Byron Bay Beaches

You can choose from more than 10 beaches in the town of Byron Bay itself, a world-renowned seaside town on the North Coast of NSW. Whether you want to surf, swim, paddle, walk along the coast or just laze on the sand, there’s a spot for you. You can even spend the night right by the ocean.

Best beaches for swimming

Main Beach is in the very centre of town, a long sweep of golden sand with gentle waves that’s patrolled every day of the year. It’s a great spot for families, close to a playground for kids and picturesque beachfront cafes and restaurants. Grab a post-swim drink at the Beach Hotel, a pub with a great beer garden and views over the water.

At the southern end of Main Beach is the more sheltered Clarkes Beach. Waves are generally low and there are rock pools to splash in, but be aware that the beach is unpatrolled. The quiet Belongil Beach runs north of Main Beach to the mouth of the Belongil Creek. Lifeguards are on patrol on weekends and during school holidays.

Dolphins often play at Wategos Beach, which has picnic areas, a BBQ and the town’s cheapest beachside eating options. Kids can paddle in the rock pools and there are shady areas beneath the trees. To reach Little Wategos, a hidden gem and Australia's most easterly beach, take the path from Wategos Beach.

Surf beaches

The Pass, close to Cape Byron, is one of the world’s most famous surf breaks and offers a half-kilometre-long ride when the swell is up. Just north of Main Beach is The Wreck, a favourite with locals that’s best in a southerly wind. Experiences surfers can try the waves at Tallow Beach or the long breaks of Belongil.

There are great waves for beginners, too. Both Main and Clarkes beaches are popular with surf schools including Soul Surf School and Surfing Byron Bay. Rusty Miller(a former world surfing champion from the ‘60s) offers lessons at The Pass and at Wategos Beach.

Coastal walks

Follow spectacular coastal walking paths and take in Byron Bay’s best beaches. The 5km Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk from Wategos Beach is one of the world’s most famous headland treks, while the walk from Tallows Beach (below Cape Byron) to Broken Head gets you away from crowds.

Beachside accommodation in Byron Bay

You'll find some of Australia's best beachside accommodation in Byron Bay, like the ultra-luxe Rae's on Wategos (keep your eye out for celebrities). Elements of Byron sits on 22 hectares of absolute beachfront land beside Belongil Beach and Reflections Clarkes Beach Holiday Park has direct access to the sand.