Lighthouses and Coastal Heritage, Published 28 January 2026
A stop off at Byron Bays main beach.
Byron Bay’s Main Beach isn’t just beautiful, it’s full of quirky stories and coastal magic. Did you know the beach sits right next to the most easterly point of mainland Australia, meaning it’s one of the first places in the country to see the sunrise? It’s also watched over by the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1901.
Main Beach was once a favourite hangout for early surf lifesaving clubs, and today it’s still one of the safest spots to swim thanks to its gentle waves. Dolphins regularly cruise past the shoreline, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot whales during migration season. And here’s a fun one - the beach was originally called “Cavvanbah,” meaning meeting place in Bundjalung, which feels pretty perfect for a spot that brings everyone together.
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