East Point (Mackay)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Swell, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
East Point (Mackay) is a low-profile kitesurfing location built around a large sandy beach and very changeable tidal conditions. Sessions are largely about picking the right tide: when depth is sufficient, riders can access smooth, flat water in the shallows, while small wave energy can show up further out. Wind is primarily driven by South-East trade winds, and the best sessions are typically associated with SE (with NE also highlighted as a strong direction). During the cooler months, trades are described as the most reliable wind pattern; in summer, lighter afternoon sea-breeze activity can develop, sometimes favoring NE. The main safety focus is wildlife and marine hazards. Marine stingers are seasonal and require a stinger suit in the warmer months (reported from October through April/May depending on source). In addition, shipping and port-area vessel activity is a key consideration—riders should stay aware of the shipping channel/port boundaries and plan their launch/ride area accordingly. Conditions are generally described as crystal-clear (with clarity that can vary regionally due to tidal movement), shallow-to-varied depth depending on tide, and no dedicated lifeguard coverage at the spot. The nearest major medical facility is in Mackay, so it’s important to be self-sufficient and tide-aware before launching.
- SE trade-wind kitesurfing with strong direction consistency
- Butter-flat shallows reported on outgoing tides
- Large tidal range that reshapes riding depth and launch options
- Crystal-clear water reported, though clarity can vary with tides
- Large sandy beach with easy access once at the point
- SE trade winds with good reliability during the trade season
- Often very flat and clean in suitable tidal windows, plus small-wave options further out
- Strong tidal currents and rapidly changing depth with the large tidal range
- Seasonal marine stingers
- Shipping activity and vessels near the port/approach
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, NE, E
- Wind Range
- 15–28 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — South-East trade winds; summer can also bring lighter afternoon sea breezes.
- Reliability
- good during trade wind season
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Swell, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach/sand-spit with wide launch possibilities.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small waves reported further out; shallows are often butter-flat.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat to slight chop depending on tide and location in the water.
- Launch
- Medium — Sand-spit/large sandy beach; shallow water and tide-dependent options.
Through the year
Generally quiet; popular with locals on weekends.
December to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Butter-flat, clean water reported in the shallows on outgoing tides, with small waves further out; conditions are generally described as versatile for freeride, foil and freestyle.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling with a focus on having enough depth; recommended especially mid-to-high tide over the sandbanks. SE winds are preferred.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- shallow
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for East Point (Mackay) in the full forecast view.
East Point (Mackay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–10 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- NE35°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.6 m5s period
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, East Point (Mackay) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.2–0.6 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- marine stingers
- jellyfish
- ships
- sharks
- crocodiles
- heavy shipping traffic
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated kite-specific rescue service; general maritime rescue coverage is reported for the region.
- Emergency Info
- Mackay Base Hospital is the nearest major medical facility.
Rules of the spot
Be aware of the shipping channel and port boundaries. Check tide before launching; better conditions are reported on outgoing tides when depth is sufficient.
- Seasonal stinger-suit requirement (reported October to April / October to May depending on source).
- Session planning required around strong tidal currents and shifting depth.
- Stinger suit required October to April due to marine stingers; otherwise shorts are typically fine.
- Check tide charts before launching; the beach and depth change significantly with the large tidal range, and conditions are reported best below about 3m on outgoing.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mackay
- Nearest Town
- Mackay
- Nearest Airport
- Mackay Airport (MKY)
- Parking
- Limited informal parking at the end of the access track
- Public Transport
- Public bus services operate within Mackay, but a rental car is typically required for coastal access
- Access
- Dirt/sand road to the Point; any car is fine as long as you keep on the track (reported 4WD access in some reports). Parking is limited/informal at the end of the access track.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and caravan parks are available in Mackay and near the harbour.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and shops are available at/near Mackay Marina.
- Equipment Rental:
- Local kite shops in Mackay may provide rentals.
- Gear Storage
- Generally not available at public beach areas; most riders store gear at local accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services are available via local kiteboarding schools and sail makers in the marina district.
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 East Point (Mackay)?
The best overall months at East Point (Mackay) are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at East Point (Mackay)?
East Point (Mackay) works with SE, NE, E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at East Point (Mackay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at East Point (Mackay): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–28 kts.
What skill level is East Point (Mackay) suitable for?
East Point (Mackay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.