Water quality of our beaches and waterways
We monitor six swimming sites in the Shire, with weekly water sampling from November to February.
To stay safe, avoid swimming:
- During and for 24 hours after significant rainfall at ocean beaches.
- During and up to three days after heavy rainfall at estuarine beaches.
- If you notice stormwater pollution, such as discoloured water or floating debris.
- Follow any advisory signs in the area.
Check back in from November 2025 to view the water quality in our favourite swimming spots.
Water testing results from November 2024 to February 2025
Additional testing in the lead up to the Adaptive Surfing Championships conducted on 17 March revealed both Main Beach and Clarkes Beach as 4 stars – Good.
Also, as part of the NSW Government’s cyclone recovery efforts, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) conducted further water quality testing with the assistance of Byron Shire Council. Results are shown in the following table:
| Date |
Simpsons Creek |
Torakina Beach |
Brunswick Heads Beach |
Brunswick River upstream |
Main Beach - Byron Bay |
| 16 April |
1 star |
3 stars |
4 stars |
3 stars |
3 stars |
| 13 April |
2 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
3 stars |
4 stars |
| 10 April |
1 star |
2 stars |
4 stars |
3 stars |
3 stars |
| 7 April |
2 stars |
1 star |
4 stars |
1 star |
4 stars |
Previous testing results:
| Date |
Main Beach Byron |
Clarkes Beach |
Tallow Beach |
Simpsons Creek |
Torakina Beach |
South Golden Beach |
| 25 February |
3 stars |
3 stars |
3 stars |
3 stars |
3 stars |
4 stars |
| 18 February |
4 stars |
3 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
| 4 February |
4 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
3 stars |
No sample |
4 stars |
| 28 January |
3 stars |
3 stars |
3 stars |
3 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
| 21 January |
4 stars |
4 stars |
1 star |
3 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
| 14 January |
3 stars |
3 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
3 stars |
3 stars |
| 6 January |
4 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
3 stars |
4 stars |
| 17 December |
3 stars |
2 stars |
1 star |
2 stars |
2 stars |
3 stars |
| 10 December |
4 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
2 stars |
3 stars |
4 stars |
| 3 December |
3 stars |
3 stars |
4 stars |
1 star |
3 stars |
2 stars |
| 16 November |
4 stars |
4 stars |
4 stars |
2 stars |
2 stars |
4 stars |
Explanation of results
- 4 Stars = Good - Bacterial levels are safe for bathing according to National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines.
- 3 Stars = Fair - Bacterial levels indicate an increased risk of illness to bathers, particularly those with lower immune function such as the elderly and young children.
- 2 Stars = Poor - Bacterial levels indicate a substantially increased risk of illness to bathers. Swimming is not recommended at this site.
- 1 Star = Very poor - Bacterial levels indicate a high risk of illness to bathers. It is recommended to avoid swimming at this site.