14 of the Best Swimming Spots and Beaches in Byron Bay| Australian Traveller

Whether you’re into building sandcastles or catching waves, Byron Bay has a beach for you.

When it comes to great beaches, Byron Bay is no slouch. In fact, the far North Coast town is probably the poster child for Australian beach culture. With its long powdery stretches of sand facing north, south and east, and its beautiful blue-green waters, having a surf or swim is one of the best things to do in Byron Bay. In addition to the glittering mix of beaches for surfing, swimming or soaking up the sun, you can turn your back on the sea and head inland to find cascading waterfalls with clear pools to cool off.

1. Main Beach

people enjoying at Main Beach, Byron Bay — Main Beach is a slice of paradise in Byron Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

Main Beach is the closest beach to the township of Byron Bay, making it a popular spot for families as it’s patrolled every day of the year. To the left is Belongil Beach and the striking silhouette of Mount Warning (Wollumbin), to the right is Clarkes Beach and then the Pass and iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse.

One of the best things about this beach is the people-watching: observe bronzed surfers padding down the beach to catch a wave; teens taking selfies, preening and dancing and practising their best duckface; and hippies with man buns furiously beating on their bongo drums at nearby Apex Park.

2. The Pass

surfers at The Pass, Byron Bay — The clear blue waters beckon for a quick dip or surf. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Pass is a point break between Clarkes Beach and Wategos. Climb up to Fisherman’s Lookout to get an aerial view of the line-up and everyone jostling for their turn to take off on this perfect right-hander. The wave attracts a mix of soul surfers (long-boarders) and novices and is best left to the professionals when there’s a swell running. The good news is, it’s a broad break and there is a wide expanse of sand along the shoreline. The Pass is patrolled by lifesavers for only a few months of the year. Find an idyllic shady place to flop and drop and swim between the flags.

3. Tallow Beach

footprints on the sand at Tallow Beach, Box Head — Tallow Beach is a sun-drenched oasis for experienced swimmers. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you’re a mad-keen experienced surfer or a strong swimmer, you can go for a paddle at Cosy Corner, which is protected from northerly winds. Tallow Beach is best suited to experienced swimmers who converge in one of three patrolled areas: Cosy Corner, Suffolk Park or Broken Head, which are nice and sheltered when a northerly wind is blowing. Access to the beach is via Clifford Street in Suffolk Park. If you manage to walk the seven-kilometre stretch to Broken Head Beach, you can do as the local naturalists do and strip off in the designated ‘clothes-optional’ beach.

4. Wategos Beach

surfing at Wategos Beach, Byron Bay — This sheltered little beach is also popular among surfers. (Image: Destination NSW)

Wategos Beach is a pretty little cove that is close to the most easterly point in Australia. This picturesque patch dotted with pandanus palms is very protected making it popular with both long-boarders and swimmers. Named after a local Indigenous family, Wategos runs into Little Wategos, a 150-metre-long strip of beach near the tip of Cape Byron, which only exists in certain conditions when the sand accumulates over the rock shelf as it moves around the headland. When the tide is right, Little Wategos is lovely and sheltered for sunbathing and swimming. Be one of the first people in Australia to admire the sunrise when you hit Wategos Beach for a swim in the pre-dawn light.

5. Belongil Beach

surfers at sunrise on Belongil Beach, Byron Bay — Welcome the sunrise with a morning surf or swim. (Image: Destination NSW)

Take a left on the long stretch of beach to the left of Byron Bay’s town centre to get to Belongil Beach, which is home to ‘The Wreck’, a popular swimming and snorkelling spot. The Wreck is actually the rusted remains of the SS Wollongbar which ran aground in stormy seas in 1921. A small part of the abandoned hull remains embedded in the sand here and it has created an underwater ecosystem that is home to abundant marine life. The best place to swim at Belongil Beach is at the southern end nearest to Byron Bay when the beach is patrolled.

6. Torakina Beach, Brunswick Heads

This soft sweep of sand to the left of the southern break wall at Brunswick Heads is nirvana for beaching families. The water is crystalline, calm and perfect for wading, there’s even a trim of shade to snag if you arrive before everyone else descends. It’s a popular spot, so if the sun is shining, the small shore is quickly and tightly packed with an array of colourful beach umbrellas. Do note, the carpark does fill up quickly, so a walk may be required.

7. Clarkes Beach

a woman walking along Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay — Walk along the sandbar that connects to an islet. (Image: Destination NSW)

Head down to Clarkes Beach at dawn and wait for the sky to change colour and the sea to turn silvery and smooth. The next beach along from Main Beach heading in the direction of the Cape Byron Lighthouse is very popular with families and surfers. As the sky lightens, you might see surf instructors organising their classes for the day and helping novices heft their surfboards down to the shore.

From Clarke’s Beach, you can clamber onboard a Byron Bay Sea Kayak Tour in the hope of seeing dolphins, whales, and turtles. Return to Clarke’s Beach under a cloudless sky to swim off the sandbar and paddle in the tidal pools. This beach is patrolled over summer and has numerous grassy areas equipped with picnic tables.

8. Minyon Falls

the Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park — Minyon Falls is a spectacular cascade in Nightcap National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Motor out to Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park if you want to see another side of the Byron Shire. Sure, you can appreciate this fairy tale landscape by undertaking a short, easy stroll to the lookout from the car park. But active types will find it well worth the effort of hiking for three or four hours to the boulders at the base of Minyon Falls for a magical swim in the pool, which is like a blue-green jewel in the dappled light. Minyon Falls is about a 50-minute drive from the Byron Bay town centre. After heavy rains, expect to see the water roaring down for about 100 metres between the rocky ridges in the cliff face. Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.

9. Simpsons Creek, Brunswick Heads

If the beaches are blown out or too packed, the azure, serpentine bends of Simpson Creek which flows into Brunswick River offers gentle bathing. At high tide, you’ll see sun-bronzed teens jumping from the bridge into the clear waters below. While the riverside is mostly tricky to access, there’s a miniature beach at Terrace Park where you can slip in.

10. Broken Head Beach, Broken Head

surfers walking along Broken Head Beach, Byron Bay — Broken Head Beach is also a surfing nirvana. (Image: Destination NSW)

This pretty stretch of beach unfurls south of Suffolk Park and is shouldered to the south by a protective headland. You can take the lovely Three Sisters Walking Track up here to check out the oceanic vistas and maybe spot a whale or two. Pack lunch to enjoy in the grassy picnic area, bring your fishing rod and make a day of it. Keep in mind that parking is limited, so arrive early or be prepared for a walk.

11. Christmas Beach/Harry’s Hill Beach, Brunswick Heads

No one can agree on what to call this curve of paradise. Some call it Harry’s Hill Beach, some Christmas Beach and others simply call it Heaven. The latter is perhaps most fitting for this idyllic and secluded north bank of the Brunswick River. To get here, you’ll need to take a rigorously pot-holed dirt road, then wander through the rainforested North Head Walking Track until the shimmering aquamarine water is revealed below the canopy. Across the way, you’ll spot the huddle of beach umbrellas at Torakina and congratulate yourself for taking the more difficult but deeply rewarding alternative.

12. Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head

kayaking in Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head — Go kayaking through the dark waters. (Image: Destination NSW)

While this swimming spot is located in the Ballina Shire, it makes our list for its uniquely still and dark waters. That might sound a little on the scary side, but Lake Ainsworth is hemmed by tea trees, which stain the freshwater with their rich tannins. It looks black from the sure, but once you swim out into the warm waters, the colour is more like Coca Cola or black tea. Grassy picnic areas hem the lake and if you start craving the refreshing saltwater, the beach is just across the way. A 20-minute drive south to Lennox Head, it makes for a spectacular day trip.

13. Cudgera Creek, Hastings Point

Also a skip and a hop from Byron, but this time in a northerly direction in the Tweed Shire, this swimming spot where Cudgera Creek meets Hastings Point Beach is stunning. Obligingly shallow on the shoreline for kids, but dropping away to a channel that flows to the sea, this mostly gentle flow is great for paddleboarding and kayaking. Take care, though, the currents can be strong in the channel and despite plenty of people jumping from the bridge at high tide, it’s a dangerous idea.

14. South Golden Beach

This long stretch of sand that winds, uninterrupted, all the way up to Pottsville Beach in the Tweed Shire is a lesser-visited Byron haunt. Its northerly locale means that you’ll mostly find locals here and plenty of space to set up your beach brolly without any neighbours popping your bubble. It can be exposed to the elements here and is unpatrolled, so check the conditions before you go. When the wind is low, this is the place for sun-bleached, semi-isolated beauty and proper surf. When you’ve had your fill of the waves, head off the beach and grab a burger from the cute takeaway shop, Mrs Birdy.

Originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Lara Picone

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

14 stunning swimming spots and beaches in Byron Bay