Tallows Beach
Tallows Beach is Byron Bay's swell magnet—the long, south-facing stretch of beach between Cape Byron and Broken Head that catches SE-E swell when the north-facing breaks like The Pass go flat. The beach offers powerful, punchy peaks along its 3km length, with the best banks typically forming near the Cape Byron end. Less crowded than Byron's other breaks due to the walk required to reach it, Tallows delivers a rawer, more isolated surf experience within sight of Australia's most easterly point.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (83°)
- Direction range
- 61° - 143°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2.2m
- Ideal size
- 1.3m - 1.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (240°)
- Offshore range
- 284° - 351°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Beach access from Tallows Beach Road or walk from Cape Byron.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Tallows Beach?
Tallows Beach is a beach break in Byron Bay, Australia, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Tallows Beach?
Tallows Beach picks up swell from the ENE round to the SE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the E. It starts working at around 0.5m and handles up to about 2.2m, with the sweet spot around 1.3 to 1.8m. Period matters too: aim for 11s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Tallows Beach?
A WSW wind is dead offshore at Tallows Beach, and anything from the WNW round to the N keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Tallows Beach?
Tallows Beach is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Tallows Beach?
Tallows Beach works year-round. Year-round. Swell magnet when other Byron spots are flat.
How cold is the water at Tallows Beach?
The water at Tallows Beach averages around 22°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Tallows Beach good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Strong rips. Occasional shark sightings. Remote southern section.
How do I get to Tallows Beach?
The nearest airport on our list is BNK, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Beach access from Tallows Beach Road or walk from Cape Byron.
What other surf spots are near Tallows Beach?
The closest breaks we track are Wategos (1.2 km), The Pass (2.2 km) and Broken Head (7.5 km), handy when Tallows Beach isn't working. We track 4 spots around Byron Bay in total.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Dec
Year-round. Swell magnet when other Byron spots are flat.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Wategos
🌊 Right-hand point • ENE swell magnet • Byron Bay
The Pass
✨ Byron's soul • Longboard paradise • Sunrise with dolphins
Broken Head
🌿 Byron's step-up wave • Hollow reef right • Nature reserve setting
Lennox Head
🔥 Northern NSW's jewel • Long point dreams • Earn your waves
Ballina South Wall
🌊 Richmond River setup • Consistent lefts • Northern Rivers character
Cabarita (Norries Headland)
🌊 Right-hand point • SE swell magnet • Tweed Coast