Diggers

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Longboard, Shortboard
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Diggers is an exposed sand beach break on the Coffs Harbour coast known for consistent surf. The beach is generally described as working across tide levels, with options for both left- and right-hand waves depending on the swell and how the sets break. Wave quality is commonly described as good, with softer energy when conditions are smaller. For swell exposure, sources point to working swell directions from the east through northeast to southeast, with an overall effective swell window described around knee-to-thigh to roughly head-high ranges (and also broader guidance of up to around 2 meters). On very large swells, the break can turn heavy and close out, so sessions are often best when the sets are building but still breaking cleanly. Wind-wise, multiple directions can contribute to workable sessions, with offshore tendencies associated with westerly to south-westerly flows and cleaner grooming noted with offshore NNW-type conditions. In warmer months, afternoon NE sea-breezes are common, which can affect surface texture timing—earlier sessions are often recommended for glassier conditions. Safety is a key consideration: rip currents and shark presence are specifically noted hazards, along with mild localism. Lifeguards patrol seasonally and during school holiday periods, and when patrolled swimmers should use the designated swimming areas and swim between the flags. Rescue availability is described as limited, so riders should plan conservatively around current conditions and headland rock zones.

  • Consistent exposed beach-break surf
  • Works on multiple tide levels with both left- and right-hand wave options
  • Seasonal patrols during school holiday windows
  • Common wind opportunities with offshore westerly/south-westerly tendencies
Great for
Surfing longboardSurfing shortboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Consistent exposed beach-break surfing with usable conditions across tides
  • Opportunities for both left- and right-hand surfing waves
  • Seasonal lifeguard coverage during key holiday windows
Heads up
  • Exposed setup can mean more exposure to weather and swell changes
  • Rip currents and shark presence are noted hazards
  • Often crowded during school holidays and peak surf periods
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, N, NE, ESE, SE, SW, W
Offshore directions
W, WSW, SW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — North-Easterly sea-breeze pattern in warmer months with occasional Southerly changes.
Reliability
Moderate (offshore options depend on direction).
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gustiness noted by wind summaries.
Best Months
June
Shadow Zones
Partially sheltered at the northern end from North-Easterly winds by nearby headland features.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Sources also describe medium wave conditions depending on swell.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space; gentle slope and open access.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Open beach with gentle slope and ample space.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
19–26 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
May–Nov: 3/2mm full suitJan–Dec: Boardshorts or springsuit in summer (and shoulder months)
Crowds by Season

Highest during summer school holidays (December–January) and Easter; often crowded during school holidays and peak surf months.

Storm/Rain Season

Late summer and early autumn (February–March) can see higher rainfall; February and March are typically the wettest months.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Occasionally used for kitesurfing when North-Easterly winds are present, though it is primarily a surfing beach and can be busy with swimmers.

FreerideWave
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible when the swell is small; the sandy bottom can make it relatively safe, though it is less popular than other nearby options.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break with consistent surf that can work on multiple tide levels. Left/right waves are available depending on swell and section.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
E, ENE, SE
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Some guidance also suggests mid-tide as optimal; the spot is generally described as working across tides.
Shelter
Exposed — Overall exposed setup; some local protection is available near the headland-adjacent northern end.
Wind Effect
West to South-West winds are more likely to be offshore and produce cleaner grooming; offshore NNW conditions are noted for wave quality.
Bigger Swell
On very large swells (over ~3 meters), it can become heavy and close out.
Wave Quality
Good — Generally good quality, with heavier/collapsing conditions possible on very large swells.
Wave Power
Soft — Soft to moderate energy depending on swell size.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Decent rides that can section across beach banks; sources also describe typical ride lengths in meters.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Typical rides can run long across the beach banks when conditions suit.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Diggers wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–13 ktsGusts 25 kts
Direction
NE47°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2413 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–2.2 m8s period
Temperature
16–28 °C

Over the next 7 days, Diggers is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.0–2.2 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

  • Rip currents
  • Sharks
  • Localism
  • Rocks around headlands
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHarnessHelmetLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards patrol seasonally (including school holiday periods noted by local references).
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Coffs Harbour Health Campus is the nearest major hospital (about 10 minutes away). In an emergency call 000.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Swim between the flags when lifeguards are present; stay clear of designated swimming areas if patrolled. Follow standard surfing etiquette and local signage.

Restrictions
  • No pets allowed
Local Tips
  • Early mornings tend to be best for glassier conditions before the sea breeze kicks in.
  • The northern end near the headland can offer more protection from prevailing North-East summer winds.
  • If swimming, use lifeguard-patrolled areas and swim between the flags.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Coffs Harbour
Nearest Town
Coffs Harbour
Parking
Two carparks at the end of Diggers Beach Road, each offering beach access.
Access
Turn east off the Pacific Highway onto Diggers Beach Road, continue ~750m to two carparks with beach access.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Picnic area
Camping
Showers
Toilets
Playground
Fresh water
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various resorts and holiday parks are within walking distance, including holiday parks and luxury resorts.
Food & Drink
A small cafe is often available near the beach, with more options at the nearby Park Beach Plaza.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboard rentals are available through local surf schools and shops in Coffs Harbour.
Gear Storage
Some local surf clubs and holiday parks offer storage solutions for guests and members.
Gear Repair
Surfboard repair shops are located in the main Coffs Harbour town area.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Coffs Harbour is a subtropical coastal destination with nearby marine and family attractions.

Best time to visit: September to November offers the best balance of wind and mild temperatures.
The Big Banana~2 km

Iconic ‘Big Things’ attraction with a water park and fun zone.

Solitary Islands Marine Park~0 km

World-class diving and snorkeling where tropical and temperate currents meet.

Coffs Harbour Jetty Strip~1 km

A hub of cafes, restaurants, and bars near the waterfront.

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park~1 km

Marine animal park focused on education and rehabilitation.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Diggers?

The best overall months at Diggers are March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are June.

Which wind directions work at Diggers?

Diggers works with NW, N, NE, ESE, SE, SW, W winds. Offshore directions are W, WSW, SW.

What skill level is Diggers suitable for?

Diggers suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.