7km-long Tallow Beach in Byron Bay, NSW, is wild and unspoilt. Swimmers should stay between the flags and surfers get big, clean waves at Cosy Corner.
Where is Tallow Beach?
Tallow Beach is a beach in Byron Bay, New South Wales. It lies immediately to the south-west of Cape Byron, and is in the northern section of Arakwal National Park.
The Tallow Beach Road from central Byron Bay finishes at the beach, although there are also a few walking tracks that end here. Taking the Milne Track, the walk from the Byron Bay Recreational Ground to Tallow Beach is 1.4km long.
How long is Tallow Beach?
Tallow Beach stretches for 7km, and is best observed from the Cape Byron Lookout, near the Cape Byron Lighthouse at the end of the Cape Byron Walking Track. The very southern end of the beach, inside the Broken Head Nature Reserve, is known as Broken Head Beach.
Why is it called Tallow Beach?
The name Tallow Beach comes from the beef and lamb fat that washed up here after a shipwreck at Cape Byron in 1864. The Volunteer crashed into the rocks, and the cargo washed up on the beach.
The fat, commonly called tallow, was used for making soaps and candles at the time.
8 great things to do in Byron Bay
- Experience the region’s glorious natural landscapes from above – on a hot air balloon ride.
- Go kayaking with dolphins – and get much closer to them than on a boat tour 🐬.
- Learn to surf – on a half day surf lesson 🏄♀️.
- Discover the local secrets – let a guide show you the hidden beaches and waterfalls 🏖️.
- Go on a three habitat wildlife safari – spotting koalas, kangaroos and flying foxes 🐨🦘.
- See glowworms light up the World Heritage-listed rainforest.
- Explore the Byron Bay hinterland – including the rainforest walk to Minyon Falls.
- Taste craft beers and spirits – on a tour of Byron’s breweries and distilleries 🍻.
- Also try… Skydives | Sea-kayaking | Whale-watching.
Can you swim at Tallow Beach?
It is possible to swim at Tallow Beach, Byron Bay. However, the beach is dominated by rips, so you need to be very careful.
The northern section – sometimes called Tallows, sometimes called Cosy Corner – has lifeguard patrols during the busiest periods of the year (usually Christmas and Easter). Swim between the flags — this Byron Bay beach is potentially hazardous.
Surfing at Cosy Corner
Cosy Corner at the northern end of Tallow Beach is a popular surf spot. Head here when there’s a north to north-easterly swell, and you’re likely to enjoy big, clean waves.
Byron Bay surf lessons sometimes come here, although they tend to start beginners off on smaller waves at other Byron Bay beaches.
Is Tallow Beach dog-friendly?
The Suffolk Park section of Tallow Beach is dog-friendly. The off-lead exercise area runs north from Jarman Street to the boundary of Arakwal National Park.
Tallow Beach, Byron Bay: key visitor information
The NPWS website confirms Tallow Beach is unpatrolled and has strong rip currents — always check Surf Life Saving NSW conditions before swimming. The car park is locked after hours. Mobile phone reception is limited.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| Is Tallow Beach patrolled by lifeguards? | Tallow Beach is usually unpatrolled, although the local council provides surf lifesavers over the Christmas and Easter periods. Beware of strong rip currents. Always check Surf Life Saving NSW’s BeachSafe app for current conditions. |
| How much does it cost to visit Tallow Beach? | Entry to Arakwal National Park and Tallow Beach is free. |
| Where is the car park for Tallow Beach? | Parking is available at the Cosy Corner picnic area, accessed via Tallow Beach Road off Lighthouse Road. Take Lawson Street east from Byron Bay town centre; where it becomes Lighthouse Road, turn right onto Tallow Beach Road and follow to the end. |
| Is the Tallow Beach car park free? | Yes, as of 2026. However, national park entry conditions can change — check the NSW National Parks website before visiting. The car park is locked after hours. |
| What facilities are at Tallow Beach? | Toilets and picnic facilities are available at the Cosy Corner picnic area at the northern access point. There are no facilities of any kind along the beach itself. |
| Is Tallow Beach dog-friendly? | Yes, in the Suffolk Park section only. Dogs on leads are permitted in the off-lead exercise area running north from Jarman Street to the Arakwal National Park boundary. Dogs are not permitted inside the national park. |
| Is there mobile phone reception at Tallow Beach? | Limited. Mobile coverage is poor throughout Arakwal National Park. In an emergency, leave the park to call Triple Zero (000). |
| Can you surf at Cosy Corner, Tallow Beach? | Yes. Cosy Corner at the northern end of Tallow Beach is a well-regarded surf break, best in a north to north-easterly swell. Suitable for experienced surfers only due to the powerful rip currents. |
| How do you walk to Tallow Beach from Byron Bay? | Via the Milne Track from the Byron Bay Recreational Ground — 1.4km to the beach. |
| When can you see whales from Tallow Beach? | Humpback whales migrate past Cape Byron between June and November and are commonly spotted from the beach. |
Things to do near Tallow Beach, Byron Bay
Cape Byron Lighthouse and headland – A short walk north from the Tallow Beach Road car park, the Cape Byron headland walk passes the most easterly point of mainland Australia and offers superb ocean views, with the lighthouse dating from 1901.
Broken Head Nature Reserve – To the south, this reserve connects with Tallow Beach at Broken Head Beach and contains Whites Beach, a secluded cove popular with photographers and those seeking a quiet, less-visited spot.
The Pass – A short drive north of the Tallow Beach access road, The Pass is one of Byron Bay’s most famous surf breaks, with long, peeling right-handers and calmer waters suited to both learners and experienced surfers.
Cape Byron State Conservation Area – Immediately north of Arakwal National Park, this conservation area encompasses the lighthouse, Wategos Beach and several walking tracks around the headland.
Suffolk Park village – The closest settlement to the southern end of Tallow Beach, Suffolk Park has a small supermarket, café and the Beachside Holiday Park, offering accommodation within walking distance of the beach’s dog-friendly section.
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Planning a visit to the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.
- Bago Maze visitor guide: What to expect at Australia’s largest hedge maze.
- Mid-North Coast beach guides: Burgess Beach in Forster.
- What first time visitors can expect at the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park.
- Why Ballina is more than just a gateway town for Byron Bay.
