Bodyboard, Beginners
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
10–20 kts
Wind Range

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Camel Rock is a low-profile beach-break area at Wallaga Lake (north of Bermagui) with a sandy bottom and a focus around the camel-shaped rock formation. It is known for rarely breaking—roughly only five days per year—so sessions tend to be highly weather/swell dependent. The main surf peak is near the rock, with banks sometimes forming along the beach (especially toward the north). Depending on conditions, waves can produce occasional left-hand set-ups, but overall the surf is described as having both-wave-direction potential. Typical outcomes are medium-length rides when sandbanks are well formed. Wind-wise, west and northwest winds act offshore and tend to groom the swell into cleaner faces, while easterly winds are onshore and can make conditions messy. The spot is most often associated with June through August, and a best overall window is described as autumn and winter for more consistent swell and favorable offshore winds. Safety is the key factor: strong rip currents are common, particularly near the rock formations and toward the northern end of the beach. Rocks and scattered rocks add additional risk, and sharks are also noted. Avoid swimming or surfing alone if you’re not experienced with ocean currents, and respect nature-reserve restrictions (including no camping and no dogs in the main beach area).

  • Iconic camel-shaped rock formation
  • Sandbank waves when conditions align
  • Offshore grooming with west/northwest winds
Great for
Surfing bodyboardBeginners
What's great
  • When it lines up, it offers peeling, groomed sandbank waves with consistent potential.
  • Offshore winds (west to northwest) can improve wave faces.
  • Parking and a short walk make setup straightforward.
Heads up
  • Rarely breaks (around 5 days per year).
  • Rip currents are strong and notorious.
  • Hazardous rock formations in and around the surf zone.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, NW
Offshore directions
W, NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Reported as a frontal pattern; winter conditions are also consistent with frontal/wind-gradient systems in the region.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported.
Best Months
June, July, August
Shadow Zones
Camel Rock formation provides some shelter from southerly winds at the very southern end of the beach.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Medium wave size reported.
Launch
Small — Sandy beach entry directly in front of the car park.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch described as easy.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
7–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 4/3mmSep, Oct, Nov: 3/2mmApr, May: 3/2mmJan, Feb, Mar: 2mmDec: 2mm
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet on weekdays, but can get busy on weekends and during school holidays with tourists from Bermagui.

Storm/Rain Season

No distinct rainy season; occasional heavy East Coast Low storms in autumn and winter.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Sandy-bottom surf that rarely breaks (about 5 days per year). When it does work, the main peak is near the camel-shaped rock, with occasional left-hand waves and additional banks often forming toward the north.

SandbarBeach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide reported as optimal.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered overall; the southern end near the rocks is more sheltered from southerly winds.
Wind Effect
West and Northwest winds are offshore, grooming the swell into cleaner faces. Easterly winds are onshore and create messier conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can hold size up to around 3 meters, but on very large straight-east swells it begins to close out.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality reported as good.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate wave power reported.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling shape reported.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling waves reported with medium peel speed.
Ride Length
Medium — Rides typically described as 50 to 100 meters on well-formed sandbanks.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Waves can provide rides of roughly 50 to 100 meters when sandbanks are well-formed.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Camel Rock in the full forecast view.

Camel Rock wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–13 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
ENE64°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2513 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–2.1 m8s period
Temperature
11–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Camel Rock is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 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.

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

  • Rocks
  • Strong rip currents
  • Sharks
  • Scattered rocks in the surf zone (around the beach)
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards present.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No rescue availability is noted for the spot.
Emergency Info
No rescue service is noted. Nearest hospital is South East Regional Hospital in Bega.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Mild localism described.

Rules of the spot

Standard surf etiquette applies. The area is part of a nature reserve—stay on designated paths to protect dunes.

Restrictions
  • No camping on the beach
  • No dogs allowed on the main beach area
  • Protect dunes: stay on designated paths
Local Tips
  • Rip currents here are notorious—do not swim or surf alone if you aren't experienced with ocean currents.
  • Check sandbanks after a big storm as they shift frequently.
  • The southern end near the rocks is more sheltered from southerly winds.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Bermagui
Nearest Town
Bermagui
Parking
Two car parks available; use the top car park near the rock (medium-sized gravel car park with direct access and a lookout).
Access
Accessible via Camel Rock Road off the Wallaga Lake Road. A short walk from the car park leads to the beach. Alternative driving directions: Turn left to Bermagui just after Tilba heading south, go over Wallaga Lake bridge, up the hill to Beauty Point turnoff on the right. 50m after this, turn left where a sign says 'Camel Rock'. Drive past first car park, around the corner to top car park.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Caravan parks and holiday rentals are available in Wallaga Lake and nearby Bermagui.
Food & Drink
No facilities on the beach itself; cafes and shops are located in Bermagui (about a 10-minute drive away).
Equipment Rental:
Surfboard rentals are available in Bermagui.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Camel Rock?

The best overall months at Camel Rock are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Camel Rock?

Camel Rock works with W, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.

What skill level is Camel Rock suitable for?

Camel Rock suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.