Byron Bay Motorcycle Tours (tel 02/6685 6304, rideon@nor.com.au ). Whizz around the beaches and hinterland on the back of a Harley-Davidson (1hr for $78, half-day for $214; summer only).

Byron Bay Sea Kayaks (tel 02/6685 5830). Dolphin-watching from sea level in two-person boats, leaving at 8.30am & 1.30pm ($40 including breakfast or afternoon tea).

Byron Bay Walking Tours (tel 02/6687 1112, walknorth@mullum.com.au ). These ten- to fifteen-kilometre hikes change daily, leaving at 8.30am to take in the likes of Nightcap National Park, Minyon Falls and the Angourie coast ($46-88 per person including lunch).

Jim's Alternative Tours (tel 02/6685 7720). Tours aimed at presenting a positive, accurate portrayal of the hinterland "back to the land" movement. The tours visit Nimbin and Minyon Falls, with opportunities for swimming ($25). They can also help transport you to the Sunday markets at The Channon ($10) and Bangalow ($5), with more flexible times than other operators.

Mick's Bay to Bush Tours (tel 02/6685 6889). The longest-established of Byron Bay's alternative tours, offering the popular Rainbow Trip which takes in Nimbin and Minyon Falls ($30).

Never Never Safaris (tel 02/6679 1575 or 07/5539 9110, www.neverneversafaris.com.au ). Highly recommended ecotourism from a top-quality operator, with pick-ups in Brisbane, Byron and Murwillumbah. Informative day-trips into the Border Ranges World Heritage rainforest, plus two-day "Wildlife, Winery & Rock" tours; and longer trips to Bald Rock and outback Lightning Ridge.

Nimbin Explorer Tours (tel 02/6689 1577). Yet another tour operator doing the Nimbin thing, but this time via Protestor's Falls, with an emphasis on the environment ($30 including lunch).

Rockhoppers Mountain Bike Adventures (tel 02/6685 7142). Exhilarating, 24-speed, environmentally-aware mountain biking through rainforest, taking in swimming holes, waterfalls and lookouts. They are licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife service, and the $65 cost includes drinks, snacks and a BBQ lunch.