Nestled just 10 minutes south of Byron Bay, Broken Head Beach offers a quieter, more laid-back snorkeling experience along a stunning stretch of golden sand backed by the lush Broken Head Nature Reserve. Clear, protected waters near the headland provide opportunities to spot green sea turtles gliding through the shallows, while dolphins and whales (in season) pass beyond the breakers. The beach itself is long and beautiful, with the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse visible at the northern end. It's a local favourite for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing, with convenient facilities including parking and toilets right near the sand.
Broken Head Beach
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 5.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© NewystatsThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Rip currents
Occasional rip currents can form along the beach, especially on the open stretch away from the headland.
Low risk: Surf waves
Broken Head is a popular surf beach and moderate waves can create turbulent conditions near shore.
Low risk: Limited parking
Only a dozen or so parking spots are available near the beach, leading to high competition during peak times.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
4 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Byron Bay, drive south on Broken Head Road for approximately 10 minutes. The beach entrance is clearly signed off the road near the Broken Head Holiday Park.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking with about a dozen spaces near the beach entrance. Paid parking ($4/hour) applies in designated areas. Arrive early to secure a spot.
parkingtoiletspicnic_tables
Parking fees apply: $4 per vehicle per hour (NSW National Parks pricing).
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Gallery ┬╖ 4 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports