Holiday houses in Wategos Beach

Tucked away from the more animated Byron Bay, Wategos Beach is an oasis for those in search of gentle surf and powder-soft sands. Fringed by palms that protect this little slice of paradise from the wind and rougher waters past the headland, Wategos is a favourite nook for travelers looking to take in the sun, swim, and rent kayaks. People aren’t the only ones who like to play in these waters — spotting dolphins here is almost a given, and humpback whales pass through during their winter migration.

You can wind your way around the coast to the lighthouse and head up to the top for sweeping views over the bay at Australia’s easternmost point, then pick the perfect spot on the beach to enjoy a barbie and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Wategos Beach is enveloped in the Cape Byron State Conservation Area, making the beautiful local shores and historic lighthouse protected national landmarks. This area of outstanding natural beauty is peppered with tranquil forested trails, memorable lookout points, and sandy shores to admire.

Come in summer to make the most of the endless sun, spending whole days swimming, surfing, snorkelling, and sunbathing. The weather cools off a bit in winter, but it never gets too cold here, meaning outdoor activities are still easy and enjoyable. While it may be too chilly to swim, the trade-off is that this is whale watching season — migrating humpbacks glide through the waters, and you have a good chance of spotting them from lookout points along the coastal trails of the State Conservation Area or from the top of Byron Bay Lighthouse. Whale watching season typically runs from May through November, though June and July are the best times to come for this. March tends to be the rainiest month, so keep that in mind if you’re planning a beach-heavy trip.

Cape Byron Walking Track

This 3.7-kilometre loop through the Cape Byron State Conservation Area winds along the coast, with whales, dolphins, turtles, and stingrays floating through the crystalline waters offshore — bring binoculars to get a good look. The route weaves through rainforests, palm forests, and kangaroo grasslands all the way to the tip of Wategos Beach, where the lighthouse stands. The whole walk should take about two hours, but there are various entry points along the trail, so you can take a shorter route if desired.

Byron Bay Lighthouse

Byron Bay Lighthouse stands tall on the horizon, perched at Australia’s easternmost point on the tip of Wategos Beach. Book a tour to learn about the seafaring history of the area, and get a chance to climb to the top to take in jaw-dropping views of the ocean. If you’re lucky, you might spot some humpbacks or dolphins diving through the waves below.

Surfing

Because it’s sheltered from the harsher winds of other beaches along the bay, Wategos is a great spot for surfing in gentle conditions. Beginners, families, and those just looking for a more leisurely experience favour this spot, where the waves come on a little slower but still provide a satisfying crash against the soft sandy shore.