Summary
Byron Bay is your typical Australian surf town and ticks all the boxes when it comes to what people are looking for in a surfing destination. It has stunning beaches, good nightlife and an amazing surfing culture.
From drum circles to farmers markets, people love exploring Byron Bay and immerse themselves in the rich culture that lives over here.
The surf in Byron Bay is very consistent and versatile. There are surf spots to suit any type of surfers on any given day. Rarely will you have a few days in a row without any opportunity to get in the water.
When conditions are not right, there are still so many things to do in Byron Bay, like hiking up to the lighthouse, enjoying a coffee in the heart of town or simply soaking the sun on the beach.
When to go
The best time to surf Byron Bay, Australia depends on the surfing conditions you are looking for. The summer months, from December to February will offer amazing weather and small waves, perfect for beginners and long boarders.
From April to October, conditions ramp up a bit and waves will be bigger and more consistent. No matter what the conditions are like, there will be a way to find waves for your skill level in Byron Bay.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers
Air temperature 25°C
77°F23°C
73°F18°C
64°F15°C
59°F19°C
66°F22°C
72°F
Water temperature 24°C
75°F23°C
73°F21°C
70°F19°C
66°F20°C
68°F22°C
72°F
Crowd Very crowded Very crowded Fairly crowded Fairly crowded Fairly crowded Very crowded
Swell consistency 65% 85% 80% 70% 60% 60%
Swell height 4ft 6ft 6ft 7ft 5ft 5ft
Surf Camps in Byron Bay
4-day Surf and Stay Holiday for Beginners in Byron Bay
US$298, including:
- 3 three-hour beach hire
- 3 four-hour surf lessons
- Professional surf instructors
- Stunning surf locations for all levels
- Discounts at the hostel bar and cafe or restaurant
- All surf equipment provided
- 3 nights accommodation
- 3 breakfast boxes
6-day Deluxe Surf and Stay Holiday in Byron Bay
US$537, including
- 4 four-hour surf lessons
- 1 two-hour private lesson
- Professional surf instructors
- Stunning surf locations for all levels
- Transfers from accommodation
- Easy to learn surf lessons
- 5 nights accommodation
- 5 Breakfast boxes
Best Surf Hotels/Hostels in Byron Bay
Budget: Byron Bay YHA
High-end: Waves Byron Bay and Beach Suites
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Byron Bay!
Surf spots in Byron Bay
The Pass
The most popular surf spot in Byron Bay. This long and mellow right-hand point is every long boarder’s dream…Works almost everyday. Expect crowds to be pretty heavy here especially in summer. The point is very long and breaks for a few hundred meters which helps spreading surfers out.
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : E
Optimal wind direction : W
The Wreck
Right in front of the Main Beach parking lot, this wave breaks next to an actual shipwreck. It is usually a short, punchy ride that works on any tide.
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E
Tallow Beach
Located on the other side of the Lighthouse, Tallow Beach will work even with a northerly wind, being sheltered by the head point. It is a much more powerful break that what can be found in the bay. Locals also like to say that Tallow does get more sharky than the bay.
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and Advanced
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E
Broken Head
A short 10 minute drive out of town, is Broken Head, another nice point break that will be way less crowded than The Pass as well as being more powerful. It is a very nice option to escape the crowds for a bit.
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Mid
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E
Wategos
Right next to the lighthouse, Wategos is a gorgeous and picturesque beach that has a great right-hand wave on any easterly swell. Like The Pass, this wave tends to be pretty mellow and very enjoyable on a long board.
Wave direction : Right
Bottom : Sand and rocks
Best tide : Mid to high
Skill level : Intermediate and Advanced
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E
Getting there
The nearest major airport to Byron Bay is located on the Gold Coast, about an hour drive away. Brisbane is a 3-hour drive away, while Sydney is about 12 hours south. There is also a smaller local airport in Ballina, about half an hour away from Byron Bay.
Safety/things to know
-Byron Bay is a very safe surfing destination. Sharks are present, like pretty much anywhere in Australia but they are not much of an issue with regular aerial patrol.
-Summer can get very crowded both in the water and around town.
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