Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast) is a long sandy tidal-flat spot best known for kitesurfing in trade winds, with conditions ranging from shallow flat water to small chop depending on tide and timing. Water quality is reported as crystal clear, and the beach offers an easy, wide sandy launch that helps with beginner access—provided riders manage the very changeable depth over sand-banking. Wind is strongly trade-dominated through the year, with a typical wind range around 15 to 25 knots reported, and the spot is described as most favorable when winds align with the preferred directions for the area (NE/E/SE trade influence). In summer, an NE sea-breeze effect can reinforce afternoons, and the broader region’s wind pattern includes afternoon thermal reinforcement. Kitesurfers commonly aim for high or outgoing tide to keep water depth usable across the tidal flat. Safety planning is important at Blacks Beach because the tidal range is large and currents can be strong, especially around spring tides. Depth can drop quickly due to sand-banking, which also affects launch and landing. The area also has a stinger season from October to May, with marine stingers including box and Irukandji jellyfish reported; a full-length stinger suit is strongly recommended during this period. Overall, the spot is described as low-profile/local and not widely covered as a major destination, but it’s considered well-regarded within the local Mackay wind-sports scene. Practical logistics are supported by free parking near beach entries and picnic/playground facilities, while direct on-beach services are limited—so riders generally need to plan gear and refreshment options around the access points and nearby town.
- Trade-wind driven kitesurfing area
- Long sandy tidal flat with wide space
- Large tidal movement strongly affects depth and riding conditions
- Stinger season October to May: use protective suit
- Long sandy shoreline with wide space for setups
- Trade-wind conditions are generally reliable across much of the year
- Warm water year-round supports longer sessions
- Highly tide-dependent depth over sand-banking; water depth can change quickly
- Stinger season (October to May) requires strong protection
- Strong tidal currents around spring tides can affect control and timing
- Spot-level rescue/lifeguards are not reported
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ESE, E, SE
- Offshore directions
- NE, E, ESE, SE
- No-go directions
- S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW, NNE, ENE, SSE, N
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind driven conditions are dominant most of the year, with NE/E/SE trade and occasional summer afternoon NE sea-breeze influence.
- Reliability
- high during trade wind season
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Generally steady trade-wind feel reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand shoreline.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small wave and/or small chop depending on tide and wind.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat to small chop; can become choppier depending on tide.
- Launch
- Big — Easy slope and wide sandy beach; ample room especially around mid to low tides (timing varies by activity).
Through the year
Generally low-profile; locals tend to use it more on weekends.
December to March wet season with higher humidity and potential tropical cyclones.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Long sandy tidal flat with shallow, flat-to-choppy water depending on tide. Best described as a beginner-friendly flat/transition spot that can build into small chop; timing around high or outgoing tide helps maintain usable depth over sand-banking.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Freeride windsurfing is suitable when winds are consistent and the tidal depth provides workable water over sand-banks; freeride/foil orientations mentioned depending on conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Shallow tidal flat with an easy slope; foiling can be good at mid to high tide, but strong tidal currents and depth changes require careful timing.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly at appropriate tide; currents can be strong.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast) in the full forecast view.
Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 20 kts
- Direction
- NE35°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3011 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.7 m4s period
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 20 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.2–0.7 m with a period of about 4s. 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
- Sand-banking and rapidly changing depth with tides
- Strong tidal currents (especially around spring tides)
- Marine stingers (October to May) including box jellyfish/Irukandji jellyfish seasonally
- Large tidal range
- Occasional crocodiles reported in the wider region
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No active Surf Life Saving services were reported for this beach in the provided spot-level notes; lifeguards may be seasonal in the region.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No spot-level rescue availability reported; regional context indicates rescue coverage is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Call 000 for emergency services; Mackay Base Hospital is the nearest major facility. In the wider area, rescue coverage is limited and designated beaches may be seasonally patrolled.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No specific localism reported for the spot.
Rules of the spot
Follow standard maritime right-of-way and give way to swimmers and other beach users. Pets allowed only on leash; no off-leash area.
- No off-leash area for pets
- Stinger precautions strongly recommended October to May
- Kite/ride during NE winds at high or outgoing tide to manage the shallow tidal flat.
- Expect conditions to change quickly with the tide; water depth can drop rapidly due to sand-banking.
- Wear a full-length stinger suit during October to May stinger season.
- Be extra cautious around strong tidal movement (spring tides) when choosing timing and launch/landing zones.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mackay, Queensland
- Nearest Town
- Blacks Beach
- Nearest Airport
- Mackay Airport (MKY)
- Parking
- Large free parking lot at Blacks Beach; car parks near beach entry on Coral Drive with additional parking at Bourke Street, Pitt Street, Turtle Place, Anglers Parade. Arrive early in peak season.
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus service; private vehicle or car rental is strongly recommended
- Access
- From Mackay city, head north on Bruce Highway, turn right onto Mackay Bucasia Road, follow Blacks Beach signage. Access via Coral Drive (car park + walkway) or Bourke Street (playground, BBQs, toilets).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Caravan parks/camping and resorts/holiday apartments are adjacent or directly near the beach. Additional options are available in Mackay.
- Food & Drink
- Food and lunch options available nearby; a tavern/nearby bistro is mentioned in spot notes. Local cafes/restaurants are described as within walking distance in the Blacks Beach/Eimeo area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental is available via local schools and specialized surf shops in the Mackay urban area; no dedicated rental shops were reported on the beach itself.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Mackay Coast area blends tropical coastline with rainforest and relaxed city attractions, with nature-focused sightseeing alongside wind sports.
Famous for wild kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at sunrise.
Regional art gallery featuring local and national exhibitions.
High-altitude rainforest known for platypus spotting and hiking trails.
Waterfront dining and bars overlooking the yacht harbor.
Free three-tier water park located in the city center.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast)?
The best overall months at Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast)?
Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast) works with NE, ESE, E, SE winds. Offshore directions are NE, E, ESE, SE. No-go directions are S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW, NNE, ENE, SSE, N.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast) suitable for?
Blacks Beach (Mackay Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.