Wategos Beach east and west
Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
Overview
Choose magnificent Wategos Beach for an outdoor wedding in Byron Bay. Say 'I do' at the east or west ends of this sheltered surf beach against a beautiful backdrop of sand, surf and rocky headlands.
- Venue is suitable for
- Wedding ceremonies
- Capacity
- Maximum people: 100
- Facilities
- Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, carpark, drinking water, showers, toilets
- Fees
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Contact the Byron Bay area office for venue hire fees and availabity.
- Availability
- Available for hire 7 days a week. The best time is September to May. Venue not available for exclusive hire.
- Bookings
- Bookings required. To make a booking or for more information contact the Byron Bay area office.
- Other Information
Tides and sand movement at Wategos Beach may affect:
- The area of sand on the beach
- The number of exposed rocks and boulders
- Beach access
It's a good idea to check tide times before booking.
Wategos Beach is a pretty arc of white sand in Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, just 2km from Byron Bay town centre. Dotted with rocks and tidal pools and framed by dramatic headlands, the east and west ends of this secluded haven make ideal wedding locations for nature lovers.
It's easy to see why people from around the world come to wed in this idyllic place. Hold your ceremony with your toes in the sand to the symphonies of surf and calling seabirds. Your guests will enjoy shimmering views of turquoise Pacific waters, and perhaps even bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the surf.
The photo opportunities on this dramatic stretch of coastline make it easy capture memories of your big day forever. There’s room for everyone to enjoy canapes and sip champagne and, if you want to let your hair down, a refreshing dip or even a ride on the waves.
You don't need to go far to spoil yourself with charming beachside accommodation. Just a short stroll away is award-winning Imeson Cottage, Mildenhall Cottage, Thomson Cottage, or Partridge Cottage and Geoffs Shed.
Stay at
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/venues/wategos-beach-east-and-west/local-alerts
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.
Venue info
All the practical information you need to know about Wategos Beach east and west.
Getting there and parking
From Byron Bay town centre:
- Take Lawson Street (which becomes Lighthouse Road) for about 1.5km
- Stay left to continue along Palm Valley Drive for about 500m
- Turn left onto Marine Parade
- Continue for another 150m to council parking
Walk the short distance to Wategos Beach using beach access tracks.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Paid council parking is available at Wategos Beach along Marine Parade, including 1 accessible parking space at the western end of Marine Parade.
Facilities
- All rubbish must be taken with you when you leave. Please leave the area clean and tidy.
- If significant cleaning is required there may be a fee.
Toilets
There are accessible flush toilets on the western side of the beach.
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
Carpark
Drinking water
Showers
- Cold showers
Seats and resting points
There are bench seats on the western side of the beach, set along the concrete path that leads around the beach.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
Assistance may be required:
- There's a concrete path behind the beach which is flat and step-free.
- All the access paths leading onto the sand have steps.
- There's an accessible toilet, accessible picnic tables and bench seats on the western side of the beach. All facilities are set along pathways.
- There's 1 paid council-owned accessible parking spot in the carpark at the western end of Marine Parade.
Permitted
Food and drink
- You may provide a celebratory glass of champagne to guests for the purpose of a toast. Maximum 1 bottle for every 4 guests.
- This will need to be included in the special conditions of the application.
Plant materials
- Flower arrangements containing no seed material. A florist can arrange this for you on request.
- Silk and artificial floral arrangements are preferred
Structures, staging, furniture and amusements
- 1 small table, maximum 1.2m2
- Up to 24 chairs with rail style legs
- Weighted free-standing decorative items such as small bridal arches or small columns are permitted. Arches and columns must be no larger than 1.8m high and 1.2m long.
Commercial filming and photography
- Photography is included in the booking fee for this location
- If the photographer is at another location on your booked date, a booking will need to be made for that location.
- Commercial photography and video may be permitted on application. You’ll need to obtain a small-scale photographer and wedding filming license.
Power, lighting and amplified sounds
- 1 single speaker music player
- Volume must be kept at a level that does not interfere with neighbours or the public
- Non-amplified music such as a string duo, trio or quartet.
Prohibited
Commercial catering is not permitted.
Balloons, plant materials and animals are not permitted, including:
- Flower arrangements or decorations that contain seeds, vines or exotic plant materials
- Throwing rice, streamers, confetti or petals
- Horse-drawn carriages
- Candles or open flames
Amplifiers and public address systems are not permitted.
Tents, marquees and banners are not permitted. Please do not put up signage or cordon off structures or areas at Wategos Beach east and west.
Generators
Horses
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.
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