Whites Beach, Byron Bay, is a small, secluded but unmistakably beautiful beach in the Broken Head Nature Reserve. Come at low tide to explore the caves rather than swim.
Where is Whites Beach, Byron Bay?
Whites Beach is in the Broken Head Nature Reserve, south of Byron Bay. It is the first beach north of Seven Mile Beach.
From Byron Bay, it’s an 11km drive to Whites Beach. This Northern Rivers beach is about halfway down the coast to Lennox Head. Access is via Seven Mile Beach Road.
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.
Why visit Whites Beach, Byron Bay?
Whites Beach is a relatively small but beautiful beach. It’s about 350 metres long at low tide, and surrounded by cliffs.
Those cliffs are covered in rainforest, and the sand is white. All combined, Whites Beach makes for a tremendous photo.
What’s more, Whites Beach is still a little bit of a secret beach. It’s not exactly hidden, but the drive down, then the steep walk to the beach, require a level of effort that most travellers are not prepared to put in.
Can I swim at Whites Beach?
Swimming at Whites Beach is not advised. There are fearsome rips here, and no lifeguard patrols.
People do swim here, but do so at their own risk. Surfers also come to Whites Beach, but while the waves are usually of a decent size, the breaks can be sloppy and inconsistent.
The best time to visit Whites Beach, Byron Bay
The best time to visit Whites Beach, Byron Bay, is at low tide. This is when there is most sand to play in.
Low tide is also when the small caves and rock pools at the southern end of the beach are exposed. These are ripe for exploring.
Whites Beach should be avoided at high tide, however. This is when most, if not all, the sand is covered by water.
Whites Beach, Byron Bay: key visitor information
Information sourced from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and BeachSafe Australia. There are no facilities at Whites Beach itself — bring everything you need including water, food and sunscreen. The walk down is steep and takes approximately 15 minutes each way. Wear sturdy shoes.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours of Broken Head Nature Reserve? | Always open, though the reserve may occasionally close during poor weather or fire danger. |
| How much does it cost to visit Whites Beach? | Entry to Broken Head Nature Reserve is free. |
| Is there parking at Whites Beach? | A small, informal car park is located near the top of the walking track to Whites Beach off Seven Mile Beach Road. Spaces are very limited. Park only in designated areas — parking fines apply. Arrive early on weekends and holidays. |
| How far is the walk to Whites Beach from the car park? | Approximately 500m, taking around 15 minutes. The track is steep, rough and uneven throughout — sturdy footwear is essential. |
| Are there facilities at Whites Beach? | No. There are no toilets, showers or water at Whites Beach. Facilities (BBQs, toilets, accessible parking) are available at the Broken Head picnic area, approximately 2km further along the reserve road. |
| Is the Broken Head picnic area car park paid parking? | Yes. The Broken Head picnic area has paid parking, including one accessible parking space. |
| Is Whites Beach patrolled by lifeguards? | No. Whites Beach is unpatrolled and rated moderately hazardous (6/10 by BeachSafe Australia) due to rips. |
| When is the best time to visit Whites Beach? | At or around low tide, when the caves and rock pools at the southern end are exposed. At high tide, most or all of the sand is submerged. |
| Can you see whales from Whites Beach? | Yes. Humpback whales can be seen migrating past the reserve between June and November. |
| Are dogs allowed at Whites Beach? | Dogs are not permitted in Broken Head Nature Reserve. |
Things to do near Whites Beach, Byron Bay
Kings Beach, Broken Head – A short walk north of Whites Beach within the same reserve, Kings Beach is another beautiful and secluded stretch of sand with rainforest cliffs behind it. It is well known for nude bathing.
Three Sisters Walking Track – A scenic coastal walking track within Broken Head Nature Reserve, connecting the beaches of the reserve along the clifftops, with views of the Three Sisters rock formation and the ocean below.
Broken Head Beach – The main patrolled beach in the reserve, a short drive south at the end of the Broken Head Nature Reserve road, with picnic facilities, BBQs and a more sheltered swimming environment.
Suffolk Park – The nearest town to Whites Beach, around 6km north, with a small supermarket, café and easy access to the southern end of Tallow Beach — one of the longest and least crowded beaches near Byron Bay.
Byron Bay town centre – Around 11km north, Byron Bay offers its famous lighthouse headland walk, Julian Rocks dive site, the Pass surf break and a wide range of cafés, restaurants and shops along Jonson Street.
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Why Ballina is more than just a gateway town for Byron Bay.
- Why visit Wategos Beach in Byron Bay?
- 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.
