Positioned in the most easterly location in Australia, Byron Bay’s sandy coastline stretches for kilometres, naturally curving into protected bays or opening into the expansive Pacific Ocean beyond.
Whether you’re testing your surfing skills on some iconic waves or seeking a secluded little oasis where the kids can swim, beaches in Byron Bay are an unsurpassed, natural playground
Walking along Byron Bay Beaches
Belongil Beach (dog friendly)
Just beyond Main Beach, Bay Street, Byron Bay, 7 mins walk
Walking the Dog Paradise
Belongil Beach begins at the northern end of Main Beach Byron Bay, just on the other side of the sea wall and continues to the mouth of Belongil Creek. This expansive and pristine stretch of sand is popular and has an off-leash dog-friendly area from Main Beach to Manfred Street. It’s perfect for long dog walks, letting the kids run wild or just relaxing while you watch surfers ride waves around The Wreck.
Clarkes & Main Beach Byron Bay
Bay Street, Byron Bay, 3 mins walk
Your Iconic Local
Within metres of your Vali room, Main Beach is a much-loved, surf-patrolled Byron Beach that offers the perfect playground for sandcastle competitions, cooling off in the ocean, riding your first wave and then dusting off the sand and grabbing lunch close by. Just to the east of Main Beach is Clarkes Beach. Clarkes’ landscape changes dramatically with the tide and offers a quieter spot and plenty of rock pools to discover.
The Pass
Via Brooke Drive, Byron Bay, 37 mins walk or 5 mins drive
Spot for Surfers and Spectators
At the edge of Clarkes Beach and before Wategos, The Pass is home to long clear waves and a right-hand point break that beckons to surfers – both the human and dolphin varieties. Kick the sand off and watch the action from the picnic and BBQ area or take advantage of the many walking tracks and the spectacular view from Fisherman’s Lookout. This is a Byron beach with a show.
Byron Bay Beaches With Driving Distance
Broken Head
Via Broken Head Road, 13 mins drive
Forest Meets the Sand
It’s easy to see why this beautiful Byron beach is part of the Broken Head Nature Reserve. The beach itself offers untouched sands and protected seas. But it’s the wild beauty of the forest covered hills and headland, laced with beautiful walking tracks that make Broken Head simply gorgeous. Perfect for a family day out exploring walks, spotting whales and creating moments of connection.
Torakina Beach Brunswick Heads
Via Ewingsdale Road and the M1, 20 mins drive
Calm Little Oasis
Nestled between the two break walls at the mouth of Brunswick Heads, Torakina is a river-mouth beach that is an absolute favourite with local families, especially with little ones. Always crystal clear and swell-free, Torakina is a reliable swimming beach that is both sheltered and picturesque. There are little spots in the shade of the trees to set up for a long lazy beach day.
Lake Ainsworth
Via Pacific Parade, Lennox Head, 25 mins drive
Tea Tree Healing
Just across the road from Seven Mile beach, this expansive, dog-friendly freshwater lake is dyed a deep dark chocolate brown by the naturally-healing and deliciously-smelling tea tree oils that seep from the surrounding trees into the water. You’ll find locals making regular trips to swim, paddle board and kayak at the Lake. Tea-tree oil is famous for treating bites, grazes and burns. Take a dip and feel the benefits as it softens your hair and skin.
Tallow Beach (dog friendly)
Via Bangalow Road, Byron Bay, 6 mins drive
The Explorer’s Beach
From the car park, walk 900m through beautiful bushland to uncover a quiet, hidden little gem of a beach set between two headlands. You’ll find vivid rock formations with layers of bright orange stone and a beautiful beach that is simply made for swimming, beach fishing, whale watching and spotting soaring ospreys and white-bellied sea eagles.
Wategos
Via Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay, 7 mins drive
Underneath the Lighthouse
Directly underneath Byron Bay’s renowned Lighthouse is a small, sheltered beach protected by a headland and beloved by local bottle-nosed dolphins. Enjoy the gradual, gentle waves that roll across the wide sand bar. It’s popular with swimmers, surfers and beach lovers alike. Enjoy the free beachside BBQs then climb the steps to the Lighthouse walk.
