Broken Head
Broken Head is Byron Bay's step-up wave—a right-hand point/reef break south of town that delivers hollower, more challenging conditions than the mellow Pass. The wave breaks over rock and reef with barrel sections that reward committed surfers. The setting is stunning, with the headland surrounded by nature reserve and eucalyptus forest. While it's only a short drive from Byron, the vibe is more serious and the locals less tolerant of drop-ins. When The Pass is too crowded or too small, Broken Head offers a genuine step up in both quality and consequences.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (80°)
- Direction range
- 45° - 130°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2.8m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (240°)
- Offshore range
- 200° - 280°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Turn off Pacific Highway south of Byron Bay. Short walk to beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Broken Head?
Broken Head handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Broken Head?
Offshore wind at Broken Head blows from the WSW (240°). Anything in the 200° to 280° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Broken Head?
Broken Head wants E swell (45° to 130°) between 0.5m and 2.8m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Broken Head?
The main season at Broken Head is Mar-Aug. A secondary window runs Feb, Sep. Autumn-winter E swells. More advanced alternative to The Pass.
How do I get to Broken Head?
Fly into BNK, then allow about 15 minutes by road. Turn off Pacific Highway south of Byron Bay. Short walk to beach.
What kind of wave is Broken Head?
Broken Head is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Aug
Secondary: Feb, Sep
Autumn-winter E swells. More advanced alternative to The Pass.
Getting There
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