The Byron Bay beaches are the prominent tourist destination spot in the area for all those surfer enthusiasts out there. Apart from its attractive and perfect waves for surfing, the area also has its own distinct history where the hippies flourished in this former New South Wales whaling station turn tourist attraction. With its bohemian past, there are Bongos and didgeridoos sound in the parks, sarongs being worn by the locals, dreadlocks as the common hairstyle among those who love to hang out here and, to top off with its “hippie” tradition, vegetarian restaurants available within the area. Hanging out here means surfing, chilling out, and simplicity where nature, culture and people coincide in one special place.

Lennox Head

DSC_2603 from Phil’s Fotos

The Lennox Head has been known as the playground of the ultimate surfers since the dawn of the 60s and 70s. It has also been recognized as an Australian Surfing Reserve making a mark as a prominent destination in history, culture and development of the surfing sport in the continent. Because of its active locals that visit the area often, it has gained a good reputation as the best surfing spot in the area, making it an attractive tourist choice for surfers around the world. While surfing here, be cautious about the rocks that are located by the beach. Because of its challenging parts, it really is the perfect surfing spot for those expert in the sport and is most definitely not the best for starters in the world of surfing. Despite its challenging characteristics, confident and experienced surfers get the best out of surfing here because of consistent and magnificent waves that erupt from its waters making it a famous right-hand point on the right day.

Belongil Beach

Hippie Guitarist and Skateboarder from robertschrader

Located by the northern part of the main town, the Belongil Beach may easily be located and traveled to with just about twenty minutes time of a walk from the beach. Imagine, what you’re planning to do is go surfing but additionally, you get to enjoy a tranquil walk and feel the freshness of the beach’s air as you make your way to the surfing spot. Amazing, isn’t it? The beach is unpatrolled though but quite often than not, there are good waves to be expected here. It is a long and wide beach that is perfect in a south or south-west wind. However, it is vulnerable from the northerlies. It gives off a relaxing feel that is the opposite kind of aura from the other beaches by the other side of town. It also has great accommodation choices and cafes but it is rare to find public showers or toilets nearby. There are also available parking spaces by the dirt car parks and is the nudist beach so, be aware of that.

Main Beach

DSCN1027 from Royston Rascals

Also an accessible beach located in town, this surfing destination is the perfect choice for those who are just yearning to learn surfing in an amateur’s point of view. Many people come here to entertain or to educate these hungry and curious surfing students who attend classes from club houses situated just by the beach. It is also famous among swimmers who are visiting with their families, apart from the sport. For those experienced surfers, you may also find big swells, fun rides and even barrels that come out from the beach’s waters. If you’re visiting when there’s a strong north wind whopping, you may want to sit it out for a bit because the waves could get chaotic. It is also fairly convenient coming around here as the toilets and showers are available just by the beaches located at the Surf Club.

Suffolk Park

Byron Bay Beach from misswired

As you make your way to Lennox Head, you will come across the Suffolk Park located at the southern part of Byron Bay. The unpatrolled beaches could get a little daring from time to time making it more susceptible for beginners in surfing and those who are just planning for a swim. The best boards to use around here would be short boards to conform to its breaks. Because of which, this area is absolutely a treat for the experts in surfing. It’s also accommodating for tourists here since the showers, toilets and other facilities are available within a short distance from the shore.

Wategos Beach

PC080018 from harald

The Byron Bay Lighthouse, which is also a tourist destination spot in Byron Bay is located just around the corner of this other surfing spot called Wategos Beach. The beach is quite popular to locals and tourists alike so it could get busy around here particularly for those longboard surfers. During the weekends, the Malibu Club composed of surfer dudes and gals hold their surfing races here. The beach oozes of a relaxing vibe and a picturesque view of the bay making it the perfect spot for tranquil time. Saying such, it wouldn’t be one for those who are in search of more challenging obstacles in surfing. The waves produced from its waters are usually low making it more fitting for long boards to take full advantage of it.

Tallow Beach

053 from harald

Like that of the previous beach, the Tallow Beach is also located by the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Another famous surfing area, this beach is usually visited by local short boarders. This beach, being the only spot protected from the north wind is the only one left in the bay with such characteristics. It could get a little crowded here because of such reasons. The waves are usually a fast break that is perfect for those expert surfers. Be informed though that this beach is unpatrolled and most often generates strong rips towards the sea. Before visiting, keep in mind that the parking areas are limited and would charge you so be prepared.

Broken Head

Playing the game from Aristocrats-hat

For those who are traveling with their families, wanting to have some family bonding time and have picnics by the shore or grilling barbeques for everyone, this is definitely the perfect beach to chill at. The Broken Head is not just for surfing pleasure but is also good for family outings. Its beach breaks are flexible and suits those surfers with either short or long boards. The camping areas are situated just right to the beach so you will get to see families spending their quality time here. The waves here could be low or could get really harsh at times so if you’d be lucky enough visiting while there are awesome swells erupting, you’re going to have a blast. For the beginner surfer dudes and gals, on a smaller day, you can still enjoy the waves that aren’t too challenging for your abilities.

The Pass

The Pass 20090329_0384 from Michael Dawes

As usual, saving the best for last! The Pass, which is a world-renowned surfing destination, are bombarded with tourists and locals from anywhere in the world. It has big breaks that are just so appealing to the surfer enthusiasts out there. They are long and appealing and could get aggressive sometimes making it unmatched for the beginners. However, when it yields the good ones, you are surely going to be impressed by the beauty of the waves. There are also dive boats that launch here so it could get pretty crowded sometimes.
If you’re wary about the waves that you could get through to, just be cautious and pay extra attention to whatever it could generate because sometimes, the current could get a little twisted and aggressive at times. Make sure you bring along extra change too especially if you are traveling with a personal vehicle because there is a $2 charge for parking. Also, it’s pretty accommodating here because of easy access to toilets and showers.

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