A guide to choosing the right beach for your family photos

As a family photographer creating natural and candid family sessions across the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast, my work is grounded in ease, connection, and natural storytelling. The beaches I choose are not random ,they directly shape how your session feels and how your family interacts on the day.

This guide will help you understand how I choose locations and which beaches work best depending on your family, your energy, and the kind of experience you want.

We are incredibly spoiled for choice in this region, and I am always scouting new locations. However, not every beach works for every family or every session. My approach is intentional , I match the location to your family as much as possible to create a calm, natural experience that doesn’t feel like a traditional photoshoot. I focus on experience first , because how you FEEL in front of the camera matters to me and creating images that flow naturally and show who you uniquely are. 

How I Choose the Right Beach for Your Family

This is the most important part of the process. Every recommendation I make is based on how your family naturally interacts and what will make the session feel easy and enjoyable.

Family energy & children’s ages

Some beaches are perfect for movement, exploration, and younger children. Others suit older kids or more relaxed family dynamics.

For example, I avoid busier or more exposed headlands for toddlers, as I want your experience to feel safe, relaxed, and enjoyable, for example Norries Headland in Cabarita isnt suitable if your toddler is busy and runs everywhere , buy maybe okay if your toddler explores but stays close to you. If your toddler is busy , Ill take yu to Back baeach or main at Caba . Or my favourite location for families – Hastings Creek and Point. 

Light & time of day

I always consider whether sunrise or sunset will work best for the location.

• Sunrise works beautifully for Dreamtime Beach and Cabarita
• Some headlands work for both but vary with crowd levels and season- Hastings point and creek works beautifully for both 
• Light direction changes how soft or contrasty your images feel, and locations have rocks that we can shape light 

Wind, tides & conditions

Wind direction and tide levels play a huge role in how a beach functions.

Some beaches disappear or become very limited at high tide, while others open up beautifully. I always plan around this so we have space to move comfortably. Ill ise wide open beaches like South KIngscliff and Caba Back beach for extended families ( or with kids that like to run !) Kirra beach also has beautiful stretches of beach and dunes

Accessibility & ease

I take into account parking, walking distance, and how easy it is to move with children, grandparents, or extended family members.

The goal is always ease no long, stressful walks or difficult terrain unless it adds to the experience intentionally.

Some beaches have ammenities ( toilets and a place to rinse off the sand ) and others dont , its not detrimental but please mention if thats a factor for you . 

Crowds & privacy

Some beaches are naturally busier, especially on the Gold Coast.- Burleigh and Currumbin 

This isn’t always a problem, but I always factor it in depending on your comfort level. When needed, I adjust timing or choose quieter sections of the beach.

Northern Rivers Family Photography Favourite Beach Locations

Here are my most used Northern Rivers locations, each chosen for specific conditions and family types.

 Dreamtime Beach (Fingal Head)

Best for sunrise, wind protection, and natural movement.
A beautiful, open beach with headland shelter and soft morning light. Also dog-friendly, which makes it perfect for families including pets.

Broken Head (Byron Bay)

Best for sunrise or sunset with wide open space and flexibility.
This beach allows us to move away from crowds and create a very relaxed, natural session.

 The Pass (Byron Bay)

Best for a classic Byron Bay feel with variation and energy.
Very family-friendly but can be busy, especially in peak times.

 South Kingscliff

Best for easy access, parking, and extended families.
Works well across different tides and lighting conditions. A regular choice for me because it central and easy overall.

Cabarita Main Beach

Best for variation, dunes, and family movement.
A popular location but with great space and nearby amenities. When families choose this location they often end with bribes being fulfilled at the local Gelato in Caba 

Cabarita Back Beach

Best for movement, play, and natural interaction.
Dog-friendly and ideal for relaxed, energetic sessions., Norries headland as backdrop is beautiful for both sunrise and sunset session. 

Hastings Creek

Best for family-friendly, easygoing sessions.
Can be busy but offers great flexibility. Its not a dog beach 

 Hastings Headland

Best for sunrise or sunset with beautiful variation.
At certain times of year, we also see whale activity from here, which adds something special for families. This is a dog friendly beach as well. 

 

Pottsville Creek

A quiet hidden gem that works best on specific tides.
A beautiful, natural location when conditions align.

 Black Rock

Best for privacy, simplicity, and soft light.
A great option when you want a quieter, more intimate feel.

Southern Gold Coast Family Photography Locations

These locations are more structured and often busier, but offer beautiful variety and coastal backdrops.

Burleigh Heads

Best for variation and a mix of beach + city backdrop.
A popular location but full of energy and texture. Some of my favourire images and sessions are from this beach.

Currumbin

Best for natural movement and layered coastal scenery.
Can be busy, but we can shift away from crowds easily if needed.

Kirra Beach

Best for wide open space and soft dunes.
Great for simple, clean, natural family imagery.

Sunrise vs Sunset , which is best for beach photos?

Sunrise is my preferred time for most beaches as it offers softer light, calmer conditions, and fewer people.

Sunset can be beautiful, but depending on the beach, light can disappear earlier or become more contrast-heavy.

I always choose timing based on:

• your family
• the beach
• wind direction
• seasonal conditions

I have written another guide on the best time of day for your family shoot here

Seasonal Differences in Beach Photography

Sunrise and sunset times differ , summer time sessions are often a risk because of summer storms  and high winds. Beaches take the full force of the wind , if I can move to sheltered beach then thats always considered when choosing locations. 

Winter , although colder , is more consistent and later sunrise times ( but earlier afternoon sessions – 3pm in peak winter) but the winter light is my favourite. 

Summer light can be bright and intense 

Winter light soft and glowing

What Makes a Beach Work for Different Families

Different families need different environments:

• Younger families → open, interactive beaches for movement
• Older children → flexible locations with variation
• Extended families → wider beaches with space and easy access
• Maternity sessions → scenic, soft-light beaches with variation, and sometimes more private beaches for mums wanting more skin. 

Accessibility & Ease for Families

Some of my most reliable locations for ease include:

• Cabarita (main + back beach)
• Dreamtime Beach, Fingal ( my Banora Families often choose this beach) 
• Hastings Point, Pottsville
• South Kingscliff
• Broken Head, Byron 

These offer easier access, parking, and smoother movement with children or larger groups.

 What to Expect From a Beach Family Session With Me

My sessions are designed to feel natural, relaxed, and unposed.

I guide gently, but I don’t direct rigid posing. Instead, I encourage movement, connection, and interaction so your images reflect your family as they are.

I want your session to feel like time together and not a curated photoshoot.I have learned its about being together.

 Not Sure Which Beach Is Right?

If you’re unsure, I’ll guide you through the entire decision based on your family, your location, and the experience you want.

Every family is different, and I always match the beach to your energy rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

Ready to Book Your Family Session?

If you’re planning natural, candid family photos on the Northern Rivers or Gold Coast, I’d love to help guide you through the best location and timing for your family. I can be contacted directly here , and for more on how sessions work and how they feel , visit this link.

I have also written some helpful articles here in planning your next shoot . There are aimed at helping you plan a shoot , what to wear and how to create natural images of your family.