Bawley Point
- Shortboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Bawley Point is a right-hand point break on the NSW South Coast, described as short and powerful with a hollow/peeling feel over a shallow reef. The break is exposed, so conditions can change quickly, and the take-off area is reported as critical because it sits close to sharp rocks. When winds are offshore—specifically from the south-southwest/SW/WSW—the wave surface is more likely to stay clean. Ideal performance is tied to a southeast swell direction, with best sessions occurring around mid tide. In smaller surf, the inside section is described as comparatively tame and can be more manageable. In larger conditions the spot can hold well and produce more power and longer, connected waves, but it may also shut down. Reports also note serious barrels when it gets big, while simultaneously warning that entry and exit over uneven reef can be tricky. Overall, it’s portrayed as a challenging reef break best for experienced surfers due to rocks, rip currents, and shark risk, with moderate localism mentioned in some guidance. Rescues/lifeguards are not indicated at the break, so conditions and safety planning matter.
- Offshore SW/SW-WSW winds support cleaner surf
- Best around mid tide
- Inside section can be tame in smaller swell
- Rarely crowded
- Well-regarded right-hand point break with good wave quality when conditions align.
- Works best with offshore SW/SW-related winds and SE swell around mid tide.
- Rarely crowded year-round.
- Sharp rocks and shallow reef make entry/exit and take-off risky.
- Rips can occur, especially against northern rocks during higher seas.
- Waves can become serious on big swells, with locals and sharks listed as hazards.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SSW, SW, WSW
- Offshore directions
- SSW, SW, WSW
- Wind Range
- 9–11 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Provider data lists trade winds (with winter dominance). Offshore SW/WSW winds are cited as ideal for clean surf.
- Reliability
- 15% blown monthly; 36% clean monthly; 49% small. In September, 38% 'clean surfable' time is cited.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Per reports: light gusting.
- Best Months
- June
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Mixed — Reef bottom; rocky entry with some nearby sandy access.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — One source describes small waves; another describes medium wave sizes depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky entries are common.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Critical take-off close to sharp rocks; rocky entries common.
Through the year
Rarely crowded; summer weekends see more visitors.
Rain can occur year-round; east coast lows in winter can bring heavy conditions.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A reasonably exposed, short, powerful right-hand point break over shallow reef. Critical take-off is very close to sharp rocks; the inside section can be more manageable in smaller conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SE
- Swell Height
- 0.9–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best around mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open point exposure; reef break.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore-from-south-southwest-best; tends to be cleaner and more groomed with suitable offshore winds, but becomes less favorable when winds shift.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds on larger swells up to about 8–10 ft (2.4–3 m), but can shut down; can spit serious barrels when bigger.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Some descriptions emphasize peeling/groomed character depending on wind.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal length short (<50 m); can produce longer sessions (150–300 m) when connected.
- Typical Ride Length
- 0–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length short (<50 m); good day length (150–300 m) when working.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bawley Point in the full forecast view.
Bawley Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- ENE73°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2511 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.1 m8s period
- Temperature
- 10–33 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bawley Point is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.8–2.1 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
- rip currents
- rocks
- urchins
- sharks
- locals
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level sources report no rescue availability.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Ulladulla.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism is noted; surf etiquette still applies.
Rules of the spot
Beware of rips, rocks, locals, and sharks. Short, powerful waves with a critical take-off near sharp rocks.
- Expert/exceedingly experienced surfers recommended, especially when waves get big.
- Critical take-off is very close to sharp rocks—use caution on entry.
- Inside section can be tame in smaller swell; tricky entry/exit is still over uneven reef.
- Works best in offshore winds from the south southwest; ideal swell direction is from the southeast; best around mid tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Bawley Point, Shoalhaven, New South Wales
- Nearest Town
- Bawley Point
- Parking
- Street parking; dirt carpark at the end of a short dirt road off Tingara Drive.
- Access
- Take Tingara Drive to the end of the point, then turn left onto a short dirt road just before Tingara swings right; park in the dirt carpark where the break is directly in front.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday rentals and camping available in Bawley Point and Kioloa.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and a general store are located in the town of Bawley Point.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Rugged coastal setting associated with Murramarang National Park, with a low-key sports culture and abundant wildlife.
A coastal park with hiking trails, camping, and secluded beaches.
A beach where eastern grey kangaroos are frequently seen on the sand.
Indigenous cultural tours highlighting local Yuin heritage.
Winery, brewery, and restaurant in nearby Milton.
Eco-friendly retreat with family-oriented outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bawley Point?
The best overall months at Bawley Point are June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are June.
Which wind directions work at Bawley Point?
Bawley Point works with SSW, SW, WSW winds. Offshore directions are SSW, SW, WSW.
What skill level is Bawley Point suitable for?
Bawley Point suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.