Guide to the top Byron Bay Beaches
It’s hard to picture a more iconic beach town than Byron Bay. There is literally something for everyone: big waves, small waves, dog-friendly waves and spots to watch the sun both rise and set with your toes in the sand.
Explore the latest offers and packages from Crystalbrook Byron in Byron Bay.
Best surf breaks: Broken Head Beach and Wategos
It’s no secret that Byron Bay has some of the best surfing in the world, so much so that it’s been a defining feature of the town since the 1960's. Have you even visited Byron Bay if you haven’t hopped on a board yourself?
If you’re an experienced surfer head to Broken Head beach, a 10-minute drive from Crystalbrook Byron. Broken Head beach offers fast and hollow right-hand point-breaks.
If you’re simply looking to hang ten on your longboard and take it easy, head to the picturesque Wategos with beautiful views up towards the lighthouse and right-hand point-breaks arriving around the Cape.
Image Credit: Destination NSW
Best for families: Torakina Beach at Brunswick Heads and Clarkes Beach
So many Aussie childhoods are filled with happy memories exploring rock pools, building golden sandcastles and wallowing in the sparkling, warm sea water.
A short, twenty-five-minute drive from Crystalbrook Byron is the historic Brunswick Heads. Torakina Beach is a small protected sandy beach located north of the break wall at the mouth of the Brunswick River and its gentle waters are perfect for wading and wallowing.
Clarke’s Beach is an easy 10-minute drive from Crystalbrook Byron or grab one of the complimentary resort bicycles and cruise on over. Thanks to its long sandbank, Clarke’s Beach is protected with gentle waves close to shore.
Image Credit: Destination NSW
Best for sundowners: The Pass
Perhaps one of the most scenic of the Byron Bay beaches, we recommend arriving at The Pass in the afternoon for a swim in the warm, shallow water or a bit of surf in the long-lasting waves (with or without a board.) Climb the stairs of the Fisherman’s Lookout for panoramic views of the coastline and out to Wollumbin in the distance. As the sun sets over the hinterland, crack a cold one and toast to days spent in paradise.
Don’t forget to visit the midden located to the left of the boat ramp to learn more about the area's Indigenous history. Animal bones, shells and stone artefacts reveal this site’s use as a gathering place for local indigenous people roughly 1,000 years ago.
Image Credit: Destination NSW
Best for sunrise yoga: Tallow Beach
Tallow Beach is a 15-minute stroll from the Crystalbrook Byron which means it’s perfect for watching the sunrise. Grab your yoga mat (there’s a complimentary one tucked in your suite) and take your sun salutations to a whole new level.
This six and half kilometre stretch of beach is located between the Cape Byron Conservation Area and Broken Head Nature Reserve. During the winter months, keep an eye out for the whales that visit the bay during their annual migration.
The entrance at Tallow beach is identified by painted red posts on either side of the path and you will need your suite key disc to swipe at the security gate as you enter and exit the resort grounds.
Image Credit: Destination NSW
Best for dog walks and snorkelling: Belongil Beach
Belongil Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand that welcomes all furry friends. Access to this Byron Bay beach is from either the main beach carpark or Border Street, Don Street and Childe Street.
This pristine beach is backed by bushland which means there are plenty of spots for your pooch to romp. Head to Treehouse on Belongil (also dog-friendly) for a barefoot lunch of woodfired pizza before heading back into the water. It doesn’t get much better than this.
The Wreck, named after the SS Wollongbar that lost its tie to the old Byron Bay Pier during a cyclone in 1922, is another Belongil Beach highlight. Popular amongst surfers and snorkelers, the Wreck is home to an abundance of marine life including turtles, wobbegong sharks and stingrays.
Image Credit: Hugh Stewart; Destination NSW
Best for weddings: Little Wategos Beach
Located near the tip of Cape Byron and around the corner from Wategos Beach, Little Wategos Beach is a small stretch of pristine sand surrounded by the Stewardson Nature Reserve.
The beach, accessed via the Cape Byron walking track, is a popular spot amongst locals looking for peace away from the crowds and travellers looking for Byron Bay’s hidden gems. Little Wategos is also one of Byron’s top wedding locations, with its glistening white sand, picture-perfect sunsets and the hum of seagulls in the distance.
Best for swimming: Lennox Beach
Nestled along the stunning coastline just south of Byron Bay, Lennox Head Beach is a not-so-hidden gem that captures the essence of Australian seaside towns. Renowned for its laid-back charm and pristine beauty, this beach offers an idyllic escape from the bustle of Byron Bay.
Lennox Head is a haven for surfers, attracting wave riders with its consistent swell and reliable breaks. The beach is patrolled daily during the summer, making it the ideal spot for a refreshing dip. The town itself exudes a relaxed vibe, with a quaint village atmosphere, charming cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
