Diggers
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Highest during summer school holidays (December–January) and Easter; often crowded during school holidays and peak surf months.
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.
Occasionally used for kitesurfing when North-Easterly winds are present, though it is primarily a surfing beach and can be busy with swimmers.
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
Exposed beach break with consistent surf that can work on multiple tide levels. Left/right waves are available depending on swell and section.
- 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.
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.
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
- Rip currents
- Sharks
- Localism
- Rocks around headlands
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.
- No pets allowed
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Coffs Harbour is a subtropical coastal destination with nearby marine and family attractions.
Iconic ‘Big Things’ attraction with a water park and fun zone.
World-class diving and snorkeling where tropical and temperate currents meet.
A hub of cafes, restaurants, and bars near the waterfront.
Marine animal park focused on education and rehabilitation.
From riders who've been here
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.