Main Beach 

As its name suggests, Main Beach enjoys a covetable location in the very centre of Byron Bay. The long sweep of golden sand boasts gentle waves and surf life savers on patrol all year round, making it ideal for families, who can also make the most of the neighbouring playground. When you’re not in the water, take advantage of oceanside restaurants, cafes and bars, including the perennially popular Beach Hotel, with its legendary beer garden fronting the sea.    

Main Beach, Byron Bay

Clarkes Beach

At the southern end of Main Beach lies sheltered Clarkes Beach. Waves here are generally low and rock pools for splashing about beckon. It can also be a good spot to learn to surf when the tide is high, with small waves that are ideal for beginners. Be aware that the beach is only patrolled during school holidays and peak season.

Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay

Wategos Beach

Far out on the cape headland is Wategos Beach, a powdery curve of white sand fringed by forest. It’s one of the prettiest beaches around Byron, with sheltered waters and dolphins often spotted playing in the waves. It’s patrolled over the summer and during peak school holidays. Linger longer to splash in rock pools or enjoy a barbecue in the leafy picnic area and marvel at the multi-million-dollar mansions set just back from the shore.

Wategos Beach, Byron Bay

The Pass

In between Clarkes Beach and Wategos is The Pass, an epic right-hand point break that can deliver serious waves – you can ride for half a kilometre when the swell is up. At other times, its gentler waves are ideal for those new to their board. Be aware that it can get very crowded in summer, so remember your surf etiquette. The beach itself is only small and faces north, meaning it is often protected from wind and larger swells.

The Pass, Byron Bay

Little Wategos

Set at the very end of the Cape Byron headland is Little Wategos, the most easterly beach on the Australian mainland. It’s only 150 metres long, but what Little Wategos lacks in size, it more than compensates for with calm swimming conditions and dramatic scenery. Its north-facing aspect offers protection from wind and waves, and you can often snorkel around the rocky shoreline. You’ll have to tackle a steep path and lots of stairs to get there and the beach is unpatrolled.

Little Wategos Beach, Byron Bay - Credit: Byron Shire Council

Belongil Beach 

Quiet Belongil Beach runs north of Main Beach to the mouth of the Belongil Creek. It stretches for 2.5 kilometres, with lifeguards patrolling some sections in peak season. The beach is very exposed and the water can be rough, so always check the conditions. It’s also dog-friendly and the northern end is unofficially clothing optional. Offshore is one of Byron’s best surf breaks, The Wreck, so named because the waves break in front of an old shipwreck.

The Wreck, Byron Bay

Whites Beach 

Whites Beach at Broken Head, around 15 minutes south of Byron Bay, has long been a local favourite. And even though tourists have discovered the secret, you’ll often find it mostly deserted. The bay is protected, so the water is often calm, and you'll need to walk down a rocky staircase cut into the cliffs to get there.

Whites Beach, Byron Bay

Tallow Beach

Tallow Beach is a 3.2-kilometre stretch that runs between the Cape Byron headland and Broken Head Nature Reserve to the south. It’s great for swimming, birdwatching, whale spotting, beach fishing or just throwing out your beach towel and catching some rays.This is also a reliable spot to surf when the rest of Byron’s flat. It faces directly out onto the Pacific Ocean, so it can be rough with big waves and strong currents. It’s unpatrolled, so check the conditions and stay safe.

Tallow Beach, Byron Bay

Lennox Head Beach

Grab your board and catch a wave on one of Australia’s most famous surf breaks. Just off Lennox Head Beach is a world-class right-hand break that attracts skilled surfers from around the world. It’s part of the Lennox Head National Surfing Reserve that runs for more than seven kilometres along the coast. If you’re not up to tackling the wave itself, head up to the Pat Morton Lookout to watch the action. The northern end of the beach is quieter and the place to go for dog walking or 4WDing on the sand.

Lennox Head Beach, Lennox Head - Credit: Lennox Head Beach

Lighthouse Beach

Often called Main Beach by the locals, Lighthouse Beach is in the centre of Ballina and a family-friendly spot for fun in the sun. The water is protected by the headland at the northern end, making for safe swimming – this section is also patrolled in summer and school holidays. At the southern end, surfers love the waves created by the river breakwall.

Lighthouse Beach Ballina, East Ballina

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Copyright: Ballina Visitor Information Centre

Sharpes Beach

To the north of Ballina, Sharpes Beach is a long stretch of sand that never gets crowded. The gentle waves are ideal for swimming or learning to surf and it’s patrolled in peak season. It’s dog-friendly, though they must stay on a leash, and you can follow the walking trail from here to Lennox Head. At the southern end, it merges with the tiny Flat Rock Beach. At low tide, rockpools filled with interesting marine life appear. The rocky outcrop here also creates a great surf break.

Sharpes Beach, East Ballina

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Copyright: Ballina Shire Council

Torakina Beach

Tucked in behind the breakwall at the mouth of the river, Torakina Beach in Brunswick Heads has perfectly calm, crystal-clear water. It’s ideal for families and even the littlest swimmers will be able to splash around safely. The back is flanked by trees, creating shady spots for picnics or sandcastle building. It’s also popular with stand-up paddleboarders who can often be seen gliding across the still water.

Torakina Beach, Brunswick Heads - Credit: Byron Shire Council