What is the northernmost beach in New South Wales?

The northernmost beach in New South Wales is Duranbah Beach in Tweed Heads. It’s a good surfing beach, and east-facing. Swimmers should beware of rips and sharks, however.

The North Coast of New South Wales is lined with hundreds of spectacular beaches, but the northernmost beach in NSW is something of a well-kept secret.

Many Australians assume that the Tweed River is the border between New South Wales and Queensland, but it isn’t quite. The town of Tweed Heads is sandwiched between the north bank of the Tweed and Coolangatta on the Gold Coast.

To all intents and purposes, Tweed Heads merges into Coolangatta, but they are officially separate towns in separate states. And, on a tiny sliver of land between the Tweed River and the border, Tweed Heads has its own beach.

The northernmost beach in New South Wales is Duranbah Beach in Tweed Heads.

Surfing at Duranbah Beach

Duranbah Beach is a short walk away from the legendary Snapper Rocks surf spot in Coolangatta, so it tends not to get that much attention. However, Duranbah Beach makes for a good reserve beach for surfers, as it is east-facing. Coolangatta’s beaches face to the north, and need the right sea conditions, while Duranbah Beach gets surf when swells are coming in from pretty much any direction.

This means Duranbah Beach usually has good beach breaks, while there are also strong right-handers by the entrance wall of the Tweed River.

A Duranbah Beach surf cam is available at Swellnet.

7 Gold Coast experiences worth booking in advance

See waterfalls and natural wonders – on a full day Springbrook National Park tour.
Be awed by massive migrating humpbacks – on a great value whale-watching cruise.
Feast as you explore the Gold Coast waterways – on a dinner cruise.
Kayak with dolphins and snorkel with hundred of sub-tropical fish – on the same tour.
Enjoy high speed thrills along the waterways – on a jet boat adventure.
Glide above the beautiful hinterland – on a serene hot air balloon flight.
Taste the best Scenic Rim wines – on an indulgent Tamborine Mountain wine tour, with lunch.

Swimming at Duranbah Beach

Duranbah Beach is not a great one for swimmers, although it is sometimes patrolled by surf lifesavers. Swim between the flags when surf lifesavers are present, as there are strong rips at the northern and southern ends of the beach.

Best day trips from the Gold Coast – 7 ways to improve your stay

The Gold Coast is a destination in its own right, but there are several excellent day trips you can do while using it as a base.

Deluxe Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
Full day Springbrook National Park tour – with waterfalls and bush tucker tasting.
Snorkelling with turtles at Cook Island.
Evening glowworm-viewing experience – with guided stargazing.
Lady Elliot Island day trip – with glass bottom boat & guided Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour.
Hopping between microbreweries – with lunch included.
Northern Rivers fruit & distillery tour – with Tropical Fruit World and Husk Distillers.

Sharks at Duranbah Beach

The other major issue is that Duranbah Beach is a fairly notorious hang-out for sharks. Bull sharks are often spotted in the Tweed River, while great whites have been photographed in the surf just off Duranbah Beach a few too many times for comfort.

You’ll be unlucky to encounter a shark at the northernmost beach in NSW, but the chances of doing so are far from zero.

Other nearby beaches include Rainbow Bay Beach, Greenmount Beach and Coolangatta Beach in Coolangatta.