Ocean Shores is a residential coastal town located 24km or a 26 minute drive north from Byron Bay. The town was established in 1969 backed by American singer Pat Boone. In fact the town was named after Boone’s property in Ocean Shores, Washington USA.

The traditional owners of the land are the Aboriginal Midjumbil/Durumbil clans. The area has a strong Aboriginal heritage and Aboriginal Middens (sites containing seafood shells, the contents of which had been eaten by local people) have been found along the banks of Marshals Creek. Ocean Shores was originally included in the area of The Brunswick which was founded in 1846.

Ocean Shores is a hilly area with many vantage points offering lovely sea views. The flatter area of North Ocean Shores, South Golden Beach and New Brighton offer direct beach access. There are two creeks running through Ocean Shores, Marshalls Creek which can be seen from the popular Yum Yum Café and New Brighton Store and Yelgun Creek.

The heart of Ocean Shores is the Ocean Shores Country Club that occupies a central location in the town and is a hub for locals and visitors.

New Brighton / South Golden Beach Accommodation
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Festivals in Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores Art Expo
The Ocean Shores Art Expo is a cultural event that celebrates the artistic talents of the unique and varied local community that make up Ocean Shores. The expo is very popular with over 300 adult and 400 student works on display.

Attractions in Ocean Shores
Beaches
The stretch of beach along New Brighton, South Golden Beach and Ocean Shores North is beautiful and not very crowded. The only beach that is patrolled is South Golden Beach and then only over the Christmas Holiday period between mid December until the end of January. For exact dates visit the Byron Shire Council website for Surf Life Saving Services. You can also check the Beach Safe Website for more details.

Off-leash dog exercise areas are available at South Golden Beach and New Brighton Beach, check signs for restrictions. For more information please refer to Byron Shire Council Off-leash Exercise Areas.

Ocean Shores Country Club
Perched high on the hill with stunning ocean views to one side and lovely golf course views to the other the Ocean Shores Country Club is at the heart of Ocean Shores. The club offers an 18 hole golf course, bowls, SeaSalt Restaurant, swimming pool, function room, bar facilities, Friday and Sunday raffles, live entertainment, live sports and Kidz Club, courtesy bus and free Wi-Fi. SeaSalt restaurant is open everyday for lunch and dinner and for breakfast on weekends. The restaurant has a stunning ocean view from the Front deck or magnificent views of the Koonyum Ranges from the restaurant and Koonyum Deck.

Shopping Centre
You will find everything you need at the Ocean Shores Shopping Centre. The centre provides a large Coles supermarket, Target Country plus a number of independent retail stores including fresh produce and grocery, clothing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, real estate, takeaway cafes & restaurant, optometry, hairdressing, bulk health foods, variety/gifts store and banking. Nearby there is a bakery & butcher, doctor and dental surgery, physiotherapist, news & post, tavern and more.

Tavern
You can find the Ocean Shores Tavern in the Ocean Shores Shopping Centre complex. The Tavern sits alongside the North arm of the Brunswick River. A recent renovation has created a fun and colourful vibe at the Tavern and incudes a very popular restaurant with classic style menu of burgers and steaks and yummy bar food. Come along and join the gang for some light-hearted entertainment like 70’s Karaoke Disco and Trivia Nights.

Sports Fields
A newly constructed sports field is the latest addition to the Ocean Shores Community. The North Ocean Shores Sports Field is located on Shara Boulevard and features a premier grade soccer field, home and away change rooms, public toilets, canteen, referees room and first aid room.

New Brighton Farmers Market 

Held every Tuesday morning in the gorgeous riverside location of New Brighton Road, New Brighton. The Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh local produce and locally made foods. The market has a relaxed friendly atmosphere where locals and visitors can slow down, eat some good whole food and have a chat while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the North Coasts tranquil lifestyle.

Billinudgel Hotel
The historic Billinudgel Hotel has a long and fascinating history. The original building was built in 1898 however in 1906 this building burnt to the ground and had to be rebuilt. It was constructed near the newly finished railway station and the pub became a stop in for travellers and local farmers. In 1929 a woman from New Zealand would take over the license of the pub. Known as Ma Ring (Margaret Alice Ring) the new licensee would go on to be the matriarch of the pub for over 50 years until her death in 1983 at the age of 102 years. Ma Rings great nephew Ken Barnham is the current owner. Today the pub is an irresistible fusion of the past and the future. An example of this is the hugely popular Nudge Nudge Wink Wink events where the traditional pub stands as a backdrop to DJ’s and lighting shows. Well worth a visit.

Facts and Figures
Founded: 1969

Postcode: 2483

Population: 5173

Name Origin: Named after Pat Boone’s place of residence Ocean Shores in Washington USA.

Climate: Subtropical with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius

Nearby Towns: Brunswick Heads, Mullumbimby, Billinudgel,

Distance from Byron Bay: 23.8km or a 26 minute drive

Nightlife: Ocean Shores Country Club, Ocean Shores Tavern, Billinudgel Pub

Schools: Ocean Shores Public School, Ocean Shores Preschool

Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ’s
Where are the Ocean Shores Farmers Markets?
Known as The New Brighton Farmers Market. The market is on Tuesday mornings and is located on New Brighton Road.

Is the beach patrolled in Ocean Shores?
The only beach that is patrolled is South Golden Beach and then only over the Christmas Holiday period between mid December until the end of January.

Where is Ocean Shores in NSW?
It’s located in the Brunswick Valley in northern NSW.

Where is Ocean Shores in Australia?
On the far north coast of NSW Australia.

Where to eat in Ocean Shores?
There are a number of options available when looking for a bite to eat in Ocean Shores. The Shopping Centre offers a range of take away and seated options, the Ocean Shores Tavern (pub food), plus takeaway / cafes in South Golden Beach and New Brighton.

What is Ocean Shores known for?
A residential development that is known for its beautiful environment, stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle.

What is Ocean Shores like?
A peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle while maintaining easy access to more commercial towns like Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay.

How far is Ocean Shores from Brisbane?
144.8km or 1hr 47min drive to Brisbane.

How far is Ocean Shores from Byron Bay?
23.8km or a 26 minute drive