Hussas (Gracetown)
- Longboard, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Shallow
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Hussas is a small reef break in Cowaramup Bay (Gracetown) that rolls in over shallow, rocky reef sections close to shore, with a weed-covered ledge noted near the break. It’s commonly described as exposed reef surf with consistent conditions overall, though summer can tend to be mostly flat. For surfing, the wave is described as a peeling reef wave that works in a range of directions (left/right variations are referenced across sources), with overall best performance when swell comes from the west or southwest. Operationally, guides differ slightly on tide preference: one notes the spot works well around low tide, while another states mid tide as optimal—so it’s important to check actual conditions at arrival. Wind-wise, the area is influenced by strong summer sea breezes, with typical afternoon timing in summer months. East to southeast winds are described, with wind reliability characterized as medium and gusting typically light. When the wind is aligned offshore (east/southeast), surf conditions are generally better. Safety is a key factor at Hussas: rocks, a shallow reef, and shark presence are highlighted in the available information, and very large swells can make the wave heavy and prone to closing out. Recommended gear includes a helmet (and an impact vest in one guide), plus appropriate leash/foot protection where used for reef environments. Lifeguard presence is described as none, so plan conservatively and keep within your ability level while respecting local lineup etiquette.
- Consistent reef surfing for intermediate-to-advanced surfers learning and progressing
- Peeling wave with medium ride lengths on good days
- Summer afternoon sea breezes can create supportive conditions for the area
- Reliable reef surfing described for the Margaret River/Gracetown area, often more approachable than the heavier neighboring break.
- Peeling wave shape and workable ride lengths for intermediate surfers.
- Clear water and a well-known local surf environment.
- Rocks/shallow reef make wipeouts higher consequence; surf can be hazardous close to shore.
- Can become heavy and close out on very large swells.
- No lifeguards noted at the spot; rescue is limited and typically sea-rescue based.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, SE
- Offshore directions
- E, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Strong afternoon sea breezes are common in summer.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Cliffs to the south provide some protection from southerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Shallow
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed (rocky/reef with some sandy patches nearby).
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium; one guide notes summer can often be mostly flat.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline with some small sandy patches nearby in Cowaramup Bay; access described via Gracetown parking areas and a short walk.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty reported for the spot area.
Through the year
Highest crowds during school holidays and weekends; quieter on weekdays and during mid-winter.
Winter (June to August) is the peak season for storms and rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Some wingfoiling potential in cross-shore winds, but the reef at Hussas is primarily a surf break.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5m at the reef edge
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Small reef break rolling over a shallow, weed-covered rocky ledge close to shore; typically a more manageable wave than heavier nearby reef options.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — One guide favors low tide for the reef entry; another describes the spot working best around mid tide—check conditions on arrival.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — A reef break within Cowaramup Bay; described as having some protection from nearby coastal features, but also noted as an exposed reef break in the broader area.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore with East and Southeast winds; cross-shore from the South.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Generally consistent; summer can be mostly flat.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Described as a peeling reef wave.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Good days can produce longer rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides of about 50 to 100 meters can occur on good days (a typical estimate reported as ~75 meters).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hussas (Gracetown) in the full forecast view.
Hussas (Gracetown) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–16 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- SSW193°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–3.1 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Hussas (Gracetown) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.7–3.1 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- weed-covered rocky ledge
- shallow water
- sharks
- sharp reef
- heavy swells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards noted for the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Cowaramup Bay sea rescue provides maritime assistance (limited coverage; no permanent lifeguard towers on most beaches).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is located in Margaret River town center; in the region, emergency number is 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Less crowded than the heavier nearby break, with a generally welcoming learning environment noted for intermediate surfers.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.
- Caution is needed due to shallow reef close to shore.
- Suitable for those learning to surf, but still check the swell forecast because conditions can change quickly.
- The spot is less crowded than the nearby North Point, but it can still get busy on weekends.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Gracetown
- Nearest Town
- Augusta-Margaret River
- Parking
- South Point car park; also noted: public parking at Gracetown boat ramp and North Point car parks.
- Access
- Located directly out from the South Point car park in Gracetown; accessible via Cowaramup Bay Road with a short walk from parking areas at Gracetown.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday rentals and caravan parks available in Gracetown and nearby Cowaramup.
- Food & Drink
- General store and a cafe located in Gracetown.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf and SUP rentals are available in Margaret River; dedicated kite and windsurf rentals are more commonly found in Busselton or Augusta. Surf shops in Margaret River and Cowaramup offer rentals.
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited; not described as available at the spot.
- Gear Repair
- Repair services available in Margaret River.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Gracetown and the Geographe Bay area sit in a well-known tourism region in the Margaret River region, with easy coastal access and nearby caves, wineries, and hiking along the Cape to Cape Track.
A pioneering biodynamic winery offering tastings and a sustainable dining experience.
A long-distance hiking trail that passes directly through Gracetown along the coast.
An ancient limestone cave with Aboriginal cultural tours available.
The local hub for coffee, casual meals, and basic supplies with a view of the bay.
A popular factory and cafe offering free tastings and chocolate products.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Hussas (Gracetown)?
The best overall months at Hussas (Gracetown) are March, April, May. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Hussas (Gracetown)?
Hussas (Gracetown) works with E, SE winds. Offshore directions are E, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Hussas (Gracetown)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Hussas (Gracetown): Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Hussas (Gracetown) suitable for?
Hussas (Gracetown) suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.