The Best Byron Bay Beaches to Explore

Discover the best Byron Bay beaches for swimming, surfing, and dog-friendly adventures. Find hidden gems, patrolled areas, and top beach spots near Byron Bay.

Discover the best beaches in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a beach lover’s dream, packed with golden sands, world-class surf, and a laid-back vibe that makes every visit feel like a holiday. After a buzzing beach with plenty of action or a hidden cove for some much-needed chill time, this guide ticks all the boxes. You’ll find epic surf breaks to family-friendly swimming spots and even dog-friendly shores, let’s explore the best beaches Byron Bay has to offer.

Main Beach: The Heart of Byron Bay’s Beach Scene

Location: Byron Bay town centre
Swimming: Yes (patrolled)
Surfing: Yes
Dog-Friendly: No

Main Beach in Byron Bay is the kind of place that makes you want to drop everything, kick off your shoes, and dive straight into holiday mode. Just steps from Byron’s buzzing town centre, this golden stretch of sand is where sun-kissed days blur into dreamy sunsets. For surfers chasing that perfect wave, a yogi stretching into downward dog at sunrise, or a parent wrangling sandy-footed kids into beachside fish and chips, Main Beach has your back. Lifeguards patrol it year-round (tick!), and the vibe is pure Aussie laid-back coastal magic.

Stroll along the beachfront path, take in views of Cape Byron Lighthouse, or just people-watch from the shade of a pandanus tree. Add some acoustic buskers and the smell of salt and sunscreen, and you’ve got the ultimate Byron experience. Bonus – you’ve got easy access to all the coolest cafes and restaurants plus the famous Beach Hotel for a post swim chow down. Come for a quick dip, stay for the salty hair and happy soul. Main Beach is Byron at its best.

Clarkes Beach: Calm Waters and Rock Pools

Location: Southern end of Main Beach
Swimming: Yes
Surfing: Occasionally
Dog-Friendly: No

Tucked between Main Beach and The Pass, Clarkes Beach is Byron Bay’s sweet spot for laid-back vibes and easy ocean dips. The gentle waves are perfect for beginner surfers, paddle boarders and bodyboarders, and anyone who just wants to float around in paradise or poke around in rock pools. Spread out your towel (there’s oodles of space) and make the most of the beach walks, especially when the dolphins decide to show off. With epic views of the Cape Byron Lighthouse and nearby beach cafes for post-swim snacks, Clarkes hits that chill, “wish-you-lived-here” vibe. It’s family-friendly, sunrise-lovely, and pure Byron bliss. Bring your sunnies and stay awhile.

Wategos Beach: A Byron Bay Best Beach for Dolphin Spotting

Location: Near Cape Byron Lighthouse
Swimming: Yes
Surfing: Yes (longboard-friendly)
Dog-Friendly: No

If you’re in Byron and haven’t checked out Wategos Beach yet – what are you even doing? This tucked-away gem is all calm waves, soft sand, and serious chill vibes. It’s perfect for a picnic under the pandanus trees (yes, there are tables!) or a lazy swim with the occasional dolphin cameo. The waves are gentle enough for long boarders and beginners, and it’s a dreamy spot to soak up the sun without the Main Beach crowds. Plus, it’s right on the track to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, so bring your camera. Plus, there’s picnic and BBQ facilities which make Wategos Beach the bougie-best place for a beachside lunch.

Little Wategos: A Secluded Beach Near Byron Bay

Location: Just beyond Wategos Beach
Swimming: Yes
Surfing: No
Dog-Friendly: No

Little Wategos Beach is Byron’s best-kept secret and it’s giving serious secluded paradise vibes. Tucked below the Cape Byron Lighthouse, this tiny, hidden cove is only accessible on foot, which means no crowds, just crystal-clearwater and total serenity. It's the easternmost beach on mainland Australia, so you can brag about that while you soak up the sun or take a dip in the sheltered shallows. No surfboards, no shops, just you, the sea, and maybe a turtle or two if you're lucky. Pack a picnic, wear decent shoes, and get ready to combine a trip here with a walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse and feel like you’ve found your own private slice of Byron bliss.

Belongil Beach: A Quiet Alternative to Main Beach

Location: North of Byron Bay
Swimming: Yes (some patrolled areas)
Surfing: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Yes

Belongil Beach is the chill cousin of Byron’s busier beaches, just a short stroll from town but with way more space to breathe. Stretching over 2.5km, it’s perfect for lazy beach walks, salty swims, and that dreamy “barefoot and sun-kissed” feeling. You’ll spot locals with their dogs, surfers chasing waves near The Wreck, and sunset lovers snapping golden hour pics. It’s got a relaxed, low-key vibe that makes you want to stay all day (and maybe forever). Bonus: parts of the beach are patrolled in summer, so it’s family-friendly too. Extra bonus, if you feel like going commando, the northern end is unofficially clothing-optional, so expect a mix of sunbathers and free spirits.

Whites Beach: A Secluded Local Favourite

Location: Broken Head
Swimming: Yes
Surfing: No
Dog-Friendly: No

Whites Beach is Byron’s ultimate hidden treasure, remote, rugged, and ridiculously beautiful. Tucked away in Broken Head Nature Reserve, getting there involves a bit of a bush track adventure (hello, Instagram-worthy hike), but the reward? Pure paradise. Think dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and barely another soul in sight. Bear in mind there’s a steep, rocky staircase that leads down to this secluded bay —adding to the sense of adventure —because when you arriveon arrival, it feels like the kind of beach that should be in a movie., pPerfect for a private picnic, a romantic dip, or just escaping the world for a while.

Tallow Beach: A Surfer’s Playground

Location: South of Cape Byron
Swimming: Limited patrols
Surfing: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Partially

Tallow Beach, located just south of Cape Byron in Arakwal National Park, offers visitors a wild and rugged stretch of coastline, an untamed side of Byron Bay if you like. A favourite among experienced surfers, this stretch of golden sand delivers consistent swells (bring on the north winds) and uncrowded waves, framed by lush coastal bushland. Beyond the surf, it’s a peaceful spot for beach walks, birdwatching, or simply soaking in panoramic ocean views. The beach’s cultural significance to the Arakwal people adds depth to the experience, making it more than just a surf destination. For those seeking nature, solitude, and adventure away from the tourist crowds, Tallow Beach is a must-visit.

Broken Head Beach: A Hidden Surfing Haven

Location: 12 minutes from Byron Bay
Swimming: No patrols
Surfing: Yes (right-hand point breaks)
Dog-Friendly: Yes (select parts)

Broken Head Nature Reserve offers visitors a tranquil escape just south of Byron Bay, with its pristine beaches and lush coastal rainforest. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat, this reserve features secluded coves, right-hand point breaks (which are ideal for surfers looking for a challenge), and abundant wildlife. It’s perfect for swimming, picnicking, and exploring the Three Sister Walking Track through ancient rainforest, providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The reserve is also rich in Aboriginal cultural significance, adding an educational element to your visit.

Brunswick Heads Beach: A Relaxed Coastal Escape

Location: 20 minutes north of Byron Bay
Swimming: Yes (patrolled)
Surfing: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Yes (except near the surf club)

It’s a short drive north to Brunswick Heads, where calm swimming conditions await all along the coast. Head to Torakina Beach near the mouth of the Brunswick River, for a crescent of powdery white sand and flat, turquoise water, perfect for families with little ones. Brunswick Heads Beach is ideal for a chilled-out day by the sea, offering great waves, fewer crowds, and an off-leash dog area, making it a local favourite for both relaxation and adventure.

Seven Mile Beach: An Endless Stretch of Sand

Location: Between Lennox Head and Broken Head
Swimming: Yes (some patrolled areas)
Surfing: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Yes (north of the surf club)

Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head is the ultimate chill spot if you’re looking to escape the crowds. With loads of space to stretch out, you can catch some waves, go for a scenic walk, or even take your 4WD for a spin along the coast (hell yes!). The vibe is super laid-back, and the views are just stunning —so pack your doggo and get cracking!.

Plan Your Byron Bay Beach Day: Essential Tips & FAQs

The best time to visit? Summer’s full of energy, but if you want fewer crowds and perfect weather, autumn and spring are the way to go. If you’re bringing your furry friends, just double-check the leash laws before heading to the beach. Check for beach safety, always swim between the flags and keep an eye out for strong currents and beach signs. Don’t forget the essentials, sunscreen, hat, towel, water, snacks and, of course, your camera to capture all the good times!

Which Byron Bay Beach Will You Visit First?

With so many incredible beaches to choose from, there’s no wrong answer! Hunting for an epic surf session, a lazy swim, or a spot to chill with your doggo, Byron Bay’s beaches have you covered. Check the weather, grab your besties and make the most of these cracking beaches Byron Bay has to offer. Which one’s your favourite? Share your Byron Bay adventures and tag Reflections Holidays in your beach snaps!

And once you are done with the beaches, head inland and hit the Byron Bay waterfalls. There is so much to see and do on the far north coast, the challenge is deciding what to choose.

*Photography courtesy of Destination NSW, Ambassador Bodhi Todd and