15/08/2025
In 1988, Byron Bay was a very different place – quieter streets, no roundabouts, and, surprisingly, almost no yoga. That year, our founder John Ogilvie began teaching at the Epicentre in Belongil, a former whaling station turned creative hub. It was here that Byron Yoga Centre was born – in a space buzzing with artists, performers, and community spirit.
From those humble beginnings of just a few classes a week, we’ve grown into Australia’s longest-running yoga centre. In 2008, when the Epicentre was demolished, we moved into our forever home – 30 beautiful acres just 1km from town. Here, we’ve created a space where yoga, community, and nature meet: yoga shalas, tranquil gardens, a solar-heated mineral pool, an eco-village, and nourishing vegetarian meals from our own organic gardens.
Over the years, we’ve faced our share of challenges – from bushfires and floods to pandemic closures – but our commitment to making yoga accessible and helping create a better world has carried us through the toughest of times. Every challenge has only strengthened our belief in the power of community, connection, and the ripple effect of yoga.
Now, 37 years later, we celebrate not just our history, but the thousands of students, retreat guests, teachers, and friends who have been part of this journey. Thank you for rolling out your mat with us, sharing meals, learning, laughing, and helping us keep the vision alive.
Here’s to the next chapter of yoga in Byron Bay, and to many more years of growth, connection, and transformation.
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Photo credit:
2008- The Epicentre building at Belongil was demolished by developers (Daily Telegraph)
1988 – Welcome to Byron Bay Ewingsdale Road (Geoff Bridgeford)
1988 – Corner of Johnson and Lawson Streets - now a roundabout (Geoff Bridgeford)
Byron Bay’s CBD inundated in 2022 (ABC North Coast: Bruce MacKenzie)
An aerial photograph of the fire burning north of Byron Bay (Picture NSW RFS)
