Wategos, Byron Bay

Fast facts

• Glorious beaches wrapped around a new age seafront town at the cutting edge of cool – ride the wild surf at The Pass or dive in for a gentle swim at Main Beach – Byron Bay is first prize in the beach lottery
• 790 km north of Sydney, North Coast

Why go there

The beaches of Byron Bay are nothing less than sensational. Right on the town’s front doorstep, Main Beach is a huge sweep of sand with something for every beach lover.

Down towards the lighthouse, The Pass is a popular surf break for long-boarders and, at the foot of Cape Byron itself, Wategos is another hot spot, great for swimming – these are north-facing beaches, and when the surf turns it on, it’s epic. Rides – long and fast on tubular waves over a sandy bottom – feel like an aircushion. Dolphins sometimes surf alongside for company.

To the south of the lighthouse, Tallow Beach runs for seven kilometres to Broken Head, but this beach is not patrolled.

Byron Bay brings personality and pizazz to the beach experience. Since surfers put it on the map in the 1970s, Byron Bay has become a refuge for urban escapees, especially those with artistic inclinations. Under the influence of inspired artists, creative chefs, innovative hoteliers, yoga teachers, and alternative therapy gurus, Byron has become our new age paradise – and you can see it all on a day at the beach.

Don’t miss

• Julian Rocks Marine Reserve - sign up with one of the local dive operators.
• Learning to surf with the local experts - on a good day, waves and scenery don’t get much better than this.
• The sunrise walk along Cape Byron Walking Track, followed by a totally sinful breakfast at The Pass Cafe.
• Sunset on the beach with fish and chips from the fish cafe in Bay Lane.
• An outside table at Fresh in Jonson Street to watch the world go by over a fresh fruit smoothie.
• The nightlife at the Arts Factory Village – restaurant, bar, day spa and arthouse cinema all in one.
• Kings Beach, a clothing-optional beach at Broken Head.
• Kayaking with dolphins.