Byron Bay & Ballina Surf Trail

Byron Bay is made up of a cluster of NSW beaches to the north and south of Cape Byron. The town became the focus for a surfing counter-culture that grew out of the 1960’s and has been a must-visit destination on the international surf-safari trail ever since.

There are several great surfing beaches at Byron Bay. Main Beach faces almost due north to face the hinterland national parks. It’s a safe beach for kids as well as being popular with surfers. At the eastern end of Main Beach, Clarkes Beach is more sheltered and therefore more popular with beginners. “The Pass” is one of Byron’s iconic breaks which can be challenging in a big swell.

Other Byron beaches include “The Wreck” at Belongil Beach, Watego’s and Little Watego’s, just west of the Byron Bay Lighthouse. Watego’s also happens to boast some of Australia’s most exclusive beachside accommodation.

Further south at Ballina, you’ll find 32 kilometres of coastline to explore. There are calm sandy beaches and shoals on the banks of the Richmond River; Lighthouse Beach is popular, and a world-famous surf break at Lennox Point. Shelley Beach is popular with families because of its rockpools and surf patrols during school holidays.

For more information please visit the Destination NSW website.

Image Credit: Destination NSW, Sharyn Cairn & Mike Leonard.