byron bay balloon ban · sustainability ·

Are Balloons Banned in Byron Bay? Here's What You Actually Need to Know

You may have heard that balloons have been banned in Byron Bay, and we’re here to clear up any confusion you might have. While the recent changes aim to protect our stunning wildlife and waterways, it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to balloons entirely. With responsible practices and eco-friendly alternatives, it’s still possible to include beautiful, safe, and celebratory decorations at your events. Let’s break down what the ban actually means, how it impacts you, and how you can still create unforgettable moments while keeping our environment in mind.

Can I Still Have Balloons at My Event in Byron Bay?

Short answer: YES, you can! The recent ban introduced by Byron Shire Council only applies to Council-managed land – think parks, beaches, community halls, and buildings. That means if you're hosting your event on private property, a venue, staying at a hotel or indoors at a non-Council-managed space, you're totally fine to include balloons in your celebration.

We totally support protecting Byron Bay's beautiful environment – and we're here to help you celebrate responsibly. Our balloon installations are always weighted, tethered, and designed with sustainability in mind.

Why Are Balloons Being Banned in Byron Bay?

According to the Byron Shire Council, the aim of the ban is to reduce litter and protect local wildlife and marine life from ingesting balloon fragments.

While the intention is 100% good, the messaging has caused a lot of confusion. It’s important to understand that not all balloon use is irresponsible or dangerous. Proper use, secure installation, and correct disposal make a huge difference. At Bang Bang Balloons, we’re proud to educate and lead the way in doing things the right way. Did you know we offer a balloon recycling program? You can read all about that here.

Are Biodegradable Balloons Allowed in Byron Shire?

This one’s a little tricky. While latex balloons are technically biodegradable (they’re made from natural rubber tree sap), the Council has included them in the ban on Council land.

The term biodegradable can be a bit controversial when it comes to balloons. While both of our suppliers, Sempertex and Qualatex, guarantee their balloons are made from 100% natural latex with no plastic or fillers—and by the dictionary definition of biodegradable, they absolutely qualify—some people still challenge the claim.

That said, biodegradable doesn't mean you can just let them float away. Latex balloons take time to break down (previous studies have indicated about 5 years which is the same as an oak leaf), so we always deliver our bouquets weighted and ask you to dispose of them in landfill after use.

Want to know more? Check out our blog post on reducing our environmental impact.

What Are Safe and Responsible Ways to Use Balloons in Byron Bay?

Here are some super easy ways to enjoy balloons while being kind to the planet:

  • Use balloons only at indoor venues or private properties

  • Always tie or weight balloons to prevent flyaways

  • Skip the helium if it’s not needed – air-filled garlands are stunning!

  • Dispose of balloons in general waste (never in recycling!)

  • Avoid releasing balloons outdoors

We follow all of these practices at Bang Bang Balloons because we love Byron Bay as much as you do.

What Are the Alternatives to Balloon Releases in Byron Bay?

We’re all for a WOW moment, but balloon releases just aren’t it. Here are some fab alternatives:

  • Confetti poppers (rice paper, bio confetti only, of course!) - Check out TWB

  • Flower petal tosses

  • Bubble machines

  • Ribbons, streamers, or fabric installations

  • Butterfly Release - Check out Butterfly Adventures

Perhaps something delicious instead? Send a platter - we love PMB or Luxury Table. Or one of our candy boxes!

How Can We Balance Celebration with Environmental Responsibility?

The answer? Education, creativity, and care.

We know how special celebrations are – and we believe they can be just as magical without harming the environment. That’s why we:

  • Use reusable framing and high-quality materials

  • Never do outdoor balloon releases

  • Offer eco-conscious delivery (reusable bags) and disposal tips

  • Provide non-balloon options where requested (check out our hire range)

  • Offer a balloon recycling program

We also think it’s important to bust some myths. For example, Byron Council claims balloons are made from plastic – but this simply isn’t true. Most party balloons are made from latex (natural rubber tapped from rubber trees) or foil (a metallic-coated nylon), and our suppliers (Sempertex and Qualatex) confirm there are no added plastics or fillers in their latex balloons.

It’s also been claimed that balloons are the biggest killers of Australian seabirds. We’ve looked into this and found no peer-reviewed evidence supporting that claim. In fact, research by CSIRO and the University of Tasmania found that plastic ingestion in general is the biggest threat to seabirds, and while balloons are among the deadliest when ingested, they are not the most commonly found item. What this tells us is that all litter matters, not just balloons.

So let’s all do our bit to reduce litter, stay informed, and celebrate smarter.

In Conclusion

So, are balloons banned in Byron Bay CBD? No, you can absolutely still have stunning balloon installations at your event as long as it's not on Council land. And if you are celebrating in one of those beautiful public spaces, there are plenty of stylish, sustainable alternatives to bring your vision to life.

We’re here to help you make your party POP without harming the planet. Let’s celebrate responsibly and keep Byron beautiful!

Need help planning your next event? Get in touch with us or check out our sustainability blog post.

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