Lighthouse 4 (Cape Naturaliste)

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardSurfing bodyboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–21 °C
Water Temperature
16–27 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Apr: 3/2mmJun–Sep: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet; more visitors during weekends and holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (June to August) are the rainiest and can experience heavy coastal storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach-and-reef break with reliable surf. Works best on mid tide with east winds; May is highlighted as the primary surf month.

Beach breakReef break
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
Forecast

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.

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
  • Strong ocean currents and rips
  • Sharks
  • Remote location
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

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

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.