Lamberts Beach (Mackay)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Lamberts Beach (Slade Point, Mackay) is a fairly exposed sandy beach break with inconsistent surf. It’s described as breaking both left and right, and it tends to perform best when you have a meaningful East to South-East swell. Depending on conditions, wave quality can range from average to poor, so it’s a spot where wind and swell timing really matter. Tide also plays a role: one set of guidance suggests mid-tide, while another points to low-to-mid conditions. Wind matters for surf comfort and quality—west to south-west winds are associated with cleaner offshore conditions here, while cross-shore breezes can make the beach feel more exposed and less consistent. Safety considerations are a key part of the spot. Marine stingers are typically a seasonal risk (reported from October to May), and there are also risks from sharks and occasional rip currents. Rocks at the southern end near the headland can influence both wave shape and safety, so extra care is recommended around that area. For equipment and planning, local conditions are supported by nearby park amenities (toilets, showers, picnic areas, and a playground) and easy beach access. Lifeguard coverage is seasonal, with rescue availability described as limited—so it’s important to respect swim zones and check current conditions before getting in.
- East to South-East swells drive the best surfing
- Both left and right waves
- Southern headland can shape the wave but adds rock hazards
- Works best on East to South-East swells and supports both left and right waves
- Wide sandy launch with ample space for most sessions
- Good nearby infrastructure at Slade Point (park facilities and amenities)
- Surf can be inconsistent and unreliable
- Exposed beach break with limited shelter from cross-shore breezes
- Rip currents can occur, especially near the southern headland
- Marine stingers typically present from October to May
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, SSE, SE, WSW, W, WNW
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW, WSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — South-East trade winds dominate; spot-level sources also mention west/south-westerly winds for cleaner conditions.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Surf is generally small; one source also references close-out behavior when swell exceeds 2 meters.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space; northern end can become narrower at high tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Can be popular with locals on weekends and during school holidays, but rarely overcrowded.
Tropical wet season occurs from January to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Primarily a surf spot, but kitesurfing is possible in strong South-East trade winds with a side-onshore environment suitable for boosting off small waves.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Can be used for wingfoiling when the swell is small and the wind is sufficient; depth awareness is needed near the southern rocks.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Fairly exposed, with inconsistent surf. Works best on East to South-East swells, with waves breaking both left and right.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, ESE, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, Low — One source points to mid-tide; another indicates best conditions around low to mid tide. Treat as tide-dependent.
- Shelter
- Exposed — The beach is described as fairly exposed; the southern headland at Slade Point can provide some shelter from southerly winds.
- Wind Effect
- West or south-west winds can provide cleaner offshore conditions; cross-shore breezes can make the beach break feel more exposed and inconsistent.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds 2 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — One source rates wave quality as poor, indicating conditions can vary significantly by swell and wind.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Some sources describe wave power as moderate; other ratings describe overall quality as average/poor depending on conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Conditions can be inconsistent with mixed wave shape.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Ride length is generally short and punchy.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves are generally short and punchy beach breaks.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lamberts Beach (Mackay) in the full forecast view.
Lamberts Beach (Mackay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- NNE30°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.6 m4s period
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lamberts Beach (Mackay) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.2–0.6 m with a period of about 4s. 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), typically from October to May
- Sharks
- Rocks at the southern end near the headland
- Occasional rip currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal; patrolled beaches are especially during weekends and school holidays.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; regional emergency coverage includes Surf Life Saving Queensland for patrolled beaches and Volunteer Marine Rescue for offshore emergencies.
- Emergency Info
- Mackay Base Hospital is approximately 15 minutes away by car. In a life-threatening emergency, call 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism level is described as none.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swim zones by lifeguards.
- No motorized watercraft in designated swimming areas
- Check the stinger report during summer months.
- The southern end near the rocks often has the best wave shape, but it requires caution.
- Be extra cautious with rip currents, especially near the southern headland at Slade Point.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mackay
- Nearest Town
- Slade Point
- Parking
- Large dedicated parking area available at Ram Chandra Park.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various holiday rentals and motels are available in Slade Point and Mackay.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and a tavern are within walking distance.
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 Lamberts Beach (Mackay)?
The best overall months at Lamberts Beach (Mackay) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Lamberts Beach (Mackay)?
Lamberts Beach (Mackay) works with E, SSE, SE, WSW, W, WNW winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, WSW, SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Lamberts Beach (Mackay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Lamberts Beach (Mackay): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Lamberts Beach (Mackay) suitable for?
Lamberts Beach (Mackay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.