Wategos Beach
Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Wategos Beach.
Getting there and parking
Wategos Beach is 2km east of the Byron Bay town centre. To get there follow Lawson Street (which becomes Lighthouse Road) and look for the signs to Wategos Beach
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Wategos Beach in a carpark managed by Byron Shire Council. There is one accessible parking spot closest to the picnic area.
It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Here are some of the highlights.
Spring
With the weather being a bit cooler, it's the perfect time of year for walking, barbecues and picnics on the beach.
Summer
Summer holidays beckon you – enjoy swimming, snorkelling, surfing, building sandcastles, or relaxing in the shade.
Winter
Walgun Cape Byron is a great spot to watch for whales on their annual migration - remember to take binoculars.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
22°C and 27°C
Highest recorded
35.1°C
Winter temperature
Average
15°C and 21°C
Lowest recorded
3.3°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
September
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
350.4mm
Facilities
Amenities
Toilets
There are accessible flush toilets at the picnic area, including a change facility for parents and carers. The toilets are located along a paved pathway from Marine Parade.
- Flush toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
- Gas/electric barbecues (free)
Carpark
Drinking water
Showers
- Cold showers
Step-free access
Wategos Beach is mostly flat and step-free. Concrete Marine Parade runs along the beach and there's a paved pathway from Marine Parade that goes past the picnic tables and to the toilets.
There's also a paved path to reach the beach, but it has 13 concrete steps.
- Step-free outdoor pathways
Seats and resting points
There are bench seats along Marine Parade.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Wategos Beach is mostly flat and step-free with a concrete path (Marine Parade) that runs along the beach.
The beach has:
- 1 accessible parking spot
- Accessible toilets set along a paved pathway. The toilets have a change facility for parents and carers.
- Accessible showers
- Bench seats for resting along Marine Parade
There's a paved path to access the beach, but it has 13 concrete steps. People with reduced mobility may need assistance in this area.
Prohibited
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre
- 9.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day
- 02 6639 8300
- npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Park info
- in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area in the North Coast region
- Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area is open all hours, but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn is open 8am to sunset.
- The Maritime Museum in the former Lighthouse Keeper’s office at the base of the lighthouse is open 10am to 4pm daily.
- Opening before 8am for events or disabled access can be arranged by prior notice – contact NPWS Byron Bay office during business hours 02 6639 8300.
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Park entry fees:
Cape Byron Lighthouse lawn and Information Centre: $10 per vehicle per hour/$4 per hour motorcycles. Maximum 1 hour per vehicle per calendar day, including all NPWS annual passholders.
Captain Cook lookout, Cosy Corner, and The Pass: $5 per vehicle/motorcycle per hour. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Cash and credit cards accepted at Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre.
Coach entry: $30 per coach up to 30 seats; $57 per coach 31 to 43 seats; $94 per coach 44 seats and over.
Buy annual pass
Visitor centre
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Walgun Cape Byron Information Centre
199 Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay NSW 2481 - 9.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day
- 02 6639 8300