Clarkes Beach is located between Main beach and The Pass. A wonderful beach for families with some fun rock and tidal pools. Clarkes is a nice quiet beach and a lovely spot to watch the sun rise over the ocean or set behind the distant hinterland.

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From town follow Lawson Street north until you come to Clarkes Beach car park.  If you are on foot you can walk from Main Beach along the shore or along the coastal pathway. There are numerous short tracks from the pathway down to the beach along the way, all with showers.

Is Clarkes Beach Patrolled by Lifesavers?
Clarkes Beach is not usually patrolled (nearby beaches, The Pass and Main Beach are patrolled). Please check the Byron Shire Council website for local surf life saving information or the Beach Safe Website for more details.

Facilities

  • Car Park. Current cost of parking is $4.00 per hour capped at $20.00, 90 spaces including 2 mobility spaces. Free parking if you have a Byron Shire Residents Parking Exemption. Closed between 1am and 5am.
  • Children’s Playground
  • Toilets, Male and Female, Open daylight hours
  • Showers
  • BBQ’s
  • Drinking Fountain
  • Picnic Tables
  • Grassy Areas
  • Restaurant
  • Beach Hazard Rating 4/10 (Moderately Hazardous)

Surfing
Clarkes Beach offers good protection from strong south swells and winds and can be a great spot for practicing surfing on the common small wave days and on higher tides – lower tides see the waves dump on shallow sandbars with a surprising amount of speed and energy, even when the waves are small.

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During school holidays, weekends and when the waves are big in the bay, huge crowds and challenging waves combine to make this spot one of the most chaotic and dangerous surf zones in Australia, especially at he rocky outcrop called The Pass which should always be avoided by inexperienced surfers.

On crowded or bigger wave days or even on small wave days when the waves are dumping on lower tides, its best to either surf in the white water or closer to town between Clarkes and Main Beach on a sandbar with fewer crowds.

Nearby Attractions

Cape Byron Walking Track
Towards the southern end of Clarkes Beach where Lawson Street turns into Lighthouse Rd there is an entry point for the Cape Byron State Conservation Area and the start of the Cape Byron Walking Track.

Captain Cook Lookout 
Family friendly Captain Cook lookout and picnic area offers scenic coastal views, golden beaches and walking options in the beautiful Cape Byron State Conservation Area. It has toilets, car park, picnic tables and drinking water available.

Playground 
A sweet little playground is located at the car park near Beach Restaurant. It has a slide and a small climbing wall. Suitable for small children.

Kayaking
Take a kayak tour from Clarkes Beach with Cape Byron Kayaks or Go Sea Kayak and paddle up around the Cape, you may even spot some dolphins. A beautiful way to experience Byron Bay from the water.

Restaurant 
Beach Restaurant is a one Hat restaurant with spectacular views directly over Clarkes Beach. Excellent food, children’s menu, award winning wine list and a small take away kiosk.

Holiday Park
Reflections Holiday Park is nearby and offers cabins, tent and caravan sites.