Northern Rivers Beaches
About the Region
The Northern Rivers region stretches from Byron Bay to the Tweed, offering laid-back surf towns and uncrowded breaks. Find 8 beaches across 6 suburbs.
What Makes It Special
- •Byron Bay to Cabarita - some of Australia's best right-hand point breaks with a genuine surf culture that predates the Instagram era
- •Creative hinterland communities at Mullumbimby, Nimbin, and Federal - arts, music, and markets just 30 minutes from the coast
- •Ballina Byron Gateway Airport connects directly to Sydney and Melbourne - one of the most accessible coastal regions for a fly-in beach trip
Best Time to Visit
March to May for warm water and clean north-east swell. June to October for whale watching from Cape Byron and Lennox Head lookout. Avoid Christmas–January and Schoolies when Byron Bay is overrun and accommodation triples in price. The shoulder seasons here are outstanding.
What's On
Brunswick Heads Monthly Markets
First Saturday of each month · Next: Saturday 30 May 2026
Community market at Memorial Park featuring artisan stalls, fresh produce, handmade goods, clothing, plants, soaps, coffee, and hot food.
brunswickheadsmarkets.com.auOld and Gold Festival
Saturday 6 June 2026
Annual festival celebrating all things old, secondhand and recycled, featuring multiple fairs, garage sales, traditional entertainment, and live music.
www.brunswickheads.org.au