Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Lighthouse 4 is an exposed beach-and-reef break in the Margaret River (Cape Naturaliste) area, known for producing reliable surf that can still work when surrounding coastlines are too small. It’s a rockier, more natural launch environment where conditions can change quickly with swell and tide. For best results, plan around mid tide and aim for east winds. The spot is described as offshore in these conditions, which typically helps keep waves cleaner. May is specifically highlighted as a primary month for surf, and the break is also characterized as a strong swell catcher. Safety is a major consideration: rocks are a consistent hazard across the break area, and sources also warn about strong currents/rips and shark presence in the general hazards list. The location is remote and involves walking in from nearby trails or parking, so you’ll want to be self-sufficient with your plan and gear. Overall, it suits intermediate surfers, with the general guidance leaning toward riders who can manage mixed beach/reef characteristics and handle the exposed nature of the cape. Visibility of rescue coverage is limited—so surf with appropriate caution and have an emergency plan before going out.
- Reliable exposed beach-and-reef break
- Best with east winds and mid tide
- May is a key surf month
- Rock hazards and strong currents/rips are common
- Reliable surf thanks to a consistent beach-and-reef setup.
- Works particularly well with east winds and mid tide.
- Often considered a good option when other nearby spots are smaller.
- Exposed conditions with submerged rocks throughout the break area.
- Strong ocean currents and rips are common in the exposed cape setting.
- No on-water lifeguard presence.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar · Dir: S, SSW, SW · Typical pattern is stronger afternoon winds; sources also describe offshore easterlies in the morning followed by afternoon sea breezes.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand with mixed beach/reef characteristics; bottom described as mixed.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access often requires a walk from nearby trails or parking areas.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate due to the required walk and rock exposure.
Through the year
Generally quiet; more visitors during weekends and holidays.
Winter months (June to August) are the rainiest and can experience heavy coastal storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach-and-reef break with reliable surf. Works best on mid tide with east winds; May is highlighted as the primary surf month.
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East winds are offshore and provide the cleanest conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles larger swells but can become heavy and prone to closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer short, punchy peaks or longer rides depending on sandbank and reef configuration.
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer short, punchy peaks or longer rides depending on sandbank and reef configuration
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste) in the full forecast view.
Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–20 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- S191°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2420 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–3.4 m10s period
- Temperature
- 11–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.8–3.4 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
- Strong ocean currents and rips
- Sharks
- Remote location
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated full-time on-water rescue for all launches; seasonal Surf Life Saving patrols operate at major nearby beaches.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are located in Busselton or Margaret River; emergency services are coordinated through local police and marine rescue (use 000).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
- Often acts as a backup when other nearby spots are too small.
- Be prepared for a walk from nearby trails or parking areas before reaching the water.
- East winds are offshore and tend to give the cleanest conditions.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Margaret River
- Nearest Town
- Dunsborough
- Nearest Airport
- Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB) approx. 35km; Perth Airport (PER) approx. 255km.
- Parking
- Limited parking available at trailheads near the lighthouse area.
- Public Transport
- Limited public transport; a private vehicle is highly recommended for accessing different coastal points.
- Access
- Accessible via coastal access routes near the lighthouse area and/or the Cape to Cape track; parking is limited at nearby trailheads.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and holiday rentals are available in the Dunsborough and Yallingup areas.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the beach; cafes and shops are available in the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse area or in Dunsborough.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available in Dunsborough or Yallingup (surf and SUP rentals widely available; specialized kite/wing gear more limited).
- Gear Storage
- Generally not available at public beach areas; most visitors store gear at accommodation or in private vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- Gear repair available through local shapers in the Dunsborough and Margaret River industrial areas.
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 Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste)?
The best overall months at Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste) are March, April, May. The best wind months are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste)?
Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste) works with E winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste) suitable for?
Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.