Byron Bay & the Coast
A warm run of surf beaches, river mouths and headlands — Byron Bay and Cape Byron at its heart, with Lennox Head, Ballina and the Tweed Coast either side.
Byron Bay & the Coast
The Northern Rivers coast is a warm, easygoing run of surf beaches, river mouths and headlands. At its heart is Byron Bay and Cape Byron — mainland Australia’s most easterly point — with Lennox Head, Ballina and the Tweed Coast stretching either side. Here’s the lay of the land, top to bottom.
Coast Towns
Byron & Cape Byron
Main Beach, the Pass and Wategos, the lighthouse and the famous market scene.
Lennox Head
A world-class point break, Seven Mile Beach and freshwater Lake Ainsworth.
Ballina
The Richmond River, Shelly and Lighthouse beaches — and the Big Prawn.
The Tweed Coast
Kingscliff, Cabarita and Fingal Head — quieter beaches to the north.
Making the Most of the Coast
- Catch sunrise at Cape Byron, the nation’s first
- Surf the point at Lennox Head or the Pass — see surfing
- Compare your options in the best beaches guide
- Watch for whales from the headlands (June to November)
- Head north to Kingscliff and the Tweed Coast for quieter sand
- Wondering when to come? See the best time to visit
Related
Explore Byron Bay
The town, the beaches and the markets.
Byron Bay → DoCape Byron Lighthouse
The walk, the lookouts and the wildlife.
Cape Byron → DoLennox Head
The point break, Seven Mile Beach and the lake.
Lennox Head → GuideByron Bay Travel Guide
The full, dedicated guide to the town itself.
Byron guide →Byron Bay & the Coast — FAQ
What towns are on the Northern Rivers coast?
From south to north: Ballina on the Richmond River, Lennox Head, Byron Bay at Cape Byron, and the Tweed Coast towns of Kingscliff, Cabarita and Fingal Head.
Which is the best beach?
It depends what you’re after — Main Beach, the Pass and Wategos at Byron, Seven Mile Beach at Lennox Head, Shelly and Lighthouse beaches at Ballina, and Cabarita on the Tweed Coast. See the blog on the best beaches.
Where is mainland Australia’s most easterly point?
Cape Byron, at Byron Bay, marked by the heritage 1901 lighthouse. It catches the nation’s first sunrise and is a superb whale lookout. See Cape Byron lighthouse and walk.
Where is the best surf?
Lennox Head is a world-class point break and the Pass at Byron is famous for its long right-handers, with plenty of gentler beach breaks between. See surfing the Northern Rivers.
Can you see whales from the coast?
Yes — migrating humpbacks pass close in winter and spring, roughly June to November, with Cape Byron among the best vantages. See whale watching.
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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