Surfing the Northern Rivers
One of Australia’s great surf coasts — famous point breaks at the Pass in Byron and Lennox Head, forgiving beach breaks, lessons for beginners and a laid-back surf culture.
Surfing the Northern Rivers
The Northern Rivers coast is one of Australia’s great surf regions — famous for its long, peeling point breaks at the Pass in Byron Bay and at Lennox Head, backed by forgiving beach breaks up and down warm, subtropical sand. Add friendly surf schools for beginners and a laid-back surf culture, and it’s a place to catch your first wave or your best one yet.
The Breaks
The Pass, Byron
A world-famous point peeling around the Cape Byron headland.
Lennox Head
A long, celebrated right-hand point on Seven Mile Beach.
Beach Breaks
Forgiving waves along Main Beach, Tallow and Seven Mile.
Lessons & Hire
Surf schools around Byron and Lennox for first-timers.
Surfing Tips
- Beginners: start on the gentle beach breaks at Byron’s Main Beach with a lesson
- Chasing points: head to the Pass at Byron and Lennox Head
- Waves depend on swell and wind — check current details on the day
- Respect the locals and the line-up, and always follow lifeguard advice
- See where else to swim and surf in best beaches
Related
Explore Lennox Head
Seven Mile Beach and a world-class point break.
Lennox Head → DoExplore Byron Bay
The town, the beaches and the Pass.
Byron Bay → BlogBest Beaches
From Wategos to Seven Mile — where to swim and surf.
Read → BlogByron Bay Surfing
Best breaks, lessons and local tips for Byron.
Read the blog →Surfing — FAQ
Where are the best surf spots in the Northern Rivers?
The coast is famous for its point breaks — the long right-hand point at Lennox Head and the Pass at Byron Bay are world-renowned — plus plenty of forgiving beach breaks along Main Beach, Tallow and Seven Mile Beach.
Is Byron Bay good for beginners?
Yes. Byron’s Main Beach and the gentler beach breaks are great for learning, and local surf schools run lessons for first-timers. Conditions change daily, so check current details and always heed local and lifeguard advice.
What is a point break?
A point break peels along a headland or point of land, giving long, predictable rides — the Pass at Byron and the point at Lennox Head are classic examples, which is why they draw surfers from around the world.
Can you take surf lessons?
Yes — surf schools around Byron Bay and Lennox Head offer lessons and board hire for beginners and improvers. Operators and times vary, so check current details when you plan your visit.
When is the best time to surf here?
The subtropical coast has surf year-round, with warm water and a mellow surf culture. The best waves depend on swell and wind on the day, so check current details and match the spot to the conditions.
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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