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Read more →Mojosurf has two homes on the east coast of Australia, a little over 200 km apart on the same highway. Byron Bay is a famous beach town with a choice of surf on both sides of Cape Byron and plenty going on. Spot X, at Arrawarra on the Coffs Coast, is a camp beside a quiet beach and headland where the day revolves around the surf, the meals and the campfire. They suit different trips, and this comparison is here to help you pick.
Side by side
| Byron Bay | Spot X, Arrawarra | |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | A busy, well-known beach town | A small beach settlement, 10 minutes north of Woolgoolga |
| Waves | Beach breaks and right-hand points on both sides of the cape, plus Lennox Head and Ballina | A right-hand point at the headland and beach breaks, usually uncrowded |
| Crowds | Busy. The Pass is very crowded | Quiet |
| Lifeguards | Main Beach is patrolled all year | Patrolled only in the summer school holidays |
| Water temperature | About 25–27 °C in February, 19–22 °C in August | About 24–27 °C in February, 18–21 °C in August |
| Nearest airport | Ballina Byron Gateway, about 30 minutes | Coffs Harbour, about 25 km |
| Where you stay with Mojosurf | Arts Factory Lodge, a 10-minute walk from town | Cabins or tipis at the camp on Arrawarra Beach Road |
| Meals with Mojosurf | See the trip page for what is included | Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day |
| Out of the water | Cape Byron Lighthouse, whale watching from May to November, cafés and nightlife | Solitary Islands Marine Park, Arrawarra Headland, the campfire |
The waves
Byron Bay has variety. The cape turns the coast so that some beaches face north and others south-east, which means there is usually a workable option whatever the wind. Main Beach and Wategos are the gentle end of the range, and Lennox Point, to the south, is for experienced surfers only. Our Byron lessons are held at beaches near Lennox Head or Ballina, chosen for the conditions on the day.
Spot X has space. Arrawarra Point is a right-hander that peels along the headland, described by tourism sources as a gentle wave suited to beginners and longboarders, and it is usually uncrowded. With the camp beside the beach, the morning lesson starts at about 7:30am without a long drive first.
Through the year
Both can be surfed in every season, and they share a similar pattern. Summer has the warmest water and generally smaller surf. Autumn is a favourite on this coast, and April is regarded as prime time at Arrawarra. Winter brings the most swell, from the south, often with offshore winds in the morning, cooler water and whales migrating up the coast. Spring warms up again. In summer you will not need a wetsuit at either. In winter a springsuit or 3/2 mm wetsuit is useful.
Atmosphere
Byron is a town: shops, cafés, live music and a lot of other travellers, with the lighthouse walk above it all. Spot X is a camp: your room, the surf, shared meals and a fire in the evening, with very little else nearby. One is not better than the other. They are different kinds of trip.
Which one is for you?
Choose Byron Bay if you want
- A lively town on your doorstep
- Lots to do between surf sessions
- A beach patrolled all year
- To tick off Australia’s most easterly point
Choose Spot X if you want
- Uncrowded waves
- All meals taken care of
- A camp by the beach, with a campfire at night
- To switch off and focus on surfing
Or do both
Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay are about 250 km apart on the same highway, so the two fit naturally into one trip up or down the coast. The 6 Day Great Aussie Learn to Surf Adventure spends five nights at Spot X and includes a return coach from Sydney, Byron Bay or Brisbane.
With Mojosurf
- Byron Bay Surf Camp: Surf & Stay Byron Bay (3 to 8 days) or surf lessons from a half day to five days.
- Spot X Surf Camp: Surf & Stay Spot X (3 to 8 days, all meals, daily lessons).
Read the full guides
Common questions
Is Byron Bay or Spot X better for beginners?
Both suit beginners. Byron has more going on out of the water. Spot X has fewer people in it.
How far apart are they?
Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay are about 250 km apart. Arrawarra is north of Coffs Harbour, so the drive is a little shorter.
Which has meals included?
Spot X includes breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. For Byron Bay, check the trip page.
