What to do in The Pocket

Follow winding trails along forested gorges and stop at waterfalls and lookouts along the way in scenic Springbrook National Park. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a unique slice of wilderness.

Wategos Beach is a beautifully protected crescent beach that huddles below the most easterly point in mainland Australia. Swim and play in the gentle waves that roll in from the north or explore the grassy foreshore. With scenic picnic facilities, a shady promenade and walking tracks to the top of the spectacular cape, this beach is a great spot to bring the family for a day of fun by the beach.

Main Beach is an urban bay that runs along the busiest part of Byron Bay along the Pacific Ocean. It is flanked by a picturesque topography of parks, nature trails and lookout spots. Bring your kids to play on this family-friendly beach on a warm and clear day.

Standing on Australia’s far-eastern edge, the Cape Byron Lighthouse has been sending its bright beam over the Pacific Ocean each night since 1901. Explore the lighthouse’s awe-inspiring precinct and be treated to some of the most spectacular coastal views in Byron Bay. Spot turtles and dolphins or watch the surfers carving up the waves offshore. Check out the on-site Maritime Museum and learn seafaring stories and tales of shipwrecks.

Discover some of Byron Bay’s best-kept secrets when you explore Belongil Beach. Stretching north from Byron Bay’s seawall toward the mouth of the meandering Belongil Creek, this 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) strip of golden sands has plenty of space and diverse appeal. The whole family can enjoy a relaxing swim under the watchful supervision of the local surf lifesaving club. Get your snorkel and mask on to discover the mysteries of the SS Wollongbar shipwreck or enjoy ultimate freedom at the beach’s nudist section.

Explore the shoreline of Tallow Beach to experience the natural beauty of the North Coast, where soft sands meet the rolling surf of the Pacific Ocean. Stretching between Cape Byron State Conservation Area and Broken Head Nature Reserve, Tallow Beach sits on the edge of the coastal wilderness and presents fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting. Relax on the sand, swim in the waves or cast a beach-fishing line at this expansive stretch of coast.

Kings Beach is a picturesque and isolated sandy stretch surrounded by dense thickets of rainforest. It is known as a gay-friendly area and is surrounded by scenic nature paths with excellent views of tropical vegetation and the Pacific Ocean. Lay down a blanket for a picnic and stay all afternoon on the soft, white sand.