10-Day Surf Trip: Gold Coast to Byron Bay

Ready to ride Australia’s most iconic points, taste beachfront living, and road trip a coastline made for surfers? This 10-day surf trip from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay blends world-class waves, lush hinterland, beach towns with heart, and vibrant food and music scenes. Whether you are chasing long right-hand points or setting up your first lesson in gentle rollers, this itinerary delivers a high-energy, high-sunshine adventure that still leaves space for slow mornings, sunset swims, and starlit nights by the shore.

From Snapper Rocks to The Pass, you will be threading lines along golden sandbars, polishing your style in protected coves, and collecting the little moments that make surf travel addictive. Think sunrise paddles, coffee after the session, fresh mangoes from a roadside stall, and a road that always runs along the sea.

Below is your complete, SEO-optimized, traveler-tested guide. It includes the best time to go, how to get around, gear tips, safety essentials, where to stay, what to eat, and a flexible 10-day itinerary. Book early, travel light, and save room for one more wave.

Why This Surf Road Trip Works

• World-class points with options for every level. The Gold Coast and Byron Bay serve up long right-handers, playful beach breaks, and protected points when the swell kicks.
• Short drives with big variety. Most moves are 15 to 90 minutes, so you spend your time surfing, not sitting in traffic.
• Consistent conditions. Autumn and winter deliver clean lines and offshore winds. Summer brings warm water and tropical energy.
• Surf culture on tap. From board hire to repair shops, surf clubs to lessons, this region revolves around the ocean.
• Perfect for couples, friends, and families. Mix beginner-friendly waves, activities for non-surfers, and easy day-trip options.

Best Time To Go

You can surf year-round, but some months shine brighter than others. Aim for shoulder seasons for the best mix of swell, light winds, and manageable crowds.

• March to May: Prime time. Consistent swell, morning offshores, warm water, and tropical sunsets.
• June to August: Clean and organized surf with cooler mornings and fewer crowds. Water 19 to 21 C, a 3-2 mm suit is ideal.
• September to November: Spring offers fun, user-friendly conditions. Variable winds with sunny days.
• December to February: Warmest water, festive vibe, and school holiday crowds. Expect bluebottles on NE wind days and a mix of small fun days plus occasional cyclone swells.

Tip for crowd control: Avoid Christmas to late January and Easter if you prefer quieter lineups. Sunrise sessions and midweek surfs make a big difference.

Getting There and Around

• Fly into Gold Coast Airport (OOL) for the start of the trip. Brisbane (BNE) is a larger hub about 1 to 1.5 hours north of the Gold Coast. For departures, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) is just 30 minutes south of Byron.
• The route follows the M1 Pacific Motorway. There are no tolls on this stretch. Most beach towns are a few minutes off the highway.
• Rent a car or campervan. A compact car works for singles and couples. Families often choose SUVs or campervans for gear and space.
• Parking: Byron Bay has paid parking near main beaches and The Pass. Arrive early for sunrise slots. Gold Coast point car parks also fill quickly on good swells and weekends.

Estimated drive times:

• Coolangatta to Burleigh Heads: 20 to 25 minutes
• Burleigh Heads to Tweed Coast (Cabarita): 35 to 45 minutes
• Cabarita to Byron Bay: 45 to 60 minutes

Boards and Gear: What To Bring or Hire

• Board quiver.
  • Intermediate to advanced surfers: A performance shortboard for beachies and a step-up or fish for the points and flatter sections. Many bring a twin or mid-length for variety.
  • Beginners and cruisers: A foamie or longboard for Currumbin Alley, Greenmount, Clarkes, and The Pass on small days.
• Wetsuits.
  • Summer: Springsuit or trunks with a rash vest. Water 24 to 27 C.
  • Autumn to winter: 3-2 mm full suit, sometimes booties for rocky entries at Burleigh and Lennox.
• Essentials: Zinc sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, wax for local temps, reef-safe sunscreen, repair kit, soft racks if your car does not have bars.
• Hiring gear: You will find surfboard hire at Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, Kingscliff, Cabarita, and Byron Bay Main Beach. Prices range from 25 to 40 AUD per day. Package rates for multi-day hires can save money.
• Lessons: Group lessons cost about 75 to 120 AUD. Private lessons run 180 to 300 AUD. Look for accredited schools with licensed instructors and insurance.

Surf Safety and Etiquette

• Respect the pecking order at world-class points. Wait your turn, do not snake, call your direction, and always hold onto your board.
• Right of way: The surfer closest to the breaking section has priority. At The Pass, inside takeoffs are common. Watch for longboarders trimming through sections.
• Rips and rocks: Duranbah, Tallows, and Lennox are powerful on bigger swells with strong currents. Burleigh and Lennox have rocky entries. Survey the spot before paddling out.
• Lifeguards and flags: Swim between the red and yellow flags. Surfers generally keep clear of flagged swim zones.
• Marine life: Bluebottles can arrive on NE wind days in summer. First aid recommends hot water immersion for pain relief. Avoid dawn and dusk surfing, avoid murky water, and do not surf alone at remote beaches.

The 10-Day Gold Coast to Byron Bay Surf Itinerary

This plan balances flexibility with structure, so you can chase conditions while still ticking off the classics. Distances are short, so consider this a sampler plate of Queensland and Northern Rivers surfing.

Day 1: Arrive Gold Coast, Settle in Coolangatta

• Morning or afternoon arrival at OOL. Check into accommodation in Coolangatta or Rainbow Bay.
• First paddle: Head to Greenmount or Rainbow Bay for a cruisy warm-up. These points are sheltered and ideal for long rides and longer boards.
• Sunset lookout: Walk to Snapper Rocks and watch the Superbank turn on. Even if you are not paddling out yet, it is worth the show.
• Dinner: Fresh fish and chips on Marine Parade or a casual beachfront bistro. Early night to reset after travel.

Surf breaks to target:

• Rainbow Bay and Greenmount for friendly rights on small to medium days
• Snapper Rocks for advanced surfers when it is pumping

Day 2: Superbank Morning, Currumbin Alley Afternoon

• Dawn patrol: If the swell lines up, paddle out at Snapper or Greenmount. On a smaller day, you can link rides from Greenmount toward Kirra on the right banks.
• Late morning coffee and acai bowls along Marine Parade.
• Afternoon session: Head north to Currumbin Alley. Inside the Alley is beginner friendly on smaller swells with long rides. Outside sections challenge intermediates and up.
• Golden hour: Walk Elephant Rock for views across the coast.

Surf breaks to target:

• Snapper Rocks and Greenmount for long rights
• Currumbin Alley for user-friendly waves

Pro tip: If it is big, drive to Duranbah for peaky beach breaks that handle size. Expect a strong crowd and rips. Intermediate to advanced only when larger.

Day 3: Burleigh Heads and The Spit Beachies

• Dawn session at Burleigh Heads for a classic right-hand point over round boulders. This wave is sublime and heavy on solid days. Intermediate to advanced surfers only when it is big. Watch the rock jump and time your entry and exit.
• Midday break: Explore Burleigh village, boutique shops, and the national park headland trail.
• Afternoon beachies at The Spit or Main Beach for a fun, less crowded session. Perfect for shortboarders looking for punchy peaks.

Dining: Grab a beachfront brunch in Burleigh or a picnic in the national park. For sunset, a hilltop session at Burleigh Hill is a local favorite.

Day 4: Choose Your Own Gold Coast Adventure

• If the swell is on: A second round at Burleigh or a trip back to the Superbank.
• If you want a mellow day: Hire longboards and cruise Rainbow Bay again, or book a private lesson to polish your technique.
• Alternative options: Stand up paddle in Tallebudgera Creek, hike in Springbrook National Park, or visit a craft brewery in Miami.

Evening: Pack for a Tweed Coast shift tomorrow. Keep boards dried and waxed.

Day 5: Tweed Coast Move, Kingscliff and Fingal Head

• Short drive south to Kingscliff. Check the beaches just north and south of town for peaky sandbanks and less crowd than the Gold Coast hotspots.
• Midday: Coffee in Kingscliff main street and a stroll along the esplanade.
• Afternoon surf: Fingal Head or Dreamtime Beach on smaller, clean days if you know the spot and conditions. Expect stronger rips and fewer people. If uncertain, stick to patrolled zones and accessible banks.
• Sunset: Walk to the Fingal lighthouse for views across Cook Island.

Stay the night in Kingscliff or Cabarita for an early jump on tomorrow’s point options.

Day 6: Cabarita and Hastings Point, Calm and Classy

• Cabarita Headland offers a right-hand point and nearby beach peaks that light up with the right sand. It is a beautiful, camera-friendly session with manageable crowds compared to Burleigh.
• Hastings Point is family friendly. The estuary and inside bank are good for learners on small days. Intermediates can hunt little runners out the back.
• Afternoon option: Brunswick Heads is a 35 to 45 minute drive south and can be a less crowded warm-up for the Byron zone. Try the breakwall peaks if the banks are set.

Dinner: Cabarita has upscale casual dining and wine bars, perfect for a celebratory mid-trip meal.

Day 7: Byron Bay Arrival, The Wreck and Clarkes

• Drive to Byron Bay early. Grab a parking spot near Main Beach or Clarkes Beach.
• First Byron surf: The Wreck offers punchy A-frames near the shipwreck on medium swells. On smaller days, Clarkes Beach gives mellow, long rides that are great for all levels.
• Afternoon: Explore town. Window-shop along Jonson and Fletcher Streets, pick up local produce, and plan your next dawn run.
• Evening yoga or sunset swim at Wategos.

Stay in Byron town or nearby Suffolk Park to be near multiple breaks.

Day 8: The Pass at Sunrise, Tallows After Lunch

• Early mission to The Pass. On a small to medium swell with light morning winds, this is an unforgettable long right-hand point. Expect crowds and a mix of craft. Paddle wide, take turns, and commit to waves you have priority on.
• Midday break: Lighthouse walk from the Pass to Cape Byron for sweeping views. Spot dolphins and, in season, migrating whales.
• Afternoon surf: Tallows and Suffolk Park pick up more swell and prefer southerly protection. Stronger currents and shorebreak are common, so this is best for confident intermediates and up.

Dinner: Farm-to-table dining just outside town or a local burger joint after a long day in the water.

Day 9: Broken Head or Lennox Head Day Trip

• Morning: If the wind has a northerly tilt, Broken Head can be a magic alternative. Look for right-handers with fewer people than The Pass.
• Day trip option: Drive 25 to 35 minutes south to Lennox Head. On small to moderate swells, this legendary right point offers long lines. The entry and exit are rocky, so take your time, and wear booties if you like. Intermediates on clean, smaller days, advanced when bigger.
• Non-surfers: Explore Bangalow’s boutiques and cafes, or kayak with dolphins when conditions allow.

Evening: Live music night in Byron or a quiet spa session to stretch and reset.

Day 10: Final Byron Slide and Departure

• Last dawn patrol at your favorite spot. The Pass for a graceful farewell, The Wreck for punch, or Clarkes for cruisy flow.
• Breakfast in town and a stroll through the market if it is on.
• Drop gear, return the car, and depart from Ballina Byron Gateway or drive back to the Gold Coast if your flights go from there.

The Region’s Key Surf Breaks at a Glance

Gold Coast Highlights

• Snapper Rocks to Kirra: Advanced right-hand point on classic days with fast walls and barrels.
• Greenmount and Rainbow Bay: Friendly rights, long rides, and a great place to log.
• Burleigh Heads: Powerful right point over boulders. For confident surfers when it is solid.
• Currumbin Alley: Superb for learners and cruisers inside. Fun for intermediates outside.
• Duranbah: Consistent beach break with peaky wedges. Strong currents on bigger swells.

Tweed Coast Favorites

• Kingscliff: Sandbank beachies with fewer crowds and easy town access.
• Fingal Head and Dreamtime: Scenic and powerful with rips. Check conditions and swim near patrols if unsure.
• Cabarita: Classic set-up with sand-driven points and nearby peaks.
• Hastings Point: Family friendly estuary area with gentle options.

Byron Bay and Beyond

• The Wreck: Punchy peaks near the shipwreck. Fun and photogenic.
• Clarkes Beach: Mellow, long rides. Great for lessons.
• The Pass: Icon of Byron. Long right-hand lines and a blend of craft. Crowded but special.
• Wategos: Gentle longboard spot on small days with a postcard backdrop.
• Tallows and Suffolk Park: Open beach break facing south. Heavier currents when solid.
• Broken Head: Point and beach combo with protection from certain winds.
• Lennox Head: Long right point for experienced surfers on medium to large swells.

Where To Stay

Gold Coast

• Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay: Stay here for the Superbank and easy dawn patrols. Choices range from surf hostels and holiday apartments to beachfront hotels.
• Burleigh Heads: A stylish village feel with cafes, a national park trail, and a polished dining scene. Good mid to high-end stays with sea views.

Typical price ranges per night:

• Hostels: 35 to 60 AUD per person
• Mid-range hotels or apartments: 140 to 250 AUD
• Boutique and luxury: 250 to 500 AUD plus

Tweed Coast

• Kingscliff: Holiday parks, apartments, and quiet beachfront resorts. A relaxed base close to sandbanks.
• Cabarita Beach: Boutique stays and upscale apartments. Great for couples seeking a slower pace.

Byron Bay

• In-town near Main Beach: Walk to The Wreck, Clarkes, and The Pass. Expect paid parking and buzzing nights.
• Belongil and Wategos: Charming, premium, and quiet upscale areas.
• Suffolk Park: Good value, mellow vibe, and close to Tallows.
• Surrounding hinterland: Retreats and cottages if you want silence and stars.

Food and Drink Tips

• Breakfast: Smoothie bowls, sourdough toast, and specialty coffee rule from Coolangatta to Byron. Cafes open early for pre or post surf bites.
• Lunch: Fish and chips on the esplanade, poke bowls, or fresh salads.
• Dinner:
  • Gold Coast: Modern Australian, seafood grills, and brewpubs.
  • Tweed Coast: Upscale coastal dining in Cabarita and laid-back eateries in Kingscliff.
  • Byron: Farm-to-table, vegetarian-friendly menus, wood-fired pizza, and beachside bistros.
• Markets: Byron Community Market and local farmers markets offer fresh produce, snacks, and artisan treats.

Nightlife, Music, and Wellness

• Nightlife: Byron Bay has live music most nights, upbeat bars, and casual venues with late kitchens. The Gold Coast brings beach clubs and cocktail lounges, especially around Burleigh and Broadbeach.
• Wellness reset: Yoga studios abound in Byron and Burleigh. Book a post-surf massage, sauna, or ice bath session to stay fresh across the full 10 days.

Budget and Sample Costs

• Car rental: 45 to 90 AUD per day depending on season and vehicle type
• Campervan: 100 to 200 AUD per day
• Fuel: 1.80 to 2.20 AUD per liter
• Board hire: 25 to 40 AUD per day, discounts for multi-day
• Group lesson: 75 to 120 AUD
• Private lesson: 180 to 300 AUD
• Coffee: 4.50 to 6 AUD
• Breakfast at a cafe: 18 to 28 AUD
• Lunch or fish and chips: 15 to 22 AUD
• Dinner mains: 25 to 45 AUD
• Accommodation: see ranges in Where To Stay section
• Parking in Byron: From about 5 AUD per hour in premium zones. Day passes available in some car parks.

Money-saving tips:

• Travel midweek and outside school holidays.
• Book board hire for multiple days.
• Cook breakfast and lunch if you have a kitchen, then splash out on a great dinner.
• Use holiday parks or apartments with included parking near beaches.

Packing List for a 10-Day Surf Trip

• Surfboards or arrange local hire
• Wetsuits: Springsuit and 3-2 mm full suit depending on season
• Booties for rocky entries at Burleigh or Lennox if desired
• Leashes, fins, wax, spare fin key, small repair kit
• Reef-safe sunscreen, zinc for face, lip balm with SPF
• Hat, sunglasses, lightweight towel, poncho towel for quick changes
• Reusable water bottle, small cooler for snacks
• Daypack or dry bag, phone waterproof pouch
• Comfortable sandals and one pair of light sneakers
• Light layers for cool mornings and evenings
• Compact first aid kit and anti-chafe balm
• Headlamp for early starts
• Camera or action cam with float and mount

Responsible and Respectful Travel

• Country and culture: You will surf on Yugambeh Country on the Gold Coast and Bundjalung Country across the Tweed and Byron Shire. Respect the land, the ocean, and local communities.
• Dunes and vegetation: Use marked beach access paths. Protect nesting areas and dunes.
• Rubbish: Pack it in, pack it out. Bring a small reusable bag for beach cleanups after sessions.
• Sunscreen: Choose ocean-friendly formulas and avoid aerosol sprays near others.
• Noise and parking: Keep volume low near residential streets at dawn and respect parking limits to avoid fines.
• Wildlife: Watch for turtles, dolphins, and whales. Keep distance and never chase or feed wildlife.

Quick Planning Checklist

• Flights booked into OOL and out of BNK, or a round-trip with extra drive time
• Car or campervan reserved with roof racks if needed
• First two nights in Coolangatta or Rainbow Bay confirmed
• Tweed Coast stay reserved for mid-trip
• Byron Bay accommodation booked early, especially in peak months
• Multi-day board hire or surf lessons lined up
• Travel insurance that covers surfing
• Parking and beach access info saved offline
• Backup surf spots for prevailing winds noted

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am a beginner. Is this route good for me?
A: Yes. Focus on Currumbin Alley, Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, Clarkes Beach, and The Pass on the smallest days. Book a couple of lessons and use softboards for extra stability.

Q: What about crowds at famous points?
A: They are part of the experience. Surf early, be patient, and choose less famous sandbanks on weekends. The Tweed Coast and Brunswick Heads often feel calmer.

Q: Do I need a 4WD or special vehicle?
A: No. All breaks listed are accessible by standard car and short walks. A wagon or SUV is handy for boards and bags.

Q: Can I surf without a wetsuit?
A: In summer, yes. In autumn and winter a 3-2 mm suit keeps you comfortable, especially on dawn patrols.

Q: Are there shark nets or deterrents?
A: There are shark control programs at some beaches in Queensland. Risk is low but not zero. Follow local advice, avoid murky water, and do not surf alone at dawn or dusk.

Q: Can I camp right at the beach?
A: Use designated holiday parks and campgrounds. Beach camping is restricted and fines apply in many shires.

Pro Tips To Maximize Your Waves

• Check multiple cams and wind forecasts before choosing your spot. Local wind changes by mid-morning are common.
• Byron’s The Pass fills by sunrise. If you see a queue at the car park, Clarkes or The Wreck might be better.
• After heavy rain, rivers can shift sandbars in your favor. Keep an eye on Duranbah, Kirra, and Cabarita banks after a system moves through.
• Bring a mid-length or longboard for fun on small days. You will double your wave count at points like Greenmount and The Pass.
• Respect photographers and swimmers at Wategos. Share the space and keep your board under control.

Sample 10-Day Snapshot at a Glance

• Day 1: Land OOL, Rainbow Bay glide
• Day 2: Superbank morning, Currumbin Alley afternoon
• Day 3: Burleigh power, The Spit beachies
• Day 4: Flex day or lesson
• Day 5: Kingscliff sandbanks, Fingal lighthouse
• Day 6: Cabarita lines, Hastings Point families
• Day 7: Byron arrival, The Wreck and Clarkes
• Day 8: Lighthouse walk, The Pass dawn, Tallows afternoon
• Day 9: Broken Head or Lennox mission
• Day 10: Farewell Byron slide and fly out

Conclusion: Book It, Pack Light, Surf More

A 10-day surf trip from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay gives you the best of Australian east coast surfing in one easy, beach-hopping arc. The variety is huge, the drives are short, and the vibe is infectious. You will roll from sunrise points to beach break romps, linger over long lunches, and soak up warm water for days. Lock in your dates for autumn or winter if you want the cleanest lines, or chase summer sunshine with a lighter board and a playful mindset.

Reserve your car, book those first nights near the Superbank, secure a Byron base, and pencil in a lesson or two if you are starting out. Pack your favorite board or plan a multi-day hire, and give yourself permission to chase conditions, skip the crowds when you can, and always paddle out with a smile. The Gold Coast to Byron Bay surf run is a classic for a reason. It is time to write your own chapter.