Conto Springs

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing bodyboardSurfing longboardSurfing shortboardWindsurfing waveKitesurfing waveKitesurfing wakestyleWingfoil wave
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • Exposed reef with sharp limestone sections and rocks
  • Strong rip currents reported near reef/rocks
  • No lifeguards
  • Few on-site amenities; plan ahead
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
16–21 °C
Water Temperature
14–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suit
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded on weekends and during school holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

June to August

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Advanced wave riding location for experienced kiters during southerly winds; waves are powerful and break over reef.

WaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–10 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Iconic down-the-line wave sailing spot in South to South-East winds; long rides on powerful swells.

Wave
Sail Sizes
4.2–5.3 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • Sharp limestone reefs
  • Strong rip currents
  • Heavy swell
  • Great white sharks
  • Sharks
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • No dogs
  • No disabled facilities
  • Not a nudist beach
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Camping
Picnic area
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.
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 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.