Quick overview: Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most iconic surf towns. From gentle, learner-friendly beaches to performance breaks for experienced surfers, the area offers variety, beautiful scenery and consistent swell. Respect local surf etiquette, pick the right spot for your level, and consider a lesson with a local operator.
Best surf spots in Byron Bay
Main Beach
Main Beach is the town’s central, sandy beach and an excellent spot for beginner lessons. Lifeguards patrol during peak times, and gentle beach breaks make it forgiving for first-timers. Several surf schools operate off Main Beach offering foam-board lessons and instructor support.
The Pass
The Pass is Byron’s most famous long-right point break. It produces one of the region’s most rideable walls — perfect for intermediate surfers who want long, carving rides. It can get busy on good swell days, so arrive early and respect priority rules for longboarders and locals.
Wategos Beach
Wategos sits beside the lighthouse and offers cleaner, often mellower waves than the nearby pass. It’s a beautiful location with views and is popular with both surfers and bodyboarders. The sandbank changes with tides, so local knowledge helps you find the best takeoff zone.
Clarkes & Tallows (nearby)
Just a short drive from Byron, Clarkes Beach and Tallows offer reliable beach breaks and are worth checking when The Pass is crowded. These beaches suit a variety of skill levels and provide quieter options at different tide windows.
When to go — swell, wind & seasons
Byron’s surf can be surfable year-round. Autumn and winter often bring more consistent, larger swells (April–September), while spring and summer produce softer, more playful waves — ideal for learners. Morning offshore winds create the cleanest conditions. Always check local surf reports and tide charts before heading out.
Surf lessons & guided experiences
Cooee Tours partners with accredited local surf schools to provide safe, fun lessons for every level. Typical beginner lessons include:
- Intro to ocean safety & reading waves
- Board selection (soft-top foam boards for learners)
- Basic pop-up technique and paddling drills
- Supervised time in small, protected surf zones
For intermediate and advanced surfers, we can arrange guided paddles to The Pass, wave scouting at Wategos, or transfers to nearby breaks where conditions match your ability.
Safety & surf etiquette
Surfing is fun — and safer when everyone follows the rules. Keep these points in mind:
- Know your limits: choose a break appropriate for your skill level.
- Respect priority: the surfer closest to the peak has the right of way.
- Wear appropriate gear: rash vests, wetsuits when needed, and leashes.
- Watch for hazards: rips, rocks and marine life (jellyfish season varies).
- Listen to lifeguards: red flags mean don’t enter the water.
Choosing the right board
Beginners should start on wider, thicker foam boards (7–9ft) for stability. As skills progress, a funboard or longboard helps with paddling and catching waves; performance shortboards suit advanced surfers chasing more manoeuvrable turns. Your instructor will recommend the best option for learning progression.
Photography & watching
If you prefer to watch, the Cape Byron Lighthouse walk and headland provide great vantage points. Many local photographers capture epic sunrise sessions — a must-see if you’re after photos or to cheer on friends learning to surf.
Book a lesson with Cooee Tours
Our surf experiences include transfers, certified instructors, wetsuit and board hire, and small group sizes so you get personal guidance. Whether you want to stand up on your first wave or refine your technique at The Pass, we’ll tailor the day to your goals.