The Pass is a stunning 800-metre crescent of white sand between Clarkes Beach and Wategos, nestled at the foot of Cape Byron, Australia's easternmost point. Sheltered by the headland, its clear, calm inshore waters make for pleasant swimming and snorkelling alongside the famous right-hand point break. Part of the Cape Byron Marine Park, this iconic stretch offers peeps at green turtles, rays, and colourful reef fish just metres from shore, while the adjacent rocky reef and Fisherman's Lookout add to the allure. Lifesavers patrol seasonally.
The Pass (Byron Bay)
BeginnerMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.2 mSwell Period 7.7 sWind Speed 7.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Surf break (riptide risk near point)
The Pass is a famous right-hand point break. When swell is up, strong rips and currents can develop near the rocks at the headland, hazardous for inexperienced swimmers.
Low risk: Surfboard traffic
Extremely popular surf break — swimmers and snorkellers share the water with many surfers, creating collision risk, especially on busy days.
Low risk: Boat ramp activity
A small boat ramp operates at The Pass. Vessels launching and retrieving create additional hazards for swimmers near the shoreline.
Low risk: Shallow reef at low tide
The inshore rocky reef becomes very shallow at low tide, with potential for cuts and abrasions from exposed rock. Best snorkelling at higher tides.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
The Pass is a 5-minute drive (2.2 km) from central Byron Bay via Lawson Street or a scenic 30-minute walk along the beach from Main Beach. Alternatively, park at Captain Cook Lookout car park and walk down the boardwalk steps to the beach.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking ($4/hour, coin and credit card accepted) at The Pass car park with 2 bitumen lots including 4 accessible spaces. Can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. Captain Cook Lookout car park is an alternate option.
toiletsshowerspicnic_tablesparkingboat_ramp
Parking $4/hour. No entry fee for the beach itself.
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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