Byron Bay is located just off the Pacific Highway, 800 km north of Sydney, 175 km south of Brisbane in New South Wales. With its numerous beaches, unspoilt hinterland, and relaxed lifestyle, Byron Bay is a popular tourist destination for both Australian and international tourists.
The town is the nucleus of Byron Shire, which has in excess of 30,000 people (ABS est. 2003). Byron Bay is popular with residents from all socio-economic backgrounds and walks of life. It is famous for its laid back and alternative lifestyle, but also has a higher proportion of Baby Boomers (27%) than any other town in Australia.
Cape Byron, a headland adjacent to the town, is the eastern-most point of the continent of Australia, and is part of a giant volcanic crater. The Cape Byron lighthouse was opened in 1901, and has the most powerful beacon in Australia.
With average summer temperatures of 21C - 28C, and average winter temperatures of 15C - 21C, both locals and visitors can take advantage of a variety of outdoor activities, on and off the water.
Airports are located in Ballina (30 mins south) or Coolangatta (60mins north) and busses and trains arrive regularly.
The town has several beautiful beaches and it is a destination popular with both domestic and international tourists. The area is also famous for its music festivals and wildlife, with the whale watching industry a significant contributor to the local economy.
Beaches
Byron Shire offers over 30 km of beaches, from the busy, patrolled (in summer) beaches near the town, to isolated coves, nudist and dog-friendly beaches. Stretching between the headlands of the northern New South Wales coast, many are sheltered from the southerly winds and offer great surf breaks.
There are seven famous beaches located within a ten to fifteen minute drive from Beaches of Byron. Ranging in temperature from around 18°C in the winter to 26°C in the summer, the water is perfect for most of the year.
Belongil Beach
Stretching from Byron Bay north to Belongil Creek and beyond, Belongil is partly dog-friendly. Just north of the rock wall at Byron Bay is the wreck of the SS Wollongbar, a great place to explore with a mask and snorkel when the sea is calm.
Main Beach
This is the main beach directly in front of the town of Byron Bay. Main Beach is dominated by the Surf Club and is patrolled by surf lifesavers in summer. From here you can snorkel out to the Tassie II, a wreck off the coast.
Clarkes Beach
Clarkes Beach is ideal for windsurfing, bodyboarding and paragliding, north-facing. Idyllic most of the year, an extra surf-lifesaving team patrols this beach in summer.
The Pass
The Pass is a gap between Fisherman's Lookout and the headland. It is the most popular surf break on the north coast and is where the dive boats launch.
Watego's Beach
Just over a small headland from Clarkes, Watego's is a sheltered north-facing beach very popular all the year round. Free electric barbecues and picnic tables complete the picture.
Little Watego's
At the end of the Cape, Little Watego's is a great rock fishing spot. Little Watego's is overlooked by the lighthouse and most easterly point and a great sheltered spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Cosy Corner
Tucked under the south side of Cape Byron, Cosy Corner is a sheltered beach protected by Arakwal National Park.
Tallow Beach
Stretching south from Cosy Corner to Broken Head, Tallow Beach is good for beach fishing, swimming and jogging, and is dog friendly for several kilometres. Spectacular views to Cape Byron and Broken head make this one of Byron’s best beaches. Offering more privacy than any of the town beaches, it is the perfect place for early morning or late afternoon walks, or a private dip.
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