Byron Bay carparks to start reopening

Published on 22 May 2020

Clarkes Beach carpark at Byron Bay was reopened today (22 May 2020) and most other carparks in the town will reopen on Friday 29 May 2020.

The carparks were closed in early April as part of community safety measures to stem the spread of COVID-19.

The State Government’s announcement this week that NSW will reopen to domestic travel means parking needs to be available for visitors to Byron Bay.

Byron Shire Mayor, Simon Richardson, said the easing of restrictions will be a relief for many businesses in the Byron Shire, and while social distancing protocols still apply, the time is right to reopen the carparks.

“As a community we embraced the safety measures put in place by the NSW Government because we all wanted play a part in getting through the COVID-19 pandemic as safely and quickly as possible,” Mayor Richardson said.

“With the easing of travel restrictions in NSW many people will no doubt want to take some time out for a day trip to the beach, or some time away and our carparks need to be open,” he said.

While Clarkes Beach carpark is now reopen, Captain Cook, Broken Head Reserve, Tallow Beach and The Pass carparks will reopen on Friday 29 May, with support from Police and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The carpark at Main Beach will however remain temporarily closed while maintenance and resurfacing work is completed.

Carparks on Seven Mile Beach Road at Broken Head and Scarrabelottis Lookout will also remain temporarily closed to deter gatherings of illegal campers.

Time limits at South Beach Road at Brunswick Heads will remain in place until July.

“You can sense the optimism in the air which is terrific and it really feels like we are starting to move out of the COVID-19 fog,” Mayor Richardson said.

“That’s not to say it’s over but it is a start and this is great news for local businesses, families and our communities generally.

“Let’s all continue to keep our 1.5m away from others and to make sure we are complying with the rules when it comes to catching up with friends and family,” Mayor Richardson said.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.