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Wategos Beach

Cape Byron State Conservation Area

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Overview

Located just north west of Cape Byron and the lighthouse, Wategos Beach is one of Byron’s best places to picnic, paddle and play.

Type
Picnic areas
Where
Cape Byron State Conservation Area in North Coast
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen

You’ll adore the peaceful beauty of this sheltered beach on the northern side of Cape Byron. Protected by the headland from the wilder waters beyond, it’s a fabulous spot to picnic and play. The local bottlenose dolphins use it for recreation as well, showing off their silky surfing skills on the incoming waves.

You can cook up your lunch on one of the free beachside barbecues and enjoy your picnic on the beach or at one of the picnic tables.

After you’ve cooled off and refueled you’ll be ready to tackle the steep steps at the beach’s end up to Cape Byron and the lighthouse.

Take a virtual tour of Wategos Beach captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

The Pass midden

NSW National Parks first recorded The Pass midden in Cape Byron State Conservation Area in 1980. And, in 2013, ancient archaeological midden material was repatriated and displayed on Country. Today, along with our Aboriginal community partners, NPWS works to protect The Pass midden, both now and into the future.

The Pass in Cape Byron Conservation Area. Photo: John Spencer © DPIE

General enquiries

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
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (45)

Events (1)

Tours (16)

Itinerary (2)

Camping and accommodation (6)

Volunteering (1)

School excursions (11)