Burning Palms

Burning Palms is a remote, exposed beach and point break in the Royal National Park with very consistent surf and a wilderness feel. It’s reached only by foot via steep walking tracks from the Garawarra Farm area, so the session stays relatively uncluttered compared with more accessible beaches. Wave quality is generally described as good, with a mix of beach-peaks and a right-hand point component at the southern end. The point section can deliver longer rides on southerly swells, while the beach peaks tend to be shorter and punchier. Providers indicate peeling wave shapes with medium ride lengths, and note that the break becomes very heavy on larger swell, with dangerous rips. Wind-wise, northwest winds are described as offshore and tend to produce clean, groomed faces. One guide indicates the best wind direction is northwest, while the spot’s primary swell window is from the southeast (with additional optimal swell directions reported). Wind reliability is flagged as low, so it’s especially important to time your session for offshore wind. Safety planning is crucial. Strong rip currents are a major hazard, and rocks are present at/near the ends of the beach and around the point area. Lifesavers operate seasonally—on weekends and public holidays during summer—so outside those windows you should treat the spot as unpatrolled. Also consider that the hike out is steep, there are no shops or drinking water facilities, and mobile reception can be limited.