Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Expert
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast) is a right-hand point break set on a shallow rocky ledge. When the southeast swell is in, it can deliver hollow, powerful sections with strong barrel potential—though the bottom and entry/exit are unforgiving. The spot is repeatedly characterized as expert-only. Hazards include sharp rocks, shallow reef ledges, heavy hold-downs, and sharks. Conditions can also be more hazardous during larger swells because strong sweeps/rip currents may develop, and the wave can become extremely dangerous and more “mutant-like” as size builds. Wind is described as most helpful when westerly to northwesterly winds are present, as these can groom the wave face and support barrel formation; light NW–SW winds are noted as particularly barrel-friendly. Best conditions are also tied to mid tide. The broader guidance highlights that the local scene can be heavy and the break can get quite busy during peak swell windows. For timing, sources emphasize watching sets for a long time before committing, and being especially careful with rock timing during both entry and exit to avoid injury or gear damage. The nearby medical response is centered around Milton and Ulladulla, and there is no lifeguard presence reported at the spot.

  • Hollow, powerful right-hand barrels on southeast/south swells
  • Mid-tide preference for the best setup
  • Groomed wave faces with offshore westerly winds
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Right-hand point break with hollow/powerful barrel sections
  • Works best on mid tide with southeast/south swells
  • Wind conditions that groom the wave face are most favorable with light to moderate NW–SW/offshore westerlies
Heads up
  • Expert-only due to shallow, rocky hazards and heavy power
  • Can get quite busy with local experts in the water
  • Currents/sweeps can be strong during larger swells
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, NW
Offshore directions
W, NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Sources describe light to moderate westerly/NW–SW winds that help shape the wave face.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
June, July, August
Shadow Zones
Potential turbulence from the headland during southerly winds

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Big — Also described as producing shallow barrelling right-handers; one guide calls wave size flat while another describes big/medium-wave conditions—conditions appear inconsistent.
Launch
Small — Rocky entry and exit points requiring careful timing.
Launch Difficulty
Expert only — Rocky entry/exit and shallow hazards.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–23 °C
Water Temperature
8–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 4/3mmSep–May: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Can get busy with local experts during peak swells, regardless of the season.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain can occur year-round but is often associated with East Coast Lows in autumn and winter.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Right-hand point break over a shallow rocky ledge, producing hollow/powerful right-handers with barrel potential. Works best on mid tide and when the southeast groundswell is in the window.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
SE, S
Swell Height
1.5–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide is repeatedly identified as the best tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Described as fairly exposed for a point break, with hazardous, powerful conditions.
Wind Effect
Best with offshore westerly winds that groom the wave face; light NW–SW winds are described as helping barrels.
Bigger Swell
Holds significant size but becomes extremely dangerous and mutant-like; heavy hold-downs and sweep/rips possible.
Wave Quality
Excellent — Despite being famous, surf is described as having inconsistent conditions at times.
Wave Power
Very powerful — Heavy sections with significant power; can become extremely dangerous and 'mutant-like' on bigger swells.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Shallow barrelling/hollow right-hand point break.
Peel Speed
Fast — Fast, intense rides.
Ride Length
Medium — Fast, intense rides; barrel opportunities on the right swell.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Fast, intense rides that can offer deep barrel sections on the right swell.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast) in the full forecast view.

Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–12 ktsGusts 22 kts
Direction
ENE71°
Strongest day
Fri, Oct 3012 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–2.2 m8s period
Temperature
10–33 °C

Over the next 7 days, Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.9–2.2 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

  • Rocks
  • Sharks
  • Submerged rocks and sharp reef ledges
  • Strong currents and rip/sweeps possible during large swells
  • Heavy hold-downs
  • Shallow reef
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Yes — Marine Rescue NSW (Kioloa and Ulladulla units) and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service are described for the wider Bawley Point Coast cluster.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Milton or Ulladulla.
Localism / Vibe
Heavy — Described as heavy local presence; respect local hierarchy.

Rules of the spot

Can get quite busy in the water; standard surfing etiquette and respect for local hierarchy.

Local Tips
  • Timing the entry and exit from the rocks is critical to avoid gear damage or injury.
  • Watch the sets for a long time before paddling out to understand the sweep.
  • Park in the dirt carpark with Bawley Point break in front; Guillotines is to the left.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Sydney
Nearest Town
Bawley Point
Parking
Dirt carpark at the end of the short dirt road off Tingara Drive before the road swings right.
Access
Take Tingara Drive to the end of the point in Bawley Point, then turn left onto a short dirt road just before Tingara curves right; park in the dirt carpark with Guillotines to the left of Bawley Point break.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Holiday rentals and caravan parks are available in Bawley Point and Kioloa.
Food & Drink
Local cafes and a small general store in Bawley Point.
Equipment Rental:
No specialized rentals at the break; more comprehensive services are available in Ulladulla.
Gear Storage
Generally not available at the beach; storage may be provided by some local accommodation providers or surf schools.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard repairs available in nearby Ulladulla; localized gear repair is also mentioned for the wider area.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The area is described as nature-forward with rugged coastal scenery and wildlife, centered around Murramarang National Park.

Best time to visit: Summer (December to February) for beach activities and wind; autumn for milder weather and smaller crowds.
Murramarang National Park0km

A coastal park with hiking trails, camping, and secluded beaches.

Pebbly Beach Kangaroos12km

A beach where eastern grey kangaroos are frequently seen on the sand.

Walking on Country Tours10km

Indigenous cultural tours highlighting local Yuin heritage.

Cupitt's Estate25km

Winery, brewery, and restaurant in nearby Milton.

Bawley Bush Retreat5km

Eco-friendly retreat with family-oriented outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast)?

The best overall months at Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast) are June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast)?

Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast) works with W, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.

What skill level is Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast) suitable for?

Guillotines 2 (Bawley Point Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.