Beach number: nsw037
Includes beaches: Back
State/Region: NSW - Woody Head
Beach name: BACK
General Beach Hazard Rating: 6
Least hazardous: 1-3
Moderately hazardous: 4-6
Highly hazardous: 7-8
Extremely hazardous: 9-10
Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.
Beach

Back Beach (NSW 37) runs due south from Woody Head for just over a 1 km (Fig. 4.27). The Back Beach Picnic Area is located behind the centre of the beach and provide access via a 200 m long track through the low dunes to the beach. Unlike Woody Bay, Back Beach faces into the southerly waves, which maintain a higher energy double bar system. The inner bar is usually attached and cut by six rips, with two permanently located against both headlands. A deep trough and offshore bar lie further seaward. This is a hazardous beach, used by surfers and not recommended for swimming.

These six beaches range from low to moderately hazardous. If swimming head for the quieter Woody Bay and the southern end of Bluff Beach, which is patrolled during the summer holidays. Avoid swimming on the rip-dominated beaches.

Woody Bay usually has only a low shore break. Back Beach provides the largest and most consistent beach breaks in the north with the southern point providing a right hand break. Fraser Reef is only a shore break, however the southern side of the reef can produce a good wave over the reef and bars. Also reasonable reef/bar break on the north side of the Bluff during south-east waves. Iluka Beach has variable beach breaks, with potential for good waves against the northern Bluff, during north easterlies. In the south, when the bars are right, the entrance wall (North Wall) can hold reasonable waves up to 3 m during east to south-east swell conditions.

Many fishers come to camp at Woody Bay and fish the surrounding beaches and rocks for tailor, bream, flathead, snapper and jewfish, and to launch their boats to go out to the reefs. Woody Head, Second Bluff, Frazer Reef, Iluka Reef and the North Wall are all popular rock fishing spots, with permanent gutters against the rocks on most of the small beaches. Be wary if walking or fishing on the extensive shore platforms that surround each headland. Waves wash over these platforms and rising tides can trap the unwary. There is 4WD access to Iluka Beach, north of the southern access track.

The southernmost section of Bundjalung National Park, between Shark Bay and the northern Clarence River entrance wall includes six small beaches (NSW 36-40A) separated by headlands composed of 200 million year old Triassic sandstones. The park provides good access to all beaches, with a popular camping area at Woody Head, and the fishing town of Iluka providing a base for visitors.

Type: Formal parking area
Spaces: 20