Broken Head

NSW 2481 • Richmond Valley - Coastal

385
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
26.10 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideRuralHistoric

About Broken Head

Broken Head is a small coastal locality in Byron Shire, New South Wales, situated approximately 9 km south of Cape Byron — the easternmost point of Australia — and near the vibrant town of Byron Bay. With a population of just 385, it is one of the more intimate communities in the Northern Rivers region. The locality is named for the dramatic Broken Head headland, and is bounded by the 98-hectare Broken Head Nature Reserve, which protects a rare intact section of littoral rainforest.

Broken Head is prized for its pristine beaches, outstanding surf breaks, rainforest walks, and whale watching opportunities, making it a drawcard for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Broken Head Holiday Park, uniquely managed by the Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation, reflects the area's deep Aboriginal cultural heritage. The community is small and private, with many residents valuing the unspoiled natural environment. Byron Bay town centre, with its restaurants, shops, and live music scene, is a short drive away, offering the best of both worlds — seclusion and lifestyle.

Broken Head falls under postcode 2481 and is governed by Byron Shire Council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Ballina electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
2481
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-28.66°, 153.59°
Statistical Area
Richmond Valley - Coastal
Area
26.10 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Byron Bay Railway Station
10 km
N/A (drive)

Bus Services

  • Blanch's Bus Co local services — Byron Bay 15-20 min

Commute to Byron Bay town centre

Distance
10 km
By Train
N/A — nearest station Byron Bay (10 km); limited services
By Car (Peak)
15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
12 min

🛣️ Access via Broken Head Road to Byron Bay

Walkability Car-Dependent

No local shops or services; beach access on foot within the locality, but a car is needed for all amenities

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Broken Head by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Broken Head Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Broken Head" under Suburb

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
385
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broken Head known for? +

Broken Head is renowned for its pristine surf beaches, the 98-hectare Broken Head Nature Reserve with littoral rainforest, whale watching, and its close ties to the Arakwal Aboriginal people.

How far is Broken Head from Byron Bay? +

Broken Head is approximately 9-10 km south of Byron Bay town centre, about a 12-15 minute drive via Broken Head Road.

Who manages the Broken Head Holiday Park? +

The Broken Head Holiday Park is managed by the Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation, following its transfer from the NSW Crown Lands Department in 2009.

Is Broken Head good for surfing? +

Yes, Broken Head is regarded as an excellent surfing locality, with consistent beach breaks and a quieter atmosphere compared to the busy beaches closer to Byron Bay.