or meditation at Broken Head Beach
• Morning doco at Brunswick Picture House
• Sunset short film showcase on the rooftop at Hotel Marvell

Day 3 – Culture & Creativity

• Book a guided walk with an Arakwal ranger or visit the Byron Environment Centre
• Try the VR gallery at Otherworld
• Evening Q&A with a featured filmmaker

Day 4+ – Freestyle & Explore

• Mix in activities like sea kayaking, market hopping or a visit to Crystal Castle
• Enjoy local eats (try Bayleaf, Light Years, or Miss Margarita)
• Relax back at BHHP and plan your next day of screenings

Local Tips from Returning Guests

• “The short films block is where the gems are.”
• “The park is so peaceful at night, it’s hard to believe the buzz of Byron is just down the road.”
• “We ended up watching films and cooking campfire meals with new mates we met at BHHP.”

Cultural Note: Walking Gently on Country

We respectfully acknowledge that Broken Head and Byron Bay are part of Bundjalung Country. We pay our respects to the Arakwal people, the Traditional Custodians of this land, and honour their stories and stewardship.

Broken Head Holiday Park is proud to be an Aboriginal-owned business, committed to cultural preservation, education, and sustainability.

During your visit, we encourage you to take time to learn, listen, and engage with the local stories—on screen, in the land, and in the people who call this place home.

Planning Ahead: What to Do Next

To make your trip seamless:

• Visit bbff.com.au for the 2025 schedule and tickets.
• Check availability at Broken Head Holiday Park via our official website or by calling our team.
• Follow us on social media for the latest updates, travel tips and local stories.

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Final Scene: Make the Festival Your Own

The Byron Bay International Film Festival is more than an event. It’s a chance to escape the ordinary, immerse yourself in story, and find your rhythm in one of Australia’s most beloved coastal communities.

At Broken Head Holiday Park, you’re not just booking a stay—you’re choosing a place with purpose, peace and personality.

So go ahead. Watch the films. Swim in the sea. Sleep under the stars.

At BHHP, you don’t just watch the story—you live it.