Catherine Hill Bay
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Catherine Hill Bay is an exposed coastal surf location centered on an iconic historical coal jetty. The setup is known for producing long, workable right-hand waves with a peeling/reef- or breakwater-influenced character, sometimes with occasional barrels on the better days. For surfing, the spot is generally best when swell comes from the south through east (south, southeast, or east) with working heights commonly around 1–3 m. Rides are commonly described as medium-to-long: a normal day can produce roughly 50–150 m, while better conditions may extend rides to around 150–300 m. The break is framed by headlands/jetty structures, so conditions can vary noticeably with exposure and wind. Wind guidance varies by season: winter often aligns with westerly gradient patterns, while warmer months can bring northeast sea-breeze influence in the afternoon, which may make the water choppier. West and northwest winds are described as giving cleaner offshore conditions, and the southern headland can offer some protection depending on the prevailing system. Safety is a primary consideration. Reported hazards include sharks, rip currents, rocks near headlands, and dangerous/old jetty debris/structure—so riders should stay well clear of the jetty. Rescue availability is limited outside patrol times, and surfing restrictions may apply within designated swimmer zones when patrolled. July is repeatedly flagged as the best month for consistent surf, with autumn and winter offering the most consistent overall season.
- Iconic coal jetty heritage setting right at the launch
- Right-hand long, workable walls with peeling character
- Best consistency often in autumn and winter (especially July)
- Long, workable right-hand waves with an iconic coal jetty backdrop.
- Autumn and winter are highlighted for best overall conditions and more consistent swell/offshore wind.
- Amenities nearby include showers/toilets and parking at/near the jetty access.
- Exposed and can be affected by variable wind direction; thermal sea-breeze influence can create choppy conditions in summer afternoons.
- Important safety hazards: sharks, rip currents, and the old/deteriorating jetty structure and debris.
- Rescue coverage is limited outside patrol times.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, NW
- Offshore directions
- W, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Winter often sees westerly gradient winds that can be offshore and gusty; summer commonly has sea-breeze influence, with NE sea breezes in the afternoon.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Wind is described as having moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- July
- Shadow Zones
- The southern headland provides some protection from southerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition is described for the access/launch area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surf is described as having medium wave size character.
- Launch
- Medium — Jetty/breakwater influence with access via the historical coal jetty area; also described as launching from a sandy beach near the jetty.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launching is described as easy; note that the jetty structure is a major hazard.
Through the year
Can get crowded on weekends and during summer holidays; much quieter during winter weekdays.
Heavy rainfall and East Coast Low storms can occur at any time but are most frequent between February and June.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible but less common than surfing. The beach can be narrow at high tide and the jetty is a significant hazard for kiters.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for experienced foilers on less-swell days; launching can be challenging due to the beach break environment.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil friendliness is described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A right-hand jetty/reef framed break producing long, workable walls with occasional barrels. Often best off south to east swells.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, E
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed right-hand reef/jetty break along the headland.
- Wind Effect
- West and northwest winds provide cleaner offshore conditions; southerly winds affect protection and shape via headland/southern end exposure.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but may close out when swell exceeds about 2.5 m.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as good to very workable with long walls.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Also described as moderate in some conditions; works up to powerful reef-walled rides.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Right-hand direction with peeling walls; can occasionally barrel.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Also described with a fast/medium peel speed depending on conditions.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal 50–150 m; good day 150–300 m. Another estimate describes typical rides lasting roughly 40–70 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal: 50–150 m; Good day: 150–300 m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Catherine Hill Bay in the full forecast view.
Catherine Hill Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–14 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- E90°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2614 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.8 m8s period
- Temperature
- 14–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Catherine Hill Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.8–1.8 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
- sharks
- rip currents
- old jetty / jetty debris
- rocks at headlands
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards/patrols are referenced, with patrol coverage on weekends and public holidays during the summer season.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is described as limited; emergency response is handled via local services and a rescue helicopter outside patrol coverage.
- Emergency Info
- Contact 000 for emergencies. Nearest major medical facility is in Newcastle (also referenced as Belmont/nearest hospital context).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism is described as none, with occasional mild local factors.
Rules of the spot
Stay clear of the old jetty structure (deteriorating/dangerous) and follow standard surfing etiquette. Do not surf within designated swimmer zones (between the flags) when patrolled.
- No surfing within designated swimmer zones (between the flags) when patrolled.
- July often provides the best month for consistent surf.
- Check the sandbanks near the jetty for the best shaped waves.
- The beach is more protected at the southern end during southerly winds.
- Enjoy the unique jetty backdrop, but keep distance from the jetty structure.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Newcastle
- Nearest Town
- Catherine Hill Bay
- Nearest Airport
- Newcastle Airport (NTL)
- Parking
- Parking available right behind launch, off Flowers Drive, with a carpark at the jetty/SLSC end area.
- Public Transport
- Limited public transport; infrequent buses connect the Wallarah Peninsula to Lake Macquarie and Wyong.
- Access
- Drive along the Old Pacific Highway, turn off a few km short of Rafferty's Resort toward Flowers Drive, follow to the end after the pub, and park in the carpark near the jetty.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available around Catherine Hill Bay and the wider Lake Macquarie area, including historic cottage/heritage rentals and options in nearby towns.
- Food & Drink
- A local pub and small cafes are located within the village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental equipment is mostly available via mobile schools that service the region; no dedicated rental shops on the beach are described.
- Gear Storage
- There are no dedicated public gear storage facilities directly at the coast; riders typically manage equipment via vehicles or local accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs may be handled by local surf shops in nearby Swansea and/or specialized kite and sail repairers in the Newcastle area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Coal-mining heritage and rugged coastal scenery define the Catherine Hill Bay area, with protected natural spaces nearby.
An iconic, heritage-listed timber coal loader jetty and a popular photography subject.
A large coastal park with hiking trails, birdwatching, and secluded beaches such as Frazer Beach and Moonee Beach.
A well-preserved 19th-century coal mining township with original miners’ cottages and a historic pub.
Coastal walking tracks including the Yuelarbah track with panoramic ocean views.
A historic local pub known for live music, a beer garden, and classic bistro meals.
A short drive away with calm swimming spots, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Catherine Hill Bay?
The best overall months at Catherine Hill Bay are April, May, September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are July.
Which wind directions work at Catherine Hill Bay?
Catherine Hill Bay works with W, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Catherine Hill Bay?
Recommended equipment sizes at Catherine Hill Bay: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Catherine Hill Bay suitable for?
Catherine Hill Bay suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.