Conto Springs
- Wave, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Swell, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Conto Springs is an exposed reef break in the Margaret River area with powerful, consistent wave energy that’s described as usually a safe bet and workable around the year. It sits on a sandy beach with limestone reef structure, and the overall setup is strongly exposed—so expect a performance-focused lineup rather than a protected beach environment. For surfing, the break is described as a reef-break with waves that can peel well and remain organized even on larger south-west swells. Good days can produce rides in the ~100–200 meter range, and the spot is noted for being able to handle bigger swell when other nearby options are maxed out. Conditions can be suitable for beginner-level confidence in surf terms, but the physical environment remains hazardous. Safety-wise, the key risks are sharp limestone reefs/rocks and sharks, along with strong rip currents near the reef and rocks. The spot is unpatrolled, and National Park rules apply (including restrictions around beach camping). Visitors are advised to identify the safer channel to paddle out and to be mindful of the shallowest reef sections. In wind conditions, summer brings reliable afternoon sea breezes, with the wind type described as sea-breeze and strongest during December through March. East to South-East winds are suggested to offer more favorable offshore angles for surfing, while wind-sports are also discussed as possible—though kitesurfing and windsurfing are framed as more advanced due to powerful wave/reef impacts and the heavy swell environment.
- Exposed reef break that works around the year
- Shark and sharp-reactions reef hazards
- Strong summer afternoon sea breezes
- Popular coastal surfing beach
- Usually a reliable exposed reef break that works all around the year
- Suitable for beginners in surf terms (reef-break consistency reported)
- Popular with surfers (and wind-sport visitors), giving a good chance of assistance if you bomb out
- Pristine regional water quality
- Exposed reef with sharp limestone sections and rocks
- Strong rip currents reported near reef/rocks
- No lifeguards
- Few on-site amenities; plan ahead
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Strong summer afternoon sea breezes; wind can be turbulent or shadowed close to the cliffs.
- Reliability
- High during summer for cross-shore conditions
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Close to the cliffs, the wind can be turbulent or shadowed.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with limestone cliffs/reef structure.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Described as powerful with ability to handle massive swells.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Shore break described as moderate.
- Launch
- Small — Beach entry through sandy patches between limestone reefs; footpaths marked by pine poles lead to takeoff.
Through the year
Can be crowded on weekends and during school holidays.
June to August
By sport
What to expect for each.
Advanced wave riding location for experienced kiters during southerly winds; waves are powerful and break over reef.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Iconic down-the-line wave sailing spot in South to South-East winds; long rides on powerful swells.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Possible but challenging due to heavy swell and rocky reef bottom; best for very experienced foilers.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 2.0 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Exposed reef break usually a safe bet and works all around the year; can handle massive swells and stays rideable when other spots are maxed out.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East to South-East winds provide ideal offshore conditions for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well and remains organized in large South-West swells.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Works around the year; described as an exposed, usually reliable reef break.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer rides between 100 and 200 meters on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer rides between 100 and 200 meters on good days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Conto Springs in the full forecast view.
Conto Springs wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–15 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- S186°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2415 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–4.0 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Conto Springs is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.0–4.0 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Rocks
- Sharp limestone reefs
- Strong rip currents
- Heavy swell
- Great white sharks
- Sharks
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability is described as no (spot-level).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is Margaret River Hospital.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
National Park rules apply; no camping on the beach.
- No dogs
- No disabled facilities
- Not a nudist beach
- Watch for the specific channel to paddle out to avoid the shallowest reef sections.
- The spot is popular with local surfers—respect the lineup hierarchy.
- Carry on past the camping area toward the beach; just before descending, use the footpaths marked with pine poles just before reaching the takeoff.
- It's a popular beach, so your chances of getting a lift up after a bomb out are pretty good.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Busselton
- Nearest Town
- Margaret River
- Nearest Airport
- Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB)
- Parking
- Large limestone gravel parking area overlooking the break.
- Public Transport
- extremely limited; a private vehicle or rental car is essential to access different spots
- Access
- From Margaret River, head south along Caves Rd to the Lake Cave turnoff on the right. Turn left onto a well-signposted dirt road to Conto Springs before the kiosk and cave. Carry past the camping area toward the beach. Take the footpaths on the right marked with pine poles just before descending to reach the takeoff.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is available nearby/inland (Conto Campground described as just inland from the spot).
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; nearest supplies are in Margaret River town.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops are available in Margaret River.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services are available in Margaret River.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Conto Springs?
The best overall months at Conto Springs are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Conto Springs?
Conto Springs works with E, ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Conto Springs?
Recommended equipment sizes at Conto Springs: Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Conto Springs suitable for?
Conto Springs suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.