The Best Beaches in the Northern Rivers
From the sheltered corner at Wategos to the point break at Seven Mile — the pick of the coast, with where to swim, where to surf, and how to stay safe in the water.
The Best Beaches in the Northern Rivers
The Northern Rivers strings together some of the finest beaches on the east coast — warm, clean and framed by headlands and hinterland green. There’s a beach for every mood here: the sheltered corner at Wategos, the surf theatre of the Pass, patrolled Main Beach in the heart of Byron, wild open Tallow, the point break at Seven Mile Beach in Lennox, and the family sands of Kingscliff and Cabarita on the Tweed. Here’s where to swim, where to surf, and how to stay safe.
From the sheltered corner at Wategos to the point break at Seven Mile — a beach for every mood, and how to read each one.
Six Beaches to Know
Wategos
A sheltered north-facing cove below the lighthouse; gentle in the corner, good for a family swim.
The Pass
Byron’s famous right-hand point break and a lively spot to watch the surfers roll in.
Main Beach
In the heart of town and patrolled in season — swim between the flags.
Tallow
A long, wild ocean beach south of the cape; beautiful but exposed, so take care with rips.
Seven Mile
A sweeping strand at Lennox Head with a world-class point break at its northern end.
Kingscliff & Cabarita
Relaxed, family-friendly Tweed Coast sands with patrols and easy swimming.
Beach Safety
- Swim at a patrolled beach and always between the red-and-yellow flags
- Open beaches like Tallow can have strong rips — take care and never swim alone
- Check current patrol days and times before you go
- For the surf breaks, see surfing the Northern Rivers
- Travelling with kids? See family things to do
Best Beaches — FAQ
What are the best beaches in the Northern Rivers?
For swimming, patrolled Main Beach at Byron and the calm north end of Wategos are favourites; for surf, the Pass, Tallow and Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head. On the Tweed Coast, Kingscliff and Cabarita are family-friendly. See surfing the Northern Rivers for the breaks.
Which beaches are patrolled?
Popular beaches such as Byron’s Main Beach, Lennox Head and Kingscliff are patrolled in season by surf lifesavers. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags, and check current patrol days and times before you go.
Where is best for a calm swim with kids?
The sheltered north corner of Wategos, patrolled Main Beach at Byron and the Tweed Coast beaches at Kingscliff and Cabarita tend to be gentler. For more family ideas, see family things to do.
Where is best for surfing?
The Pass and Wategos at Byron, Tallow to the south, and the world-class point break at Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head. Conditions change with swell and wind — check current details and local advice.
Are the beaches safe to swim?
Open beaches like Tallow can have strong rips and are not always patrolled, so take care. Swim at a patrolled beach between the flags, never alone, and check conditions first.
Northern Rivers, Planned Around You
Byron Bay and the lighthouse, the surf beaches, the rainforest hinterland and its villages, distilleries and the rail trail — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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