Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast)

Surfing
Longboard, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Macauleys is an exposed headland point break on the Coffs Harbour coast. It’s known for producing long left-hand waves off the headland when the swell and wind line up. Conditions are commonly described as relying on a north-coast exposed setup that “usually has waves,” with autumn and winter highlighted as the optimum time of year. For wave and swell alignment, sources point to a northeast to southeast swell window as the key for surf quality at this point. The preferred wind direction is northwest, which acts offshore and helps groom the wave faces. Mid-tide is often mentioned as a time when the point can connect well, and when the swell is right the waves can become increasingly hollow. The spot carries multiple safety considerations: rocks and sharks are explicitly listed hazards, and currents/sweeps are also a concern—especially during larger swells. Crowding is another recurring theme in the peak season, so patience and careful lineup etiquette matter. Amenities and access are straightforward via the Macauleys Headland track or from the northern end of Park Beach, with parking available near the headland. Lifeguard presence is described as seasonal (though some sources report none), and rescue availability is generally limited—so riders should plan accordingly and choose conditions within their comfort level.

  • Exposed point break on a headland.
  • Long left-off-the-headland potential with the right swell.
  • Northwest offshore wind improves grooming.
  • Autumn and winter are the best season.
Great for
Surfing longboardSurfing shortboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Exposed headland point break with potential for long rides.
  • Works best when northwest winds combine with the appropriate swell direction.
  • Seasonally favorable conditions in autumn and winter.
Heads up
  • Rocks and sharks are reported hazards.
  • Often crowded during peak conditions.
  • Currents/sweeps can be strong, especially on larger swells.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, W
Offshore directions
NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Wind can vary by system; spot works best with northwest winds.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Gustiness described as light-gusts.
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August
Shadow Zones
The headland provides some protection from South/Southwest winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand beach with rocky point/headland areas.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Medium wave size reported; can take significant size when swell is right.
Launch
Small — Entry via headland track with a small sandy area for getting into the water.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Reported as moderate, largely due to rocky entry/exit.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–26 °C
Water Temperature
9–27 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mmDec–Mar: rash vest / shorty
Crowds by Season

Regularly crowded, especially on weekends and during good swell events; often crowded during autumn and winter.

Storm/Rain Season

Summer can include tropical low-pressure systems and heavy rain.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed point break on a headland that can produce long rides off the headland with the right swell and northwest offshore wind.

Point break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
E, SE, NE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid-tide often helps the point to connect.
Shelter
Sheltered — Sheltered/semi-sheltered by the headland setup (sources vary between sheltered and semi-sheltered).
Wind Effect
Best with northwest offshore winds that groom the wave faces.
Bigger Swell
Can handle significant size but becomes increasingly challenging with heavy sweeps.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality described as good.
Wave Power
Moderate — Wave power described as moderate.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Primarily peeling walls when swell and winds align.
Peel Speed
Medium — Wave described as peeling with a medium peel speed.
Ride Length
Medium — Can connect for rides around 50–150 meters when sections connect; typical ride length reported as ~100 m.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Long left off the headland; when sections connect it can offer rides roughly 50–150 meters (with a reported typical of ~100 meters).
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast) in the full forecast view.

Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–13 ktsGusts 25 kts
Direction
ENE69°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2513 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–2.2 m8s period
Temperature
15–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.0–2.2 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
  • Strong currents
  • Crowds
  • Submerged rocks along the point and headland
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards reported as seasonal; other sources report none—assume seasonal coverage during peak periods.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; regional rescue is typically limited with seasonal patrolling.
Emergency Info
Nearest major hospital is Coffs Harbour Health Campus. Emergency services via 000.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Localism described as none to moderate across sources; treat as mild-to-moderate.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.

Local Tips
  • Best with northwest winds and northeast swell (for the long left off the headland).
  • The point section is rocky—be careful when entering and exiting.
  • Keep an eye on the sweep/rip currents, which can pull you toward other sections quickly.
  • It is often crowded during good conditions in the autumn/winter peak.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Coffs Harbour
Nearest Town
Coffs Harbour
Parking
Limited parking available at Macauleys Headland car park; parking available near Macauleys Headland Park Beach.
Access
Accessible via the Macauleys Headland walking track or from the northern end of Park Beach.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Accommodation
Near — Accommodation options (hotels, motels, apartments, holiday parks, and cottages) are available in and around Coffs Harbour and Park Beach.
Food & Drink
Food and drink available nearby at Park Beach and Coffs Harbour town centre.
Equipment Rental:
Surf shops in Coffs Harbour offer board rentals.
Gear Storage
Limited public storage; most visitors plan around transport and accommodation gear.
Gear Repair
Gear repair available via local surf shops in Coffs Harbour.
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 Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast)?

The best overall months at Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast)?

Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast) works with NW, W winds. Offshore directions are NW.

What skill level is Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast) suitable for?

Macauleys (Coffs Harbour Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.