Broken Head is a right-hand point that breaks over a mix of uneven reef and sand. The whole set-up is quite spread out, with lefts on offer as well as the main right, which can spin a long way down the bar when the banks are in shape. This is where a lot of the original Byron hippies moved to when the crowds arrived in the '90s, so it has a well-established local scene. On small swell days, the pocket beaches out along the cliffs off Seven Mile Beach Drive are worth a sniff around too.
When It Works
The point draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), with northeast (NE) swell the best match. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, and it's moderately consistent. The main thing is the sand: it needs to line up with the rocky headland to fire, and a bit of north in the swell helps, which makes it more of a summer spot once the banks have had a chance to build up.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest (SW) offshore wind, though the wider window from south to west winds also works here. The point comes in on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Broken Head suits intermediate surfers, and the point proper rewards an above-average skill set. Expect a busy lineup when it's working, with plenty of long-established regulars in the water.
Access
There are restrooms, showers, and camping on hand. For parking, you've got a car park with free parking, plus paid and roadside options.
