Byron Bay is one of those places people from all walks of life return to, for the beaches and definitive and unique lifestyle. This area and the surrounding beaches of Broken Head and Belongil Beach, Byron Bay are some of the most stunning beaches I have seen.
I have visited Byron at least 20 times over the last 30 years. Flying, driving or catching the train all the way up from Melbourne at all stages of life. Sometimes with family, friends, alone, or with my partner and step kids, and in all seasons.
The stunning Byron Bay beaches are always a standout. Especially those which are a short drive away from town and are less crowded.
There is no doubt the beaches in Byron Bay are spectacular. As the most easterly point of Australia, marked by the lighthouse at Cape Byron, there are beaches for everyone. Surfing, swimming, young families, and secluded sections of paradise for couples. Or long dreamy walks for anyone, along soft stretches of sand towards Belongil beach (north Byron Bay).
Here are my top 8 Heavenly Byron Bay Beaches!
Broken Head
At the calmer end of Tallow beach, south of the lighthouse, is Broken Head. Seasoned surfers and young, local families searching for shelter come here for less crowds and cleaner waves. Particularly when the wind has picked up in other parts through Cape Byron.
This untouched south corner of paradise is less touristy and offers a natural environment. There is a stunning view of Tallow Beach all the way north towards the lighthouse.
Broken Head Beach curves in a semicircle along to rocks, ideal for exploring and gazing at.
The caravan park at the beaches entrance, has highly sought after camping spots.
Broken Head is only a 5 min drive from the centre of Byron Bay. This beautiful beach is one to visit for a local experience.
Cosy Corner
Cosy Corner is at the opposite end of Tallow Beach, situated at the south side of Cape Byron.
This part of Tallow Beach is less sheltered but is considered a top surf spot when the conditions are right.
The sand is soft and vast. Swim, surf or gaze out at the scattered surfers as waves peel and break to the left.
Cosy Corner is less touristy and a good alternative if the waves are small on the Main Beach.
Located 2 minutes from The Main Beach in Byron, Cosy Corner is perfect for a quieter and wilder experience.
Wategos
Wategos Beach is one of those pretty standout beaches fringed with pandanus palms. It’s no wonder the famous and wealthy have bought houses in the area or tend to visit regularly.
This mini paradise is sometimes good for surfing, dolphin spotting or lazing on the beach under the palm trees. Limited parking means the beach is never extremely crowded.
Little Wategos
A short hike up the hill towards the lighthouse is the secluded Little Wategos Beach. The last cove on the north side before the lighthouse.
Little Wategos is only reached by foot from the track which winds up towards the lighthouse.
If you trek down to Little Wategos Beach, be careful as the seemingly calm bay sometimes has strong ocean currents. The sand moves around Cape Byron and building up before moving north towards The Pass.
The waves along the shore sometimes create a strong northbound current.
The Pass
At the south end of Byron Bay Main Beach is a famous spot for intermediate surfers called The Pass.
The Pass’s rocky point between Wategos and The Pass offers limitless, clean waves that are ideal for longer board riders.
From toddlers to eighty years old, you can see surfers of all ages at The Pass!
There are public outdoor showers and toilets close by. The Pass Café, nestled nearby, is a nice place to stop for a smoothie or coffee.
Main Beach
Main Beach is the long stretch of white beach beginning at the top of the main street of Byron Bay.
Families, groups of friends or sun bakers line this part of the beach for sun, swimming or body boarding action.
Main Beach is easily accessible if you’re staying in the centre of Byron Bay.
The Wreck
The Wreck is a surf spot at the beginning of Belongil Beach, also at the top of the main street (Johnson Street).
This Byron Bay beach is named ‘The Wreck’ after the parts of an old Wollongbar shipwreck which still reside there.
The Wollongbar sailed between Byron and Sydney, carrying supplies and passengers until 1921.
After being tied up to the jetty, waiting to leave for Sydney at 5pm, large waves, a low tide and strong winds caused the ship to begin bumping the sand bar.
This resulted in the ship being grounded and became stranded at the beginning of Belongil beach (near the seawall)
All that was left was the abandoned hull, boilers, tail bar, and tiller. Even now, one can still see the rudder bar above the water.
This is a place where big surf swells might occasionally arrive. When there is a southerly offshore wind and a south easterly swell, the waves are at their peak.
This beach is frequently studded with a diverse array of swimmers, body boarders, surfers, and sun worshippers due to its proximity to the main roadway.
The Wreck is a beautiful white sandy beach, and a lovely area to relax in for some beach time especially in the late afternoon.
Lifesavers guard this section of the beach in the summer.
Belongil Beach
Belongil Beach, Byron Bay is 10 min stroll north of The Wreck and the centre of town. A calmer stretch beach with a mixture of local families and regular vacationers, this part of the beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, long walks and sunset views.
Belongil Beach is a dog friendly beach and you will see many happy dogs enjoying the water and long stretches of sand.
Belongil Beach in Byron Bay is mostly safe for swimming but stay close enough to other people at the southern end.
Byron Bay Indigenous History
The Arakwal People of Byron Bay are the traditional owners of this land.
The Arakwal People are the tribes of the Bundjalung Nation whose traditional country consisted of the east coast between the Clarence River, the Albert River area in QLD and the Great Dividing Range to the west.
Their ancestors arrived more than 20,000 years ago. This occurred at the same time as the end of the last ice age, when sea levels were 120 meters lower than they are today.
The coastline moved west at a rate of around 160 meters per century as the ice started to melt, raising the sea level at a rate of a meter per century by the time it reached its current level and position 5000–6000 years ago.
Due to this ongoing flooding of the Bundjalung area, the coastal tribes, especially the Arakwal, were compelled to flee ever further west from the country that they had previously occupied, until 6000 years ago, when this retreat slowed down to a stop.
Conclusion
Byron Bay beaches are still some of the most spectacular and clean bays and surf spots in Australia I have seen.
The sand is soft and clean, and the water mild like a bath most times of the year, with plenty of choice for all sorts of beach lovers.
Paired with the multi culture of Byron Bay, the nearby hinterland and bars and restaurants, Byron is a fun place to visit at most times of the year.
Keep in mind winter is chillier and swimming is best after August. The summertime and school holidays are busy, which is the optimal time to head out to the quieter beaches like Belongil Beach, Byron Bay or Broken Head.
Always research the current beach and water conditions before jumping into the beautiful ocean!
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