Bendalong Beach (New South Wales)

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Bendalong Beach is an exposed NSW South Coast beach break known for fairly consistent surf, with winter/spring months tending to produce the most reliable conditions. It’s described as having both left and right wave options depending on the setup, and it can still pick up swell when some nearby breaks are less active. The break is workable across tide stages, which helps flexibility for planning sessions. For safety, the beach is associated with rip currents as a primary hazard, and rocks and sharks are also reported hazards. The spot can be very crowded, particularly around school holidays and summer weekends due to nearby accommodation. Even when the surf looks inviting, riders should assume strong current and stay aware of entry/exit routes. Wind-wise, summer often features North-East sea breezes, with an afternoon peak, while westerly winds tend to be more favorable for offshore conditions. Typical winds are often described in the low-to-mid teens up to the mid-20s in knots, with gusting noted as generally light. A northern headland effect can create localized wind shadowing for North-East winds close to the cliff. Overall, Bendalong is primarily a surfing destination aimed at intermediate surfers, but it also sees occasional crossover use from wingfoilers and kitesurfers during suitable sea-breeze conditions. Because the area is exposed and the hazards are real, checking wind, swell, and current conditions before you commit is emphasized.

  • Exposed, consistent beach break surf
  • Works across all tides
  • Seasonal best month: May
  • Rips are a key hazard; rocks/sharks reported
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Fairly consistent beach break with reliable swell
  • Works across all tide levels
  • Generally clean water conditions are reported
Heads up
  • Exposed conditions can mean strong winds and variable chop
  • Crowds can be heavy at times (especially school holidays and weekends)
  • Rips are a key hazard and rocks/sharks are reported hazards
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NE, NW, W, SW
Offshore directions
W, WNW, NW
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Summer tends to feature consistent North-East sea breezes; winter can be more frontal/variable.
Reliability
Moderate reliability for sea breezes in summer; frontal winds in winter.
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February
Shadow Zones
The northern headland can create a wind shadow for North-East winds close to the cliff.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium
Launch
Medium — Easy access via track from the car park with instant access (<5 minutes walk).
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Easy access via track from the car park; some descriptions rate launch as moderate.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
15–24 °C
Water Temperature
9–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun–Sep: 4/3mmMar–Nov: 3/2mm or shortyDec, Jan, Feb: rash guard / boardshorts
Crowds by Season

Can become very crowded during school holidays and summer weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain possible year-round; occasional East Coast Low storm events in winter/spring and late summer/autumn can bring heavy weather.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Occasionally used for kitesurfing during North-East sea breezes with cross-onshore conditions and small to medium waves.

FreerideWave
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable for wingfoiling in North-East winds, though experience is recommended due to shore break and occasional heavier swell.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf; can pick up swell when other nearby options are flat.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
S, SE, E
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Also reported as working best at mid tide by some descriptions.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Offshore in west to north-west winds; North-East winds can create chop but can still be usable for other sports.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and close out during massive South swells, but generally holds up well up to around 3 meters.
Wave Quality
Good — Fairly consistent with workable conditions across tide levels.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Average rides often run roughly 50 to 150 meters depending on sandbar formation.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Average rides range between 50 and 150 meters depending on sandbar formation.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bendalong Beach (New South Wales) in the full forecast view.

Bendalong Beach (New South Wales) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–9 ktsGusts 22 kts
Direction
ENE78°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 249 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–2.0 m8s period
Temperature
10–33 °C

Over the next 7 days, Bendalong Beach (New South Wales) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.8–2.0 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
  • sharks
  • sun exposure
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards may be seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Rescue availability is listed as no at the beach level, though regional rescue support can be limited.
Emergency Info
Nearest major medical facilities are located in Milton or Ulladulla.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

There are currently no services provided by Surf Life Saving Australia for this beach. Standard Australian surf etiquette applies; respect local beach rules regarding dog-friendly zones. No motorized watercraft in designated swimming areas.

Restrictions
  • Seasonal dog restrictions in some zones
  • No motorized watercraft in designated swimming areas
Local Tips
  • The beach is quite exposed, so check the wind forecast; if it is too windy, choose a more sheltered option nearby.
  • Stingrays are frequently seen in the shallows near the boat ramp areas nearby.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Bendalong, Shoalhaven
Nearest Town
Bendalong
Parking
Car park located to the right of the caravan park at the end of the road; instant access (<5 min walk) to the beach.
Access
Located at the end of the road in the township of Bendalong, just south of the caravan park. Follow the Bendalong turn-off from the Princes Highway, drive straight to the caravan park, then pull into the car park to the right and follow the track to the beach.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Picnic area
Playground
Camping
Accommodation
Nearby town — Holiday accommodation includes a caravan park and rental houses in the village.
Food & Drink
A general store and cafe are located within the Bendalong village.
Equipment Rental:
Limited rental options in Bendalong; more extensive surf shops available in Ulladulla.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Nature-forward destination with pristine beaches, national parks and marine sanctuaries and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Best time to visit: September to April
Pigeon House Mountain (Didthul)25 km

Iconic hike with panoramic coastline and Budawang Wilderness views.

Jervis Bay Marine Park30 km

World-class diving, snorkeling, and whale watching opportunities just north of the region.

Ulladulla Sea Pool20 km

Scenic ocean pool for family swimming and relaxing away from the surf.

Milton Historic Village15 km

19th-century heritage village with galleries and boutique shops.

Cupitt's Estate18 km

Boutique winery, brewery, and restaurant between Milton and Ulladulla.

Boat Harbour Beach

Calm and safe for children.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Bendalong Beach (New South Wales)?

The best overall months at Bendalong Beach (New South Wales) are March, April, May. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Bendalong Beach (New South Wales)?

Bendalong Beach (New South Wales) works with N, NE, NW, W, SW winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, NW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Bendalong Beach (New South Wales)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Bendalong Beach (New South Wales): Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Bendalong Beach (New South Wales) suitable for?

Bendalong Beach (New South Wales) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert · Wingfoiling: Advanced to Expert · Surfing: Intermediate.