World-renowned for their natural beauty, legendary surf and stunning backdrops, Byron Bay’s beaches are:

Protected from both major wind directions – north-easterlies and southerlies.
One of the few places on Australia’s east coast with smooth seas in an easterly wind.
Protected from large seas.
On Australia’s most easterly point.

Here’s a guide to some of the best beaches in Byron Bay and surrounding areas.

Beach Day

  • Main Beach
    Main Beach Byron Bay is patrolled every day of the year. Easily accessed, amenities and parking are close by. Gather the family on the large grassy area overlooking Main Beach for fish and chips fromFishheads. Tasty takeaway is nearby at Street Sushi or Slice Pizzeria. There’s shade and a children’s playground, as well as entertainment on the foreshore and at The Beach Hotel for a lazy family afternoon.
  • Clarkes Beach 
    Explore rock pools together at Clarkes Beach, between Main Beach and The Pass. Retreat for a play in the park or grab a cold drink, freshly brewed coffee or a tasty snack from the Beach Café kiosk, located just behind the Clarkes Beach entrance. Parking and amenities are available here and at Captain Cook Lookout,
    further towards The Pass.
  • The Pass
    Teach the kids how to surf in the bend of the Bay, just past Clarkes Beach and between the steps from Captain Cook Lookout and The Pass. It’s less crowded and more relaxed than The Pass and better suited to learners. Dolphins frequent the Bay and can often be seen sharing waves with the surfers. There’s also shade for a retreat from the sun and space for games on the sand. A fun family beach day! Park at or near Captain Cook Lookout.
  • Brunswick Heads
    Torakina, over the bridge at Brunswick Heads and to the left, is a safe haven for families with little ones. A grassy parkland opens onto a gorgeous beach cove between the Brunswick Heads breakwall and the rocky entrance to the river mouth. Protected by most winds, this beach is generally calm in most conditions. Watch the kids play in the sand and roll around in the foreshore while you enjoy a relaxed day by the sea. Free parking, shady park with BBQ and amenities are close by.
  • Dog Beaches
    Dog exercise beaches are at Belongil Beach, Tallow Beach/Suffolk from Jarman Street entrance extending north to the boundary of Arakwal National Park, and Brunswick Heads from a point south of the surf club, extending one kilometre south.

 

Go Early!

Our beaches are best experienced in the morning. For two reasons, they’re:

  • Less crowded; and
  • Less windy.

Wake for the sunrise walk from The Pass to Cape Byron Lighthouse. Plunge yourself in the ocean at Wategos on the way back down. You’ll feel refreshed and energised and view Byron at its best.

 

Romantic & Remote

Escape the crowds to a dreamy beach, just you and your loved one.

  • Head to Cosy Corner, snuggled tight in the northern most end of Tallow Beach, for time out together. Underneath the cliffs of Cape Byron Lighthouse.
  • Little Wategos, over the rocks from Wategos, offers a memorable backdrop for a romantic wedding proposal. Wander down at dusk with a blanket and your heart. It’s a special place for many, including the Arakwal people, the original custodians of this area, who used the most easterly point (Walgun) for ceremonial purposes.
  • Adventure on your mind? Explore the remote back beaches of Broken Head Nature Reserve and experience nature. Limited car parking available in these areas, but worth the effort.
  • Magic moments, lifetime memories or spontaneous beach picnics, Byron’s beaches are romantic and remote.

People Watching

Byron attracts people from all walks of life and the beach culture is relaxed, laid back and fun. Be where the action is or watch from the side out of curiosity.

  • Main Beach Byron Bay is a mix of travellers and worldly folk, families, locals and day visitors. Grab a coffee from Bagus opposite the surf club and hit the sand with your friends. Afternoons are chilled across the road at The Beach Hotel, where you can walk in after a day on the sand for a cool drink and a chat. If you’re still there at dusk, you may hear the drummers’ circle across the road towards The Wreck. A colourful sight at sunset with Wollumbin (Mt Warning) in the distance.
  • Wategos, Belongil Beach and The Pass are also popular for an insight into local Byron beach culture. A mix of surfers, locals, travellers, daytrippers and surf and dive tour groups all meet and share the same strip of sand. Raes at Wategos is a glamorous dining option with beautiful views and an aperitif menu for a light lunch. The Treehouse on Belongil is a laid back café with a bohemian feel and outdoor seating under the palm trees. The Pass Café offers great coffee and snacks from their deck overlooking The Pass.

CAUTION: Byron’s remote and secluded bays, while beautiful, are generally unpatrolled beaches. Please, take care. Rips can be hard to sight, stay safe, swim in the white.

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