Broken Head
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Broken Head is an exposed right-hand point break on the Byron Coast, known for consistent surf and classic wave shape. The break peels across a sand-and-rock bottom with a rocky takeoff at the point, and it can produce long, sometimes hollow sections on its best days. From a swell standpoint, it’s most associated with east to east-northeast swell, with east-northeast and related E/SE swell directions highlighted as working well. Reported working size ranges are roughly 0.5 to 2 meters, with an ideal around 1.5 meters. The spot is generally described as suitable on all tides, while lower tide is often preferred to reveal sandbanks. Wind-wise, it’s best with south to southwest offshore winds; southeast winds are described as cross-onshore and choppy. The area’s wind pattern can include an afternoon sea-breeze tendency in warmer months, but for this specific point-break performance, choosing the right wind direction relative to the point is emphasized. Safety is a key part of planning: the spot is known for rip currents/strong sweeps, rocks at the point, sharks, and crowding when conditions are good. Expect a competitive vibe when the point is firing. Nearby amenities and access are available via the Broken Head Reserve car park (paid and can fill quickly), and there are toilets and picnic facilities on site, with additional food options in Byron Bay.
- Long right-hand point rides when conditions align
- East to east-northeast swell is the most associated direction
- Offshore south/southwest wind improves wave quality
- Classic right-hand point break with consistently solid surf
- Long ride potential when the point is firing
- Good infrastructure nearby (beach amenities and access via a nature reserve car park)
- Exposed point break with variable conditions depending on swell and wind
- Frequently crowded
- Hazards include sharks, rocks, and strong rip currents/sweeps
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW, NW
- Offshore directions
- SW, W
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady conditions reported for the wind regime.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- The point offers some protection from southerly winds.
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · +0 kts · Months: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb · Dir: NE, NNE · A reliable afternoon sea breeze pattern is common in warmer months (about 1:00 PM–6:00 PM).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Mixed — Reported as sand/mixed, with sandy takeoff and rocky elements at the point.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Medium — Reported typical wave size medium.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach entry, or jumping off rocks at the point for experienced surfers.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch described as sandy beach entry with options off rocks for experienced surfers.
Through the year
Often crowded year-round; peaks during school holidays and on weekends with good swells.
Summer and early Autumn (January to March) can see tropical low-pressure systems and higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed right-hand point break over a sand-and-rock bottom (rocky takeoff). Produces classic right-hand point waves, sometimes hollow/peeling, with long ride potential when it is firing.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- E, ENE, NE, ESE, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides, Low — Reported as working across tides, with lower tide often preferred to reveal sandbanks.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Overall exposed point break; described as semi-sheltered compared with the main Byron Bay beaches, depending on wind.
- Wind Effect
- Best on south to southwest offshore winds; southeast winds are described as cross-onshore and choppy.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well and is best on groundswells, but can become very heavy with strong sweeps on larger sets.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Often characterized as good to excellent quality.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Known for long, hollow sections on its day; sometimes described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Can offer long right-hand rides up the point.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long right-hand rides up the point; on classic days it can connect through and produce rides of great length (including reports of up to ~300 meters).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Broken Head in the full forecast view.
Broken Head wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–14 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- NE45°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.0 m7s period
- Temperature
- 17–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Broken Head is forecast for daytime winds of 4–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.9–2.0 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Rip currents
- Crowds
- Submerged boulders
- Strong sweep
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited; seasonal patrol coverage varies and emergency response can rely on the broader coastline services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Byron Bay (and in an emergency call 000).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Can feel competitive when the point is firing; crowds and a strong local-to-traveling surfer mix are common.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; the point can be competitive when it is firing.
- Located within a Nature Reserve; access rules may apply and commercial surf schools can be restricted or require specific permits.
- Take care of sharks, rips and rocks.
- The point works best on a lower tide to reveal the sandbanks.
- Be prepared for a long paddle back if the sweep is strong.
- Plenty of room to wander up the beach if the point isn't pumping (when surfing conditions are variable).
- Parking can fill quickly on weekends and on good swell days.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Byron Bay
- Nearest Town
- Suffolk Park
- Nearest Airport
- Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) ~25 km away; Gold Coast Airport (OOL) ~75 km away
- Parking
- Park and walk to beach; paid parking is available at the Broken Head Nature Reserve car park and fills quickly on weekends and good swell days.
- Public Transport
- Local buses connect the area to Byron Bay and Ballina; a private vehicle is highly recommended for reaching headlands and nature reserves.
- Access
- Turn off Pacific Highway south of Byron Bay; short walk to the beach. Also described as accessible via Broken Head Reserve Road with a short walk from the car park.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available nearby, including options adjacent to the reserve and lodging in Byron Bay.
- Food & Drink
- A small kiosk at an adjacent holiday park; broader food options in Byron Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available in nearby Byron Bay.
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited to accommodation providers; no dedicated public gear storage at beach access points.
- Gear Repair
- Gear repair is available in nearby Byron Bay.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Australia’s most easterly point, with panoramic views of the coast and whale watching opportunities.
Significant land for the Arakwal Bundjalung people, offering insight into Indigenous history and heritage.
Scenic coastal walk through Broken Head Nature Reserve with views of secluded beaches.
Popular local spot for meals and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
Seasonal whale watching (June to November) from headlands or via boat tours.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Broken Head?
The best overall months at Broken Head are March, April, May, June, July, August. The best wind months are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Broken Head?
Broken Head works with W, SW, NW winds. Offshore directions are SW, W.
What skill level is Broken Head suitable for?
Broken Head suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.