Best Beaches near Byron Bay
About the Suburb
Explore 3 beaches near Byron Bay, from the long right-hander at The Pass to the secluded coves of Broken Head. Australia's most easterly point is crowned by the Cape Byron Lighthouse, with dolphin and whale sightings common from the headland trail.
What Makes It Special
- •Cape Byron Lighthouse walk - dolphins, whales (in season), and Australia's first sunrise
- •Byron's food scene - from Beach Hotel pub grub to hatted dining at Fleet and Raes
- •A genuine alternative culture - yoga, markets, live music, and independent shops survive alongside tourism
Getting There
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) is 30 minutes south - flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle. 2 hours south of Gold Coast Airport. Byron has a train station with limited NSW TrainLink services. Paid parking is expensive and limited - cycle or shuttle.
Best Time to Visit
March to May for clean north-east swells and warm water without the summer madness. June to October for whale watching. Avoid Christmas–January and Schoolies when accommodation is 3x and the town is overrun. Easter Bluesfest brings a different crowd.