We share our pick of the best beaches in Byron Bay, from popular spots to hidden gems, these are perfect for your next family holiday.
The beautiful Byron Bay beaches are one of the main attractions of coming for a Byron Bay holiday.
From Main Beach, which is just across the road from the town centre, to the hidden and remote Whites Beach at Broken Head, here are some of the best family friendly beaches in Byron Bay.
Note that many of the these beautiful beaches can be accessed along the Cape Byron Walking Track, which in itself is a spectacular coastal walk that leads from the centre of town all the way up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Need more ideas for entertaining the kids? Check out this post: Fun Things to do in Byron Bay with Kids.
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Table of Contents
Main Beach
Right across the road from the centre of town, Main Beach is a popular spot due to its ease of access (it is the closest beach to town), relatively sheltered waters, and the fact it has lifeguard patrols year round.
Stretching all the way from the end of Jonson Street, down to Clarkes beach, there is plenty of space for everyone here.
There is also a large grassy park area behind the beach for picnics and barbecues, and a playground and toilets next to the surf club (across from the Beach Hotel).
Clarkes Beach
At the eastern end, Main Beach turns into Clarkes Beach, another popular family beach in Byron Bay.
It’s an easy walk from town to Clarkes beach, but there is also a small car park here, although it is a bit of a bun fight on a busy day. The beach is expansive and there is a large shallow area perfect for kids, especially at high tide.
The Pass
Even further east, Clarkes beach turns into The Pass, a popular surf beach, and one of our favourite Byron Bay beaches for families.
This popular beach has a little bit of something for everyone – waves for boogie boarding or surfing, rock pools to explore, lifeguards patrolling during summer, car parking, toilets and even a cafe for drinks and snacks.
You can easily walk to The Pass from town, just follow the boardwalk along from Clarkes Beach, or walk along Clarkes Beach itself.
Wategos Beach
Wategos is one of Byron Bay’s most famous beaches. With famous Raes on Wategos at one end, and overlooked by the house that Zac Efron famously rented at the other, Wategos is a beautiful bay of white sand.
It also has a grassy area behind it with picnic tables, and toilets at the western end. You can pick up coffee and sandwiches from Soul Kitchen Cafe at Rae’s on Wategos.
If you can’t get parked here at Wategos, you can park at The Pass and follow the beautiful 7-8 minute coastal walk around. Keep a look out for humpback whales during migration season!
Little Wategos Beach
Little Wategos is Australia’s most easterly beach, with the rocks here being the most easterly point of mainland Australia. So if you want to be first to watch sunrise in Australia, this is the perfect place.
Although only 150 meters long, it is well sheltered and so a great spot for a swim and a sunbathe.
There are no facilities here but it is just a short walk along the path from Wategos Beach.
Tallow Beach
If you have the dog in tow on your family holiday in Byron Bay, then bring him along for a run on Tallow Beach at Suffolk Park, a short drive from the centre of town.
This huge long Beach is popular with experienced surfers and is great for a dog walk, run or game of touch footy. However, due to its large waves and rip tides, it’s not great for swimming with kids.
The top end of Tallow Beach is known as Cosy Corner, which is a great spot for a picnic and a popular surf spot. There is parking here, but again, due to waves and rips, it is not the best place for swimming with kids.
Whites Beach Broken Head
if you want to escape the crowds, Whites Beach is a great option, and one of our favourite hidden secrets in the Byron Bay Area.
To get here you need to follow a bumpy road through Broken Head Nature Reserve and then hike down some steep steps down the cliff side.
But you will be rewarded with a sheltered cove perfect for family fun in the sun. There are rock pools to explore and even sea caves here. There are no facilities so be sure to bring everything you need. Parking is also very limited so try to get here early.
Belongil Beach
Back towards town and at the other end of Main Beach from Clarkes, Belongil Beach is often overlooked by visitors to Byron Bay, unless they happen to be staying close by.
Stretching 2.5km north from the Main Beach car park to the Belongil Creek mouth, this beach is less crowded than Main Beach but still popular with families.
The southern end of the beach is best for families, as the water is calmer here and it is patrolled by surf lifesavers in the summer. It is also closer to the facilities near the surf club at Apex Park.
Belongil is also a favourite for surfers, with popular surf break The Wreck named after the ship wreck of the SS Wollongbar found here.
Doing a road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay? Click here to read all our top tips on where to stay and what to do along the way!