Far North Coast
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Positives
- Beautiful right pointbreaks
- N-S swell window
- Byron Bay backpacker heaven
- Warm, clear water & dolphins
Negatives
- Rarely any big swells
- Lack of reefbreaks
- Intense and constant crowds
- Very sharky
Far North Coast surf travel guide
Byron Bay is mainland Australia's easternmost tip, attracting surfers to a veritable array of long golden beaches and rocky headlands. From a sleepy coastal hippy town that encompassed the Far North Coast vibe, Byron has mutated into a virtual city, attracting movie stars, property developers and hordes of backpackers. While there are some epic set-ups, a lack of decent-sized swell dictates that conditions are fairly inconsistent, relying on summer cyclone swells or big winter S swells to create waves worth remembering. Typically, shoulder-high waves snap across the sandbanks in clean, small-size swells, while bigger days see the handful of quality pointbreaks rumble into life with locals descending from miles around.
Surf spots in Far North Coast
Research the 16 surf breaks in Far North Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in Far North Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Far North Coast
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- feb
- mar
- apr
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- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 7,544,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Most international flights arrive in Sydney (8h away), but Brisbane is only 2h30 drive away. Local airport is Ballina but favour Coolangatta on the Gold Coast (1h) for cheaper rental cars (from AU$25/d). Byron car hire costs from $350/week for a tiny hatchback. The train takes 15hrs! The bus from Sydney takes 13-16hrs (fr AU$140 r/t).
Getting Around
There are very few coastal roads and lots of curves and hills on Pacific Highway 1. Beware of speed traps and random breath testing. Driving around the rivermouth at Ballina takes time; don’t paddle across, there are rips and sharks! Getting a parking space in downtown Byron can be tricky.
Accommodation
Byron real estate prices have sky-rocketed in recent years and boutique hotels, resorts and restaurants have sprung up. Search online for latest prices as even the backpacker dorms are getting way more expensive as demand outstrips supply. Expect AU$35+ for a meal; there are lots of natural, organic food places, selling locally-grown produce.
Activities
Hike the 3.7km Cape Byron walking track through rainforest, beach, grassland and clifftops to the lighthouse. Take binoculars to spy whales Feb-March and schools of dolphins May-October. Check the beautiful hinterland of National Parks and rainforest for bushwalking and waterfalls. Visit eclectic towns like Nimbin. Socialise with the huge international crew of visitors and locals in lively bars like the Beach Hotel, which displays big-screen surf videos.
Hazards & hassles
In 2015/16 alone, NSW recorded 21 unprovoked shark incidents, resulting in one fatality at Ballina. Attempts to net Lighthouse Beach and 7 Mile at Lennox failed. Bluebottles blow in on NE-SE winds. Crowds are bordering on insanity, especially when learners mix with the ultra-competitive local crew at breaks like The Pass. There is now a local bye-law requiring all surfers to wear leashes, which has mainly been aimed at the large longboard community that frequents Wategoes and The Pass.
Handy Hints
Shapers like McTavish and Maddog have showrooms both in town and on the industrial estate. Expect $800+ for a shortboard and $1900+ for a McTavish longboard. Beginners have a huge choice of surf schools in Byron Bay. Avoid Dec-Jan high season.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.