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Wategos Beach

Cape Byron State Conservation Area

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Wategos Beach.

Getting there and parking

Wategos Beach is 2km east of the Byron Bay town centre. To get there follow Lawson Street (which becomes Lighthouse Road) and look for the signs to Wategos Beach

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available at Wategos Beach in a carpark managed by Byron Shire Council. There is one accessible parking spot closest to the picnic area.

It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

Best times to visit

There are lots of great things waiting for you in Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Here are some of the highlights.

Spring

With the weather being a bit cooler, it's the perfect time of year for walking, barbecues and picnics on the beach.

Summer

Summer holidays beckon you – enjoy swimming, snorkelling, surfing, building sandcastles, or relaxing in the shade.

Winter

Cape Byron is a great spot to watch for whales on their annual migration - remember to take binoculars.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

22°C and 27°C

Highest recorded

35.1°C

Winter temperature

Average

15°C and 21°C

Lowest recorded

3.3°C

Rainfall

Wettest month

March

Driest month

September

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

350.4mm

Facilities

Amenities

Toilets

There are accessible flush toilets at the picnic area, including a change facility for parents and carers. The toilets are located along a paved pathway from Marine Parade.

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Barbecue facilities

  • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

Carpark

Drinking water

Showers

  • Cold showers

Step-free access

Wategos Beach is mostly flat and step-free. Concrete Marine Parade runs along the beach and there's a paved pathway from Marine Parade that goes past the picnic tables and to the toilets.

There's also a paved path to reach the beach, but it has 13 concrete steps.

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Seats and resting points

There are bench seats along Marine Parade.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Paddling safety

To make your paddling or kayaking adventure safer and more enjoyable, check out these paddling safety tips.

Accessibility

Wategos Beach is mostly flat and step-free with a concrete path (Marine Parade) that runs along the beach.

The beach has:

  • 1 accessible parking spot
  • Accessible toilets set along a paved pathway. The toilets have a change facility for parents and carers.
  • Accessible showers
  • Bench seats for resting along Marine Parade

There's a paved path to access the beach, but it has 13 concrete steps. People with reduced mobility may need assistance in this area.

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Wategos Beach

Operated by

Park info

  • in Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
    • Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open all hours, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
    • Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn is open 8am to sunset.
    • The Maritime Museum in the former Lighthouse Keeper’s office at the base of the lighthouse is open 10am to 4pm daily.
    • Opening before 8am for events or disabled access can be arranged by prior notice – contact NPWS Byron Bay office during business hours 02 6639 8300.

  • Park entry fees:

    Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn and Information Centre: $10 per vehicle per hour/$4 per hour motorcycles. Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.

    Captain Cook lookout, Cosy Corner, and The Pass: $5 per vehicle/motorcycle per hour. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Cash and credit cards accepted at Cape Byron Information Centre.

    Coach entry: $30 per coach up to 30 seats; $57 per coach 31 to 43 seats; $94 per coach 44 seats and over.

    Buy annual pass

Visitor centre