Bookable
Your visit, considered
Make room for
a little wonder.
A practical guide to Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens,
from planning your ticket to finding your way.

Before you go
The details for a good day
Plan your visit to Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens
Opening times, useful amenities and a few things to know before you arrive.
Opening times
All times are local to Mullumbimby.
- Crystal Castle
- 10:00–17:00 · Every dayLast entry 16:00. Open on public holidays
- Closed
- Good Friday, 25 and 26 DecemberNSW time: in summer, an hour ahead of Queensland
Allow time to explore before closing. Your ticket shows your date and entry time.
Finding Crystal Castle
Crystal Castle is on Monet Drive at Montecollum, in the hills of the Byron Bay hinterland near Mullumbimby, about 20 minutes’ drive from Byron Bay.
81 Monet DriveMontecollum NSW 2482, Australia
- By car: about 20 minutes from Byron Bay, or about 45 minutes (65 km) from Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta along the M1, through Mullumbimby. Parking is free.
- By taxi: Uber and taxis run from Byron Bay, but Uber rides back can be hard to find, so book a Byron Bay taxi for the return.
- Before arrival: leave time for the journey and entry checks so you are ready for your booked slot.
Useful stops along the way
Facilities can change through the year. Visitors can usually expect:
- An accessible bathroom with a baby change table.
- Rainbow umbrellas on wet days, and many indoor experiences.
- Seating along the sealed paths, and a children’s playground.
- The Lotus Cafe for organic coffee and vegetarian meals.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen; umbrellas are provided on wet days. Ask staff about current arrangements when you arrive.
A visit that works for you
A sealed concrete path network, 1.2 to 1.8 metres wide, links all the major attractions and is the best route for wheelchairs, scooters and walking aids, though some sections are steep. Some secondary garden paths are gravel or stepped, and the Bamboo Avenue and Rainforest Walk have stairs only. Ramps lead to the main indoor spaces, there is an accessible toilet, and two accessible parking bays are beside the Welcome Hut.
- Check arrangements for your particular mobility or access needs before travelling.
- If you are bringing a stroller, confirm the current arrangements before arrival.
- Ask Crystal Castle staff for assistance or directions during your visit.
Enjoy the gardens thoughtfully
- Keep to the visitor paths, walk rather than run, and supervise children.
- Leave the plants, crystals and displays as you find them, and keep voices low in the sound baths and meditation.
- Pets are not allowed, apart from certified service animals on a lead, and a top must be worn at all times.
- Photos and videos for your own use are welcome; drones are not allowed while the gardens are open, and professional filming needs permission.
- Follow the signs and staff guidance, including any restrictions in the exhibition spaces.
A little care helps keep the gardens peaceful for everyone.
Make time for a pause
The Lotus Cafe serves organic coffee, homestyle vegetarian meals, snacks and desserts, with a covered alfresco area.
- Bringing your own picnic isn’t permitted; on clear days you can take food from the cafe onto picnic blankets in the gardens.
- Leave room in your plans to sit down and enjoy the setting.
- Check opening hours and menus on the day; food and drinks are purchased separately.
Filtered water refills are free at the Lotus Cafe.
A few details worth planning
- Book ahead: choose the date, time and places you want to visit before making other plans.
- Keep your QR ticket ready: save it on your phone or bring a printed copy, with any proof needed for reduced admission.
- Start in the right place: go to the Welcome Hut first, where first-time visitors register their 12 months of return visits.
- Dress for exploring: comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen make the day easier.
- Leave space to linger: most visitors spend three to five hours, so plan around the guided tour at 11:00 and the sound baths at 12:00 and 15:00.
Visitor information checked 10 November 2026. Opening times and facilities can change; follow the date, time and instructions on your issued ticket.

Bring the essentials
Check the current visitor guidance before you travel.
- Comfortable shoes
- Charged phone
- Hat and sunscreen
- Your booking details