Top 10 Surf Picks For Beaches Of Byron Bay

The beaches of Byron Bay are truly spectacular with warm waters facing three directions – North, East and South – so you should be able to catch a wave at one of the eight breaks no matter what the surfing conditions. Local knowledge, however, is important in predicting which beach will provide the best waves at specific times, so here are some tips from the local surfers so you can catch the best Byron Bay surfing.

But before you head out to any of these surfing spots, be sure to check out the Byron Bay surf forecast. You can use the Coastal Watch, where you can get a live look at conditions, or SwellNet, where you’ll get a chance to look ahead with the surf forecast.

1. The Wreck

A unique tidal break is caused by a the shipwrecked SS Wollongbar just off Main Beach in Byron Bay and is a favourite spot for surfers year round. However, it is important to be aware that the wreck can cause rips and tides that could be dangerous for novice surfers.

2. Main Beach

Main Beach, directly in front of the town of Byron Bay, is also blessed with its own shipwreck, Tassie II. The beach and the break are ideal for all types of surfers, from those just learning to surf to lifelong boarders, and is the home to the Byron Bay Surf Club. Surf Lifesavers patrol the beach in the summer months making for a safer surf environment.

3. Clarke’s Beach

The bay in Clarke’s beach is also patrolled by Surf Lifesavers in the summer. This is one of the perfect surfing beaches of Byron Bay almost all year round, except when the North-wind blows causing swells and rips that become dangerous. The Northerlies rarely blow in the summer months so it is probably best to stay away from this beach in the winter.

4. The Pass

The Pass is the most popular of the surf beaches of Byron Bay and has the best break on the North coast. Fisherman’s Lookout is a great place to check out the surf conditions on any given day to see if it is worth catching a wave or moving on to another beach for better options. Dive boats are launched regularly from The Pass, so it is important to keep your wits about you.

5. Watego’s Beach and Little Watego’s

While not as popular as The Pass for surfing, Watego’s Beach is also a perfect surfing beach all year round. Check out the local surf and weather reports before heading out as bad weather can cause choppy waters and hot days could calm the swell drastically. Little Watego’s is a sheltered spot that is rocky with calmer seas and is a great swimming and sunbathing spot but lacks the necessary ingredients to make a good surf spot.

6. Cosy Corner

This secluded beach provides access to some of the best waves in Byron Bay. Locals love this surfing spot, which is part of Arakwal National Park, because here you’ll find decent size waves, even when the Northerlies are blowing through everything else. Located on the south side of the Cape, Cosy Corner is accessible by car from Tallow Beach Road – note it costs $6 to park your car. After you get tired, stay, relax and sunbathe while watching for hang gliders launching off the overhead cliff.

7. Belongil Beach

About a kilometre north of Main Beach, this quieter location provides an excellent spot for those learning to surf when the swells are small. According to Surfnation, “Strong rip currents do occur on bigger surf days, so it’s best to stick to Main Beach or Clarkes Beach when the waves are big.” Just keep in mind when bringing along any young novice surfers as parts of this beach are clothing optional!

8. Tallows Beach

Not far from Byron Bay proper, this surfing spot offers an alternative to those at the front of town. When the waves are flat there, you’ll often be able to find some great swells here. However, keep in mind, the waves at Tallows Beach often come with strong rips so beginners shouldn’t try out this location unless the waves are very small. Those learning to surf should stick with Main Beach or Clarkes Beach.

9. Lennox Head

About 25 minutes south of Byron Bay, you’ll find Lennox Head, a consistent top 10 of Australia’s surf beaches. The right-hand point break isn’t a good place for learning to surf because it is powerful and can be filled with top-notch local surfers. But if this isn’t your first hop on the board, then you may want to take this opportunity to experience the famous waves. Plus, you can check out other areas along what is dubbed the “Magic Miles,” the beaches between Lennox Head and Ballina.

10. Suffolk Park

On the way to Lennox Head, you could stop here at Suffolk Park to catch a few waves. The beaches here are unpatrolled so novice surfers should go elsewhere. However, if you know what you’re doing, then you might enjoy the excellent left and right breaks you’ll find at Suffolk Park. Access to this beach is limited so you shouldn’t feel crowded!

Set up camp at Broken Head Holiday Park

In between your surfing adventures, you can lay your tired body down each night at any of our excellent powered and unpowered campsites (or other accommodation). You’ll have plenty of room if you brought along your own board, or if you didn’t, there are places to hire a board for your surfing time on the beaches of Byron. There are so many amazing surfing locations in the Byron Bay area that you’ll want to book a holiday soon to check them all out! Check out further activities and things to do around Broken Head Holiday Park.