While we’re freezing our butts off between October and March here in the United States, in Australia’s Byron Bay, the weather couldn’t be more perfect. Byron Bay has long been a popular holiday spot and a haven for backpackers and travelers thanks to its laid-back Beach vibe, beautiful sub-tropical temperatures and its array of attractions, shops and cafes. This interesting town on the NSW North Coast also has some of the best beaches around, good for both swimming and surfing, making Byron Bay an excellent choice for a summer holiday. Away from the beaches you’ll find a lush, vibrant hinterland full of rainforest, beautiful scenery and secret swimming holes.
Find the best Byron Bay hotel on offer and organize your summer escape to Byron Bay. Visit some of these amazing swimming spots during your trip.
Main Beach
The first beach you will undoubtedly find yourself on in Byron Bay is Main Beach, situated right in the heart of town. This beach is always busy with beachgoers thanks to its location and accessibility. But don’t let the crowds deter you; Main Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand with gentle waves that make it a perfect spot for swimming and for beginner surfers. Heading east, the beach becomes Clarkes Beach and The Pass, where you’ll almost always find surfers. Main Beach deserves long beach walks, picnics and hours of lazing on a beach towel, all within a short stroll from town.
Wategos Beach
Wategos has long been a local favorite, situated on the headland that juts out into the Pacific Ocean – the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. You will come across Wategos if you are walking to the lighthouse from town, or you can drive here past the million-dollar properties perched up the hillside. Wategos Beach is a stunning stretch of rock studded white sand that gently merges with gorgeous turquoise water. The long rollers are perfect for surfers, and the water close to the beach is great for swimming.
Little Wategos Beach
Located just around the corner from Wategos is its little sister, and one of the best hidden gems in Byron Bay. Little Wategos Beach is a tiny beach hidden in a little cove, and the only way to reach it is by foot. This picturesque little beach is the most easterly beach in Australia, situated almost right at the tip of the headland. It is a great spot for a secluded swim, snorkeling and exploring the rockpools at low tide.
Tallows Beach
If you visit the Byron Bay Lighthouse – and you should – you will enjoy a fantastic view out over Tallows Beach, stretching far down the coast to the south. Tallows is a much quieter alternative to Main Beach but still within easy reach of town. The beach is a long stretch of sand, so you won’t have a problem finding a spot all to yourself to laze on the sand and swim in the ocean. At the northern end where the beach meets the cliffs of the headland, the spot known as Cosy Corner is a popular surf spot with locals.
Broken Head
Further south the long stretch of sand that makes up Tallows Beach ends at another spectacular headland called Broken Head. This lovely quiet spot is another great place to escape the crowds for a relaxing beach day, while also exploring the walking trails of the headland which provide great coastal views. There are also lots of secluded coves and beaches within the national park at Broken Head. Whites Beach is regarded as one of the best kept secret beaches in Australia and getting there is half the fun – dirt roads and unmarked paths. It all pays off though when you reach the stunning white sand, boulders and crystal-clear waters of this idyllic beach.
Lennox Head
20 minutes south of Byron Bay, 7 Mile Beach runs from the southern end of Broken Head to Lennox Head. This is another nice long stretch of beach that is great for beach walks and popular with surfers as well. You won’t have any problem finding a spot on this beach to yourself, and Lennox Head has some nice cafes to try out for an after-beach coffee or lunch.
Lake Ainsworth
A hidden gem worth checking out while you’re in Lennox Head is Lake Ainsworth – a freshwater lake hidden behind the dunes and within walking distance from town. This tranquil lake is stained a dark tea color from the tea tree vegetation and oils that fall into the lake, however don’t let the color of the water deter you; the water is fresh, clean and known for its therapeutic qualities. Float around in the refreshing water, bird watch or paddle around in a kayak or stand up paddle board.
Belongil Beach
The stretch of beach north of Main Beach is known as Belongil Beach, which is a lovely long stretch of sand that ends at Belongil Creek. If you’re looking for a dog friendly beach in Byron Bay, this is the spot to go. The northern end where Belongil Creek meets the ocean is a nice secluded spot for swimming and lazing on the sand.
Killen Falls
Away from the beaches in Byron Bay’s beautiful lush hinterland, you won’t have any problem finding spots for a swim. Killen Falls is located about 25 minutes from Byron Bay and is one of those idyllic waterfalls that drop softly into a beautiful refreshing waterhole. The falls drop down in front of a cave that cuts into the rock below, making a great spot for a picnic by the falls. Cool off in this beautiful waterhole while surrounded by lush rainforest.
Whian Whian Falls
Further inland from Byron Bay you will find one of the area’s best hidden swimming spots. Beautiful Whian Whian Falls is a local favorite and is the sort of spot where you can venture out to find your own little swimming hole. The falls are gorgeous, surrounded by lush forest with a lovely swimming hole beneath, deep enough for jumping and swimming. You can find other refreshing pools above the falls and further below as well. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day out in Byron Bay’s beautiful hinterland.
These are just a few of the amazing swimming spots Byron Bay has to offer. Whether you’re after a day on the beach or looking for a secluded swimming hole to cool off in this summer, Byron Bay is the place to be.
