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Top 4 Beaches in Byron Bay


A surfer enjoys sunset at Byron Bay
Hi, I'm Zoë!

Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.

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Hi, I'm Zoë!

Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.

see more

With miles of white sand stretching from Cape Byron up into Queensland and the Gold Coast, Byron Bay spoils sun-seekers for choice. Whether you want to learn to surf, enjoy water sports, or party at a beach bar, here are our picks of the best Byron Bay beaches.

Main Beach

The warm waters of Main Beach in Byron Bay.
Main Beach is a popular spot. | Photo Credit: Visual Collective / Shutterstock

Byron’s most frequented beach is the aptly named Main Beach, located a short stroll from the shops and restaurants of the town. With a view of the Cape Byron headland and stunning sunsets, it's one of the region’s most beautiful beaches and a popular choice for families.

Clarkes Beach

Mountains in the background as surfers enjoy the water at Clarkes Beach in Byron Bay.
Clarkes Beach on a sunny day. | Photo Credit: Camila Se / Shutterstock

Just down the strip from Main Beach, Clarkes Beach is a perfect destination for outdoor activities, with ample opportunities to enjoy water sports, take a surf class, or play a game of beach volleyball. The rocky coastline also harbors some great snorkeling spots.

The Pass

Surfers head into the water at The Pass in Byron Bay.
Surfers check out The Pass. | Photo Credit: Darren Tierney / Shutterstock

East of Main Beach, The Pass is renowned for its world-class surf and and is a great place to spot dolphins and whales in winter. It’s also the starting point for snorkeling and scuba diving expeditions to Julian Rocks and hikes along the Cape Byron Walking Track.

Wategos Beach

An aerial view of the golden crescent of sand at Wategos Beach.
An aerial view of Wategos Beach. | Photo Credit: Darren Tierney / Shutterstock

On the northern coast of Cape Byron, the beaches of Wategos and Little Wategos offer sheltered waters ideal for swimming in a more secluded location, one set a good distance away from the crowds of the town beaches. From here, it’s an easy to visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse or the Most Easterly Point of the Australian Mainland.

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See all Byron Bay tours
65 tours & tickets
An aerial view of the Byron Bay lighthouse in Australia
See all things to do in Byron Bay
A lighthouse on the coastline of Byron Bay
Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Spots in Byron Bay