Fingal Point Beach
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Fingal Point Beach is an exposed right-hand point break on the NSW North Coast that’s known for pretty consistent surf, with the best swell direction noted as northeast. September is highlighted as the strongest month for the spot, aligning with when the point typically delivers reliable surf. The wave is described as powerful and peeling, with a right-hand direction that can produce long, high-performance rides once a decent swell is in place. Wave heights are given as roughly 1.0 to 2.5 meters for optimal performance, and the ride can extend very long on classic days (reported up to around 300 meters), with typical rides around 150 meters. Conditions around the point are hazardous when you’re not prepared: rocks, submerged rock near the headland, and strong sweeps/rip currents are common—especially during larger swells. The current near the point is often described as extremely strong (a “treadmill”), and paddling out can be difficult if there’s heavy sweep against you. Crowds can also build quickly when the point is working. Windwise, westerly conditions are described as favorable (offshore for surfing) while southerlies can become cross-shore. For visitors, lifeguards are seasonal (with stated service hours), and rescue availability is limited outside peak coverage—so plan launches with caution and respect local lineup etiquette.
- Pretty consistent exposed point-break surf
- Long, peeling right-hand waves
- September and northeast swell are key indicators
- Seasonal lifeguards with stated operating hours
- Pretty consistent, exposed point-break surf
- Right-hand point break with long, high-performance walls
- Best swell window lines up with northeast swell and September
- Exposed conditions at the point
- Rocks and submerged hazards make careless entries risky
- Strong sweeps/rip currents can be severe during larger swells
- Can be very crowded when the point is working
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW, NW
- Offshore directions
- W, SW, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Light morning offshores can be followed by afternoon sea breezes; thermal pattern supports afternoon build.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- The headland provides some shelter from southerly winds for surfers.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as medium depending on swell conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach entry south of the rocks at the point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocks and currents increase difficulty around the point.
Through the year
High during weekends and any time the point is working; quieter on weekdays.
Summer months can see tropical storms and higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is possible on the beach stretch south of the point, particularly in north-easterly winds; the point itself is unsuitable due to rocks and surfers.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
The beach area can be used for wingfoiling in light winds, though the shore break and currents can make launching difficult.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Exposed right-hand point break that peels off basalt columns at Fingal Head. Needs a decent swell to start working but can deliver long rides when sand alignment is favorable.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, E
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Also noted as generally working at mid tide.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Exposed point break overall, with some headland shelter from southerly winds.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore in westerly winds; cross-shore in southerlies.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles size well but can become very difficult to paddle out against the sweep.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Pretty consistent surf; described as a high-quality point break.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Long, high-performance right-hand walls on classic days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer rides up to about 300 meters on classic days; typical rides are around 150 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Fingal Point Beach in the full forecast view.
Fingal Point Beach wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–13 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- NE36°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.0 m7s period
- Temperature
- 16–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Fingal Point Beach is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.9–2.0 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Submerged rocks near the headland
- Strong currents
- Rip currents and strong sweeps
- Heavy sweeps
- Sharks
- Crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Fingal Beach SLSC operates 09:00–18:00, with lifeguards 09:00–17:00.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; lifeguards operate during peak season (Sep–Apr), outside peak times emergency response is managed via Surf Life Saving NSW and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Tweed Heads (Kingscliff / Tweed Valley Hospital area). Primary emergency number: 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup at the point.
- The point itself is strictly a surfing zone and is not suitable for kites due to rocks and surfers.
- Current can be extremely strong near the point (described as a treadmill).
- If you are experienced, wait for a gap in the sets to jump off the rocks; otherwise paddle out from the beach.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Fingal
- Nearest Town
- Fingal Head
- Nearest Airport
- Gold Coast Airport (OOL) ~12 km (about 15-minute drive)
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the lighthouse track and along the beach access roads.
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus services connect Fingal Head to broader Tweed Heads and Coolangatta transit hubs; private vehicle access is primarily recommended
- Access
- Accessible via Fingal Road with a short walk from the parking areas to the beach or point.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday rentals in Fingal Head and campgrounds in nearby Kingscliff or Tweed Heads.
- Food & Drink
- Small general store and cafe in Fingal Head; more options in Tweed Heads.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available in nearby Tweed Heads or Kingscliff.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage facilities via local surf schools and holiday parks; many visitors store gear at accommodation or in vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- Surfboard repairs available in Tweed Heads.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Fingal Coastline offers a nature-focused headland setting with strong surf heritage and outdoor activities nearby, including coastal walking, kayaking, and wildlife watching from headland viewpoints.
Active lighthouse built in 1872 with panoramic coastline views.
Hexagonal basalt rock columns formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Protected coastal headland with indigenous significance.
Museum and park sharing insight into traditional Bundjalung culture and the natural environment of the Tweed area.
Indigenous heritage and headland geology.
Explore mangrove systems and river channels along the western side of the Fingal peninsula.
Land-based whale watching from headland vantage points during migration season (Jun–Nov).
Local gallery and cafe with an artistic atmosphere and riverfront location.
Boat tours to Cook Island Marine Reserve, known for its permanent Green Sea Turtles population.
Safe beach swimming and walking.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Fingal Point Beach?
The best overall months at Fingal Point Beach are September. The best wind months are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Fingal Point Beach?
Fingal Point Beach works with W, SW, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, SW, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Fingal Point Beach?
Recommended equipment sizes at Fingal Point Beach: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Fingal Point Beach suitable for?
Fingal Point Beach suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.