Anson Bay (Burnt Pine)
- Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Anson Bay (Burnt Pine) is a remote, exposed point-break on Norfolk Island’s northwestern coastline, reached by descending a steep zigzag cliff track from Anson Bay Reserve. The setup is defined by rocky/reef terrain at the point and steep cliffs around the launch, which contributes to a challenging, expedition-style surf experience rather than a relaxed beach entry. Surf performance is described as inconsistent by reference guidance, but the spot is still known for working best with the right swell wrapping into the bay. One spot profile emphasizes winter as the usual window when conditions line up, while another notes no strong seasonal pattern—so practical planning should focus on swell and wind alignment rather than assuming a single “always-on” season. Wind guidance points to northeast winds as the best direction for the break, while westerly winds can make conditions messy. The wind profile also indicates low reliability overall (a mix of blown/clean/small conditions), so riders should expect variability between sessions. Safety is a top priority: strong rips/currents can occur, and the spot is not recommended for swimming. Hazards reported include rocks, sharks, and sea snakes on the reef, with additional risk from the steep access path and a lack of lifeguards. Emergency shelter is present on the track to the beach, and NIHRACS is identified as the nearest medical facility.
- Exposed, rocky point-break with potential to hold bigger swell
- Rarely crowded and remote feel
- Excellent visibility / crystal-clear water
- Steep cliff-track access with an emergency shelter on the route
- Remote, secluded feel with rare crowding
- Crystal-clear water/excellent visibility
- Classic point-break setting with potential to hold larger swell
- Exposed point with inconsistent surf and a rocky/reef bottom
- Strong rips and currents; not suitable for swimming
- Steep cliff-track access can be exhausting and risky
- Hazards include rocks, sharks, and sea snakes
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Offshore directions
- NE
- No-go directions
- W
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind pattern dominates the island seasonally; winter can bring more frontal systems.
- Reliability
- Low overall reliability (reported mix of blown/clean/small conditions).
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported in the spot’s wind profile.
- Best Months
- October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs provide some protection from easterly winds but can create turbulence.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/rock at the break; sand is also referenced for nearshore/bay components.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — General wave size described as small by some profiles; another profile describes medium surf.
- Launch
- Medium — Steep walking track from the cliff top with zigzag descent; emergency shelter present on the track.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate difficulty due to steep access and rocky point.
Through the year
Rarely crowded year-round.
Rain is possible year-round, with heavier periods typically from May to August.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed point break at the northwestern tip of Norfolk Island with rocky/reef base and steep cliffs at the launch. Usually considered a winter-performing point when swell wraps into the bay.
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, All tides — Spot-level notes conflict slightly: one profile suggests all-tides, while another highlights mid tide as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Highly exposed point with limited natural shelter; cliffs can reduce some easterly wind but also create turbulence.
- Wind Effect
- Best on northeast winds; very messy in westerly conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold a big swell but may become heavy and difficult to manage with significant shorebreak.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good overall; another profile rates it average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave energy on the point.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling wave profile reported; can become heavy on larger swells.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peels at a moderate pace.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Decent rides can be possible when the swell wraps correctly.
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer decent rides from the point into the bay when the swell is lined up correctly.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Anson Bay (Burnt Pine) in the full forecast view.
Anson Bay (Burnt Pine) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–19 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- ESE114°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3019 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.7 m8s period
- Temperature
- 18–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Anson Bay (Burnt Pine) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.9–1.7 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- sharks
- sea snakes
- strong rips
- steep access path
- remote location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated water sports rescue service; emergency response is managed by Norfolk Island Police Force and Volunteer Marine Rescue.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency shelter present on the track to the beach; the nearest medical facility is NIHRACS (Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No strong localism indicated for the spot in the provided notes.
Rules of the spot
Not recommended for swimming due to strong rips/currents; exercise caution on the steep access track and over rocky/reef areas.
- Not recommended for swimming due to strong rips.
- Stay cautious around sea snakes on the reef.
- Do not enter for swimming—strong rips can occur.
- Check the tide before heading down, as the beach can be quite small at high tide.
- Expect a steep, tiring walk back up after a long session.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Burnt Pine
- Nearest Town
- Burnt Pine
- Parking
- Small parking area at the top of the cliffs (Anson Bay Reserve). Expect to walk down a steep, zigzagging cliff track to reach the beach.
- Access
- Drive 10 minutes northwest from Burnt Pine along Anson Bay Road. From Burnt Pine Township roundabout: Taylors Road west, then Grassy Road north past the hospital. Turn left down Mission Road and right at the end along Anson Bay Road to Anson Bay Reserve parking. From parking, descend a steep cliff-face track that zigzags to the beach.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is primarily around Burnt Pine and Kingston; Burnt Pine town centre is about 4km from Anson Bay Reserve.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the beach; cafes and supermarkets are in Burnt Pine.
- Equipment Rental:
- Very limited; visitors are strongly advised to bring their own equipment as dedicated rental shops are not established.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Norfolk Island is described as tranquil and scenic, with dramatic cliffs, lush pine forests, and exceptionally clear waters.
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring convict settlement ruins and Georgian architecture.
Explores the island's unique history including the Bounty mutiny and Pitcairn heritage.
Walking tracks through the National Park offering panoramic views of the entire island.
Main commercial hub with cafes, restaurants, and the local RSL club.
Exploration of the coral reefs and marine life in protected lagoon areas.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Anson Bay (Burnt Pine)?
The best overall months at Anson Bay (Burnt Pine) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Anson Bay (Burnt Pine)?
Anson Bay (Burnt Pine) works with NE winds. Offshore directions are NE. No-go directions are W.
What skill level is Anson Bay (Burnt Pine) suitable for?
Anson Bay (Burnt Pine) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.