Best Beaches in Byron Bay (2026)
Planning your next outing? These are 25 of the best beaches in Byron Bay right now, whether you're after a lazy weekend, a day with the kids or somewhere new to explore. We rank each one by our Spot Score and keep the list fresh, so you're always seeing what's actually worth your time.
Australia's beaches are world-famous, and around Byron Bay you'll find everything from patrolled family swimming spots to quieter stretches of sand. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags where lifeguards patrol, and slip, slop, slap — the UV is strong.
25 spots
Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach is a beach in Ballina, Byron Bay. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 35 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 50/100.
North Belongil Beach
North Belongil Beach is a beach in Byron Bay, Byron Bay. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 16 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 50/100.
Boulder Beach
A short walk from a small parking lot leads to this rocky beach with dark sand & lush cliffs.
Little Wategos Beach
This modest, 140-m. public beach along Byron Bay offers fishing, swimming, large rocks & more.
South Ballina Beach
4-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed on this scenic beach offering swimming, surfing & fishing.
Skennars Beach
Tranquil, undeveloped sandy beach, a local destination for swimming, surfing & fishing.
Beaches by suburb
Zoom in on the best beaches in Byron Bay's most popular neighbourhoods.
Beaches guides for Byron Bay
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Read guide →Beaches in Byron Bay — FAQs
What are the best beaches in Byron Bay?+
Our top-rated beaches in Byron Bay are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Byron Bay beaches ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter beaches by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many beaches are listed in Byron Bay?+
We currently feature 25 beaches across Byron Bay and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.
Are the beaches near Byron Bay patrolled?+
Many popular beaches are patrolled by surf lifesavers, especially over summer and on weekends. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags, check signage for conditions, and never swim alone or after drinking.