Clarkes Beach
Golden sand, longboard waves, Byron Bay's lively eastern edge
About
Clarkes Beach stretches roughly 800 metres of golden sand along Byron Bay's eastern coastline in New South Wales, Australia. Blue water rolls in from the open ocean, splitting the beach into two distinct personalities: a calmer western section suited to swimmers and a rocky point to the east where The Pass delivers the long, peeling longboard waves that have made this shore famous. A natural rocky divide separates Clarkes from Main Beach to the west, giving each stretch its own rhythm. The vibe is lively without tipping into chaos — surfers, families, and photographers all find their corner. It's one of the most photographed surf breaks on the Australian East Coast, and on a clear morning the golden sand and blue water make that reputation easy to understand.
How to get there
Clarkes Beach sits just off Lighthouse Road, a five-minute drive from Byron Bay town centre. You can also walk from Byron Bay Main Beach in about ten minutes along the foreshore. Paid parking is available at the Clarkes Beach car park off Lighthouse Road — expect to pay AUD 5 per hour, capped at AUD 25 per day. The car park fills quickly in peak season, so arrive early or walk in from town.
Who it's for
For couples
The calmer western section of the beach is ideal for a relaxed morning swim followed by the coastal walk east to Wategos Beach — a quieter cove that rewards the extra ten minutes on foot.
For families
The western end of Clarkes offers the gentlest water on this stretch of coast, and the patrolled flags give parents a clear, safe zone to keep kids in. Flat sand access from the car park makes getting gear down to the water straightforward.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Clarkes Beach earns its reputation honestly. The Pass is a genuinely world-class longboard wave, the golden sand is wide and clean, and the blue water looks exactly as good as the photographs suggest. That said, safety comes first here: rip currents near the rocky point are real, and December through January the surf zone becomes dangerously packed — if you're swimming, stay west of the rocks and between the flags, full stop. The best window is February and March, when the summer heat lingers but the NSW school holiday pressure eases. Come early, walk in from town if the car park is full, and spend the morning watching The Pass do its thing before the day heats up.
What to do
The Pass surf break, just 0.3 km east, is the headline act — a long right-hander that draws longboarders from across Australia and makes for compelling watching even if you're not in the water. Captain Cook Lookout and Fisherman's Lookout, both within 0.4 km, offer elevated views over the break and the coastline. A short walk east along the coastal track brings you to the sheltered cove of Wategos Beach, and another kilometre puts you at Cape Byron Lighthouse — Australia's most easterly lighthouse, clearly visible from the beach on a clear day.
The rocky point between Clarkes and The Pass frames longboarders on blue water with golden sand in the foreground — shoot at sunrise before the beach fills.
Captain Cook Lookout, 0.3 km away, delivers a wide elevated shot of the entire break. Cape Byron Lighthouse, 2 km east, appears on the headland in telephoto shots taken from the waterline.
Where to eat
Beach Byron Bay, 0.6 km away, is the closest option and leans into regional seafood — a natural fit after a morning in the water. For something different, Warung Bagus and Traditional Thai are both around 1.3 km from the beach, and Trattoria Basiloco covers Italian at the same distance. Byron Bay town centre, just 1 km west, adds more variety if none of those suit.
Where to stay
Thomson Cottage, Imeson Cottage, and Partridge Cottage & Geoffs Shed are all within 0.1 km of the beach — about as close as it gets. Rae's on Wategos, 0.6 km away, sits near the coastal track toward Wategos Beach and offers a more boutique feel. Waves is a further option at 1.2 km if the closest properties are booked out.
Photography
Shoot from the rocky point at sunrise for golden-hour light raking across the golden sand with longboarders threading The Pass behind you — it's the angle that fills surf photography portfolios. Captain Cook Lookout, 0.3 km away, gives an elevated frame of the entire break and the blue water stretching to the horizon.
Good to know
Always swim between the flags — this is a patrolled beach and the flags mark the safest zone. Surfers are required to give way to swimmers inside the flagged area, but stay alert regardless. No alcohol is permitted on the beach. Rip currents form near the rocky point, so keep well clear of that area when swimming. December and January bring dangerously packed conditions at The Pass — swimmers should stay west of the rocks during those months, and parking gridlock makes the whole visit harder than it needs to be.
Map
Nearby places
Beach Byron Bay
Trattoria Basiloco
Heart and Halo
Warung Bagus
Traditional Thai
Thomson Cottage
Imeson Cottage
Partridge Cottage & Geoffs Shed
Rae's on Wategos
Waves
Things to see around Byron Bay
Cape Byron Lighthouse
Australia's most easterly lighthouse, visible from the beach.
Wategos Beach
Sheltered cove beneath the Cape Byron headland, a short walk east along the coastal track.
Byron Bay town centre
Cafes, restaurants, and markets a short walk west.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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