BEACHSIDE BLISS

BEACHSIDE BLISS

WRITTEN BY NATALIE BANNISTER

Welcome to one of the world’s most alluring coastlines, blessed with a perfect mix of rock pools and gentle waves for all ages, pumping surf breaks to conquer and wild, windswept beaches where you’re sometimes the only one in sight (yes, they do still exist!). The Northern Rivers boasts some of the world’s best beaches and a truly idyllic coastal lifestyle. Discover just some of Locale’s favourite beaches to make the most of our little slice of paradise.

MAIN BEACH

Without an afternoon at Main Beach, no visit to Byron is ever really complete. This busy stretch of golden sand runs from the seawall at Belongil Beach down to Clarkes Beach, and it’s the prime spot to head to, right in front of the worldfamous ‘Beachy’ (The Beach Hotel). The grassy park at the top end attracts an eclectic mix of locals and tourists who come to soak up the sun, sand and surf or sit back and enjoy the bohemian vibe. Grab yourself some hot chips or pack a picnic basket and settle into a soundtrack provided by the ever-present buskers — there’s often fire dancers, drummers, and so much more in the mix. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a pod of dolphins frolicking in the water just offshore — yep, even our friendly marine friends know a good thing when they find it!

THE PASS

An iconic surf spot, The Pass offers a perfect beach experience for all ages in Byron Bay. Whether you come for the wave break out beyond or swim and frolic in the more gentle shallows along the long sandbank, The Pass makes for an idyllic day out, and you can easily lose hours to beach bliss here.

To get a panoramic view of the Byron coastline, head to the eastern end of The Pass to climb the stairs to Fisherman’s Lookout, a wooden platform that is a favourite spot of photographers. And be sure to look for the freshwater midden to learn about the area’s Indigenous history — it’s an accumulation of shells and stone artifacts that reveals this site’s use as a gathering place for local Arakwal First Nations people stretching as far back as 1,000 years ago. You’ll find it located to the left of the boat ramp.

WATEGOS

Wategos is its own little legend in Byron Bay — a picturesque cove that feels like a secluded haven, even though it’s super popular with locals and tourists alike. But When you’re done swimming or surfing, head to the restaurant at iconic Raes on Wategos for a meal to remember (bookings are essential!). Or just grab a coffee from the coffee van that resides near the patch of grass nearby. Wategos is also a popular departure point for the Cape Byron Walking Track, located just west of the Cape Byron headland, that ends at Australia’s most easterly point and the town’s famous lighthouse. It’s a stunning walk, especially early in the early morning.

BELONGIL BEACH

For a sunset to savour, head to Belongil Beach! This gorgeous stretch of coastline is known as one of the best places in Byron Bay to watch the sun setting over the hinterland beyond, producing aweinspiring colours across the sky. Don’t be surprised to find the shoreline and grassy area near the car park filled up with locals and visitors who converge to watch day turn to night against a beautiful backdrop of mountains.

While swimming can be a little fraught here (it is best to swim on the Southern end nearest to Byron Bay, and only when the beach is patrolled in Summer), Belongil more than makes up for it as a superb spot for long beach walks.

Offshore, The Wreck is well-known in surfing and diving circles — it’s the remains of the SS Wollongbar that ran aground on the 14th May 1921 during a severe cyclone, and the wreck itself uniquely produces excellent waves when conditions are right.

TORAKINA BEACH

Cross the wooden bridge and head north of the break wall at the mouth of the Brunswick River in Bruns to find one of the area’s smallest yet prettiest beaches. Torakina is very popular with locals and is especially loved by families for its protected sandy beach and gentle waters perfect for very young children. There’s a grassy park that’s perfect for picnics or BBQs (with several public amenities available), and it’s an ideal spot to simply laze in the sun and relax in between dips in the crystal clear water. Visit at high tide to watch (and join!) the locals jumping off the wooden bridge into the gently flowing waters of the tidal river that separates the village from its beaches.