Byron Bay has a beach for every mood, from the busy town beach to quiet coves you can only reach on foot. Here’s our local guide to the best ones, what each is good for, and where to go when you want the sand to yourself.
Safety first: Byron’s beaches can have strong rips. Swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, and check conditions before you go in.
Main Beach
Right in front of town and the most popular beach in Byron. Easy to get to, patrolled, with surf schools, buskers and the Beach Hotel across the road. Best for: a quick swim, learning to surf, people-watching.
Clarkes Beach
Just east of Main Beach on the way to The Pass. A little calmer and more relaxed, and a favourite for beginner surf lessons. Best for: families, beginner surfers, morning swims.
The Pass
Byron’s famous point break, with long peeling waves and a crowd on the grass at sunset. It gets busy in the water and can have strong currents, so it’s better for experienced surfers than swimmers. Best for: watching surfers, sunset, dolphin spotting.
Wategos Beach
A sheltered curve of sand below the lighthouse, fringed by forest, where dolphins often play in the waves. Popular with longboarders. Best for: a scenic swim, picnics, a stop on the lighthouse walk.
Little Wategos
A small cove just past Wategos, reached on foot from the walking track. One of the quietest beaches in town. Best for: escaping the crowds.
Tallow Beach
A long, wild stretch of sand running south from Cape Byron towards Broken Head. Powerful surf and not much shade, but plenty of space. Best for: long beach walks and experienced surfers.
Belongil Beach
Heading north-west from Main Beach, Belongil is quieter and more laid-back, with a dog-friendly section at its northern end. Best for: a peaceful walk and sunset.
Broken Head
About 15 minutes south of town, Broken Head Nature Reserve hides some of the prettiest beaches in the region, reached by bush tracks through the rainforest. This is where we take our guests on tour. Best for: hidden beaches, lookouts and wildlife.
Bonus: Lake Ainsworth
Not a beach, but worth it: Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head is a tea-tree lake right behind the surf, with calm, warm water that’s perfect for a swim or a paddleboard.
See what’s behind the bay
Want to see Broken Head, Lake Ainsworth and Killen Falls in one day without needing a car? We pick you up from your Byron accommodation from 11am for a six-hour small-group day: a swim at Killen Falls, paddleboarding on Lake Ainsworth, lunch in Lennox Head and a bush walk through Broken Head Nature Reserve. You’re back by 5pm at the latest.
Book direct on our website and save 10% with code BTB26.