Margaret River Rivermouth
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Margaret River Rivermouth is a sheltered river-mouth break known for consistent, powerful waves and crystal-clear water. The area has medium waves with a sandy beach, but it also has rocks/reef patches that make the launch and take-off zones hazardous—especially for anyone not fully comfortable with advanced surf conditions. For surfing, the break is described as very consistent and capable of producing hollow sections. It tends to favor right-handers, and the best results come when the swell and wind align; east winds can help keep things cleaner, while very large swells may turn the water heavy and disorganized. Rides are commonly medium-length on good days, with longer rides possible when the sandbar and peaks cooperate. For wind sports, summer afternoons are a key window: a southerly/south-westerly sea breeze typically fills in, supporting wind kiting and sailing. Kitesurfing is presented as advanced due to the combination of powerful surf and rocky/reef-adjacent take-off areas; wind direction is most favorable from SSW/SW, and typical kite sizes are commonly in the 7–10 m range. Safety is a central theme at this spot. Expect strong currents and rip activity, and take extra care around rocky ends of the beach and any shallow reef patches. Lifeguard coverage is seasonal, rescue is limited, and emergency planning (including having a plan for strong-current situations) is strongly advised.
- Consistent sheltered river-mouth surfing conditions
- Advanced wave-kiting and wave sailing environment
- Summer afternoons often feature strong southerly/south-westerly sea-breeze wind
- Crystal-clear water and a medium-wave setup with consistent surf in the river-mouth break.
- Strong summer sea-breeze support for kite/wind sports, especially with S/SSW/SW winds.
- Works broadly year-round, with seasonal differences in wind and wave character.
- Rocks and submerged reef patches create serious hazards, especially near take-off areas.
- Strong rip currents and heavy surf can make conditions unforgiving.
- Advanced/expert-level requirements due to powerful, reef-influenced wave behavior.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, SSW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sou'wester sea breeze typically fills in during the afternoon.
- Reliability
- High during summer months.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Afternoon sea-breeze with generally light gustiness.
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium-wave conditions typical for the break.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach area near the river mouth; usable space varies with tide and sandbar configuration.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty due to tidal/sandbar variability and rocky ends.
Through the year
High during summer weekends and school holidays.
Winter (June to August) brings frequent storms and heavy rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A high-performance wave kiting spot where powerful surf breaks near shallow reef/rocky areas; best for riders comfortable in surf and advanced positioning.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Excellent wave sailing when the swell is manageable and the wind is side-shore.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Possible in the waves for experts, but surf power and rocks make it challenging for most.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited foil-friendliness due to rocks and surf.
- Min Depth
- 2.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Sheltered river break with very consistent surf that works year-round. Favors right-handers (and can offer hollow sections on the right conditions).
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Often best around mid tide.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered river-mouth environment.
- Wind Effect
- Handles onshore better than most; cleanest surf occurs with east winds. S/SW winds can be side-shore depending on setup.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and disorganized on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Very consistent and often described as top-tier.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Consistent and powerful when conditions line up.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Can produce hollow sections on the right swell/wind combination.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling sections on suitable sandbar setups.
- Ride Length
- Typically offers medium ride lengths on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- On good days, rides can range from about 50 to 100 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Margaret River Rivermouth in the full forecast view.
Margaret River Rivermouth wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–14 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- SSW193°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2414 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–3.8 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Margaret River Rivermouth is forecast for daytime winds of 4–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.0–3.8 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 rip currents
- Heavy surf
- Submerged reef patches
- Shallow/reef take-off areas
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards present during daytime periods (not permanent).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is limited; rely on local patrol coverage and keep safety margins for strong currents.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 000. Margaret River Hospital is approximately a 10-minute drive away.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism noted; community respect is advised.
Rules of the spot
Standard right-of-way rules apply; surfers have priority on wave peaks and kiters should keep a safe distance from the primary surfing lineup.
- Expert-level only due to reef/rock hazards and powerful surf.
- Seasonal restrictions may apply during major surfing competitions.
- Watch out for rocks at the northern end; current can be quite strong if the river has recently broken through.
- Beware of rips and rocks; take-off on rocks is not suitable for beginners.
- Ride with a partner due to marine life.
- Be respectful of the local community.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Margaret River
- Nearest Town
- Prevelly
- Parking
- Public parking available near the river mouth; can fill quickly during summer and peak surf periods.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous accommodation options in Prevelly and the Margaret River townsite.
- Food & Drink
- A cafe and restaurant are within walking distance near Surfers Point; otherwise dining is available in nearby Margaret River/Prevelly.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available in the region for surfing; kiting/windsurfing rentals are more common in nearby towns.
- Gear Storage
- Public gear storage lockers are not indicated at the launch.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs may be available through local surf and kite shops in the area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Prevelly Coast region blends rugged limestone scenery, excellent water quality, and a strong marine-sports culture, with nearby wine touring and coastal walks/caves that suit multi-day trips.
Renowned wine region with cellar doors and vineyards.
World-famous vantage point offering panoramic views of the coastline.
Spectacular coastal cliffs and hiking connected to the Cape to Cape route.
Traditional land of the Wardandi people with several sites along the coast holding significant cultural and spiritual heritage.
Historic coastal town with maritime heritage.
First Nations cultural sites and heritage across the region.
135 km hiking trail running along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, passing directly through the Prevelly coast.
Large, easily accessible limestone cave system south of the main surf breaks.
Caves and underground tours in the limestone karri forest.
Popular beachfront cafe in Gnarabup serving breakfast and lunch with ocean views.
Seafood and wine-focused dining.
Casual spot for drinks and light bites near the main breaks.
Giant hedge maze, mini-golf, and landscaped gardens suitable for all ages.
Safe beach swimming and playgrounds.
Cave tours and nature walks.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Margaret River Rivermouth?
The best overall months at Margaret River Rivermouth are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Margaret River Rivermouth?
Margaret River Rivermouth works with S, SW, SSW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Margaret River Rivermouth?
Recommended equipment sizes at Margaret River Rivermouth: Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Margaret River Rivermouth suitable for?
Margaret River Rivermouth suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Advanced to Expert.