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Arakwal National Park

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Overview

Arakwal blends the convenience of Byron Bay with the appeal of a secluded beach retreat, offering birdwatching, whale watching, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

Read more about Arakwal National Park

In 2001, a historic agreement was reached between the NSW State Government and the Byron Bay Arakwal Aboriginal community. Arakwal National Park is the result and has many guises today: it’s an important part of Aboriginal heritage; it’s a haven for migratory birds and animals; and it’s a gift to travellers looking to escape the chaos of the thriving holiday town.

Co-managed by NPWS and its traditional owners, Arakwal features 3km of gorgeous beach bordered by sand dunes and rich coastal heath. All of this is just a stone’s throw from the towering white icon of Cape Byron Lighthouse, meaning it’s closer to the town than it feels.

Bring a towel for swimming or surfing. Once you walk out of the carpark and onto the sand, you’ll forget all about Byron Bay and focus upon the birds and whale watching in the vast Pacific Ocean, which stretches as far as you can see.

Highlights in this park

  • A pair of women in Le'ts Go Surfing rash shirts smile as they ride a small wave near Byron Bay. Photo © Let's Go Surfing

    Let's Go Surfing lessons at Byron Bay

    Make the most of your visit to the renowned surf haven of Byron Bay by learning how to ride the waves with Let's Go Surfing.

  • A tandem hang glider about to land on a beach next to to a rocky headland. Photo © Pro Flyte

    Tandem hang gliding in Byron Bay with Pro Flyte

    Join Pro Flyte’s expert instructor for the tandem flight of your life and soar over stunning Cape Byron. It’s a great way to experience the excitement...

  • Tallow Beach, Arakwal National Park. Photo: John Spencer/NSW Government

    Tallow Beach

    Tallow Beach is 3.2km from the heart of Byron Bay and a great place for swimming, birdwatching, whale watching, beach fishing, and just throwing down ...

Conservation program:

Arakwal National Park joint management program

Arakwal National Park is jointly managed between the Bundjalung of Byron Bay People (Arakwal) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The Arakwal National Park Joint Management Committee brings together the Bundjalung People with NPWS and Byron Shire Council representatives to provide advice on the management of Arakwal National Park.

Aboriginal Joint Management, Arakwal National Park. Photo: N Graham

 

Big name, big aims

More than 250 Assets of Intergenerational Significance (AIS) areas have been declared in our parks as home to the most threatened animal and plant habitat, giving them extra special protections.

A Threatened Species Officer gently holds an endangered mountain pygmy-possum in their hand. Photo credit: John Spencer © DPE

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In this park:

Things to do (10)

Tours (8)

Itinerary (1)

School excursions (7)