Byron Bay is known for its relaxed vibes, good surf, and some of the best beaches you’ll find along the east coast.

From the early morning swell at The Pass to lazy afternoons at Wategos, there’s a beach here for every kind of day. The water’s warm, the sand’s soft, and the views out to the horizon never get old.

Locals and visitors alike love how each beach has its own feel—some are perfect for a quiet swim, others are ideal for catching a wave or spotting dolphins. The mix of open beaches and hidden spots means you’re never short of places to throw down a towel.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 7 best beaches in Byron Bay, sharing what makes each one special and when it’s best to go. If you’re planning a trip up the coast, these beaches should be on your list.

Best Beaches in Byron Bay

1- Main Beach

Main Beach is one of the best beaches in Byron Bay and the most visited by both tourists and locals.

Located right in front of the town centre, it offers stunning views of Julian Rocks, the Byron Bay Lighthouse, and Mount Warning.

It’s a great beach to spot dolphins and, during whale season from July to December, migrating whales offshore.

This beach is perfect for families, with a children’s playground, grassy picnic spots, and the Byron Bay Surf Club nearby.

It’s patrolled by surf lifesavers during summer, making it one of the safest beaches in Byron Bay for swimming.

Plus, it’s close to shops, cafes, and the iconic Beach Hotel—ideal if you’re looking for things to do in Byron Bay after your swim.

There are ramps, showers, and accessible toilets, as well as a beachfront walkway leading toward Clarkes Beach.

Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the view, Main Beach offers a classic Byron Bay experience.

2- Clarkes Beach

Clarkes Beach is a quieter stretch of sand between Main Beach and The Pass, making it one of the best beaches in Byron Bay for a relaxed day out.

It’s one of the favorite beaches in Byron Bay among locals thanks to its tidal pools, rock formations, and scenic sunrise views.

You can walk here from Main Beach via the coastal path or park nearby.

Though not always patrolled, Clarkes Beach offers gentler waves on smaller days and higher tides—ideal for beginner surfers or those looking to practice.

On low tides or during holiday crowds, conditions can become rougher, especially near The Pass, so it’s best to stay close to the town-end sandbars.

If you’re planning a day filled with things to do in Byron Bay, Clarkes Beach is a peaceful stop.

There are showers along the access paths and plenty of spots to relax. Also, the calm atmosphere makes Clarkes Beach perfect for slow mornings or quiet beach walks.

Also Read: Best Beaches in Phillip Island

3- Wategos Beach

Wategos Beach ranks among the best beaches in Byron Bay for its sheltered bay, gentle surf, and family-friendly vibe.

Wategos is named after the Watego family, who once farmed the area. Today, it’s known for its calm atmosphere and nearby holiday homes.

Located just 2 km from the town centre, it’s a peaceful beach where you can enjoy a swim, picnic on the grass, or simply relax by the water.

With BBQs, picnic tables, and grassy areas, Wategos Beach is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a meal by the sea.

The low waves and soft sand make Wategos Beach ideal for kids and beginner surfers.

Also, you can walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse via the steps at the beach’s end.

With paid parking, showers, and scenic views, Wategos is an excellent beach to spend a laid-back day in Byron Bay.

4- Little Wategos Beach

Little Wategos Beach is one of Byron Bay’s most secluded and scenic beaches, making it ideal for a peaceful escape or even a beach wedding.

Located at the easternmost point of mainland Australia, this quiet, north-facing beach is well-protected from strong winds.

You’ll need to walk about 600 metres from the council parking at Wategos Beach along the Cape Byron walking track to reach it—but the walk rewards you with stunning ocean views and a sense of privacy.

This small 150-metre beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or snapping some unforgettable photos.

The calm waters also make Little Wategos Beach great for a quick dip before heading back.

If you want to extend your visit, there are charming accommodations nearby like Imeson Cottage and Partridge Cottage.

Despite being so close to Byron Bay’s town centre, Little Wategos feels a world away—quiet, clean, and beautifully untouched.

Also Explore: Best Things to Do in Byron Bay

5- Belongil Beach

Belongil Beach is a long stretch of sand that runs 2.5km from the Main Beach seawall up to the mouth of Belongil Creek.

It’s less crowded than other nearby beaches, making it one of the best beaches in Byron Bay for a quiet walk, beach picnic, or relaxed swim.

The safest area for swimming is at the southern end near Byron Bay, especially when the beach is patrolled.

One of the beach’s most popular attractions is “The Wreck”—the visible rudder of the SS Wollongbar shipwreck.

Surfers love the waves created around this sandbar, especially during southeast swells with offshore winds.

Belongil Beach is also a popular spot to sit on the seawall, enjoy some takeaway, and watch the surfers do their thing.

Belongil is also dog-friendly and offers decent snorkeling when the conditions are right.

Whether you’re into surfing, swimming, or just strolling, Belongil Beach is a relaxed and scenic beach close to Byron Bay.

6- Whites Beach

Whites Beach is one of the Byron Bay area’s best-kept secrets. Located just outside of Broken Head, this beach offers a rare sense of privacy, especially during peak summer months.

It takes a short walk through subtropical forest and down a rocky path to reach the sand, but the views are worth every step.

Surrounded by cliffs and trees, Whites Beach feels quiet and remote. The calm waters are great for swimming and body surfing on smaller swells.

On summer days, surfers often paddle out to catch a wave, although the beach is not patrolled.

At the southern end, you’ll find caves and rock pools, while a fresh water stream trickles into the ocean nearby. The northern edge offers great rock fishing spots.

With its natural beauty and adventure activities, Whites Beach is one of the best beaches in Byron Bay for those looking to explore beyond the main tourist spots.

Also Read: Best Breakfast in Byron Bay

7- Lennox Head Beach

Lennox Head Beach is famous for its powerful right-hand point break, attracting experienced surfers from across the globe.

Part of the Lennox Head National Surfing Reserve, this 7.2km stretch of coastline is not just about surfing—it’s also a great destination for scenic walks and whale watching during migration season.

The waves here are consistent and challenging, best suited for advanced surfers. The break works over sand and smooth rock, offering long, thrilling rides.

Beginners should steer clear of the main surf zone, but there’s still plenty of space along the beach to enjoy the water.

Away from the waves, the area around Lennox Head is peaceful and laid-back.

There’s a headland with panoramic views, and dog-friendly zones to the north of the surf club.

Whether you’re there to catch a wave or take in the views, Lennox Head Beach is an unforgettable beach on the NSW coast.