On Australia’s most easterly tip, lies one of the world’s most sought-after surf destinations, with plenty to offer in and out of the brine. Whether you come for a week, or make it a base for a few months, fun waves and good times are all but guaranteed. From how to get around, where to surf and when to go, here’s everything you need to know about surfing in Byron Bay.
Table of Contents
Overview
- Variety
- Consistency
- Warm year-round
- Lively nightlife
- Crowds
- Sharks
Best Time of Year
The best time of year to surf in Byron Bay is between summer and autumn. From January until March, you have cyclone swells spinning down the Queensland and New South Wales coast–lighting up the country’s famous points across the Gold Coast, Noosa and Byron Bay. In autumn, long-period south swells start to show their face, meaning you can score waves in Byron any time of year. Spring is generally considered the worst time to surf in Byron.
Byron Bay Surf Spots
The Pass
The Pass is the most famous surf spot in Byron. A super long, easy-to-surf right-hand point that gets insanely good on the best days. While for the most part, it’s a mellow longboard-dominated point, cyclone swells transform the place into a festival of endless rights with tubes and turn sections aplenty.
Wategoes
Just around the corner from The Pass is Wategoes, which is another right-hand point, but always seems a little disjointed. It’s more consistent than The Pass, but it behaves more like a beach break, especially compared to the perfection found at The Pass.
Broken Head
Just outside of Byron itself, you’ll find Broken Head. This is a super popular corner of the coast and the go-to surf check spot on smaller days. The sand here can change a lot, so sometimes, there are fun point breaks style tight off the headland, whereas fun peaks are found along the beach.
Tallows
Heading north from Broken Head, you’ll find Tallows. For advanced surfers, Tallows is the go-to on small days as it picks up any swell running and turns it into punchy, powerful wedges. Always crowded and notoriously sharky.
How to Get There?
Getting to Byron Bay is relatively straightforward. The closest airport is Brisbane International and it will take around 3 hours to drive to Byron. Rent a car at the airport, or take the bus. Check out Discover Cars.
Getting Around
By Car
To make the most out of surfing in Byron Bay, you’ll need a car. Because the surrounding surf breaks are spread out along the coast, the drives are short but without wheels, you’ll struggle. For example, on small days, you’ll want to drive to Broken Head and Tallows, whereas on cyclone swells, you’ll want to surf the Pass.
Where to Stay?
The Surf House
The Surf House Byron Bay is a beautiful property just back from Main Beach in town. If there is somewhere to stay without needing a car, The Surf House is an excellent option, walk to The Pass, and all the shops, and restaurants close by. Rooms start from $100 per night. Check it out here.
Vali Byron
If you’re looking for something affordable in the heart of Byron Bay, Vali is an excellent option. Dorm rooms here start at $24 per night. Learn more on Booking.com
Tips for Surfing in Byron Bay
Crowds
Byron attracts travellers from all over, from seasoned surf venturers to backpackers dipping their toes in for the first time. As you’d expect, all the spots are super crowded around Byron so don’t expect to be surfing alone.
Sharks
Because Byron sits on Australia’s easternmost tip, it is essentially a meeting point for sharks of all species. Northern New South Wales is particularly notorious for sharks because the water temperature is perfect for several shark species, including both Bull Sharks and Great Whites.
Final Words
Byron Bay is the quintessential Australian surf destination, with a combination of fun right points, and punchy consistent beachies, year-round sunny skies, and balmy waters, it’s a tough one to beat. For more information on surfing in Byron Bay, please comment below.
