The Pass
The Pass is Byron Bay's crown jewel—a long, winding right-hand point that embodies the region's laid-back surf culture. The wave is forgiving and fun, wrapping around the headland below the famous lighthouse, occasionally connecting all the way to Clarks Beach on bigger swells. It's a longboarder's paradise and a gathering place for the eclectic Byron community. Sunrise sessions with dolphins and the smell of the rainforest are part of the magic. Don't expect perfection—expect crowds, good vibes, and one of Australia's most beloved wave-riding experiences.
The Pass surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (70°)
- Direction range
- 45° - 135°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.80×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Offshore range
- 135° - 247°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.6m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
10/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is The Pass?
The Pass is a point break in Byron Bay, Australia, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind The Pass?
Longboarders arrived in the 1960s to ride The Pass, Wategos and Cosy Corner, the start of Byron Bay as a travellers' town. The traditional name of the township area is Cavvanbah, meaning 'meeting place'. James Cook named Cape Byron in 1770 after Vice Admiral John Byron, grandfather of the poet Lord Byron.
What swell works best at The Pass?
The Pass picks up swell from the NE round to the SE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the ENE. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 12s 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 The Pass?
A SSW wind is dead offshore at The Pass, and anything from the SE round to the WSW 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 The Pass?
The Pass has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.4m to 1.6m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf The Pass?
The most reliable run of swell at The Pass comes Feb to May. There's a second window in Jun to Jan too. Works year-round. Autumn best for cleaner conditions.
How cold is the water at The Pass?
The water at The Pass averages around 23°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 The Pass good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 3/10 for difficulty. It gets busy (crowd 10/10), so mind the pecking order. Extremely crowded. Longboard-heavy lineup. Rips on bigger days.
How do I get to The Pass?
The nearest airport on our list is BNK, then it's roughly a 45-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near The Pass?
The closest breaks we track are Wategos (1.7 km), Tallows Beach (4.4 km) and Broken Head (8.4 km), handy when The Pass isn't working. We track 4 spots around Byron Bay in total.
Best Season
Peak: Feb-May
Secondary: Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Works year-round. Autumn best for cleaner conditions.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
Nearby Spots
Wategos
🌊 Right-hand point • ENE swell magnet • Byron Bay
Tallows Beach
🧭 Byron's swell magnet • South-facing exposure • Cape Byron views
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
Plan a trip around The Pass
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.