Wategos Beach is a stunning, peaceful, and sheltered beach located 2 km east of Byron Bay town centre. It is known for its beautiful white sand, calm waters, and is more protected from the wind and waves compared to other beaches in the area. These conditions make it a perfect spot for swimming, relaxation, and a safe and forgiving wave for both expert surfers and beginners. The beach is surrounded by spectacular views, including the Cape Byron Lighthouse, making it a great place to watch the sunset.
Wategos Beach is a popular destination for families and offers a great place for picnics, playing in the sand, and swimming. There are a couple of BBQ facilities, picnic tables, and cafes nearby, as well as public toilets for visitors to use. The beach also offers grassy areas and a walking track that leads up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, which is open from 8 am to sunset.
This beach is named after the Watego family, who settled in the area in the 1930s and used to grow bananas and vegetables where the houses now stand. It was originally named Little Beach. In the 1930s, Murray Watego and his family leased land in the area and grew bananas and other fruits and vegetables. The land lease ended in 1959, and in 1961, the council put up approximately 86 lots of land for auction. Wategos Beach is now considered prime real estate in Byron Bay.
Parking at the beach is metered with a 4-hour limit. While it can be hard to find a spot during the day, there is usually plenty of parking available in the late afternoon. However, the beach can get crowded during the summer. It is recommended to swim and surf when the beach is patrolled.
Nearby attractions include the Cape Byron Lighthouse, built in 1901, which offers views of Byron Bay and houses a Maritime Museum. The Cape Byron Walking Track is a 3.7 km loop that takes about 2 hours to complete and provides stunning views of the ocean and hinterland. Whale watching is also popular during the migration season.
For accommodation, there is an exclusive boutique retreat named Raes on Wategos located in a luxurious beachfront setting, just a wave away from Wategos Beach. The retreat offers personalized service and an elegant, opulent, and exceptionally private space for guests to enjoy a beachfront escape.
