Monument
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Monument is an exposed right-hand point break on the Eyre Peninsula, described as working only once in a while and relying heavily on the right swell timing. It’s reef-based and can produce powerful, hollow sections when a significant long-period South-West swell arrives, though it may remain inconsistent or not fully break on every day. Wind-wise, offshore east-northeast conditions are favored, and east winds are also reported to give cleaner, groomed faces. Wind reliability is described as low/inconsistent overall, so riders should plan around the forecast and be ready for variability. Safety is a major focus at this spot: rocks and shark activity are both repeatedly flagged, and the coastline is remote and isolated with limited emergency support. Local guidance emphasizes not surfing alone, taking extra care around the reef/rocky entry and exit, and being prepared to self-rescue. For planning, April is highlighted as a best month in at least one spot guide, while winter is also described as the strongest time of year for surfing in the region. Conditions are generally surfable across all tide stages, but the break tends to perform best when swell and tide align for well-formed walls.
- Exposed right-hand point break over reef
- Offshore east-northeast winds preferred for cleaner faces
- Works best with distant South-West swells (long-period pulses)
- Pristine/exceptionally clear water described for the region
- Exposed point-break character with powerful reef waves when conditions align
- Offshore east-northeast wind preference can produce clean faces
- Pristine/exceptionally clear Southern Ocean water described for the region
- High hazards including rocks and sharks
- Remote, isolated access with limited rescue support
- Surf can be inconsistent and only works occasionally
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE
- Offshore directions
- ENE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind described as shaped by frontal systems (local conditions can be mixed).
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported.
- Best Months
- April
- Shadow Zones
- Protected by high cliffs in certain directions (spot-specific shelter can occur).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/rocky composition at the break.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Reported as big waves when it fires; a significant swell is needed to start working.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky entry and exit points.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Difficult access/entry and hazardous rocky conditions.
Through the year
Usually quiet due to difficulty of access, but can be crowded with locals on prime days.
Winter (June–August) is the peak period for storm activity and frontal wind systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed right-hand point break with a reef section; works inconsistently and mainly with distant groundswells. Requires a significant South-West swell to really fire, producing powerful, hollow reef waves.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Surfable across all tide stages; some sources prefer mid tide when lining up.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed location; offshore conditions from the east-northeast are preferred.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore east-northeast winds are best; east winds provide clean, groomed faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but can become very heavy.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Quality described as good; the break works only once in a while and can be inconsistent.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Reported as powerful and high-performance, requiring enough swell to start working.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow sections over the reef/break.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast-moving hollow sections reported when conditions align.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer long, fast walls when swell and tide align.
- Ride Length Details
- Long, fast walls when swell and tide align; otherwise it can be inconsistent.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Monument in the full forecast view.
Monument wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–17 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- SSW199°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.5 m11s period
- Temperature
- 9–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Monument is forecast for daytime winds of 4–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.1–2.5 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- sharks
- strong currents
- remote location
- extreme isolation
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue availability reported for this remote stretch; expect self-sufficiency.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Elliston or Venus Bay, but both are limited. In an emergency, dial 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism noted; etiquette is enforced.
Rules of the spot
Public beach access; no permit required. Local etiquette is strictly enforced at the spot due to its sensitive/remote nature.
- Take care of rocks and sharks.
- Never surf alone due to high shark activity in the region.
- Check swell charts for long-period South-West pulses.
- Bring a heavy-duty first aid kit and a 4WD vehicle.
- Be aware of surroundings due to the region’s shark activity.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Port Lincoln
- Nearest Town
- Venus Bay
- Nearest Airport
- Port Lincoln Airport (PLO)
- Parking
- Limited informal parking at the cliff top.
- Public Transport
- limited to none; private vehicle required for access (4WD recommended)
- Access
- Public beach access; no permit required.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and small holiday rentals in Venus Bay.
- Food & Drink
- General store in Venus Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear for kite and wing sports is available from specialized operators in Port Lincoln (surfboard/reef surf support not specified).
- Gear Storage
- No public gear storage facilities exist in this remote area.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs can be found in Port Lincoln; specialized sail/kite repair may require shipping to Adelaide.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area is positioned as a remote, off-the-grid destination for nature lovers and seafood enthusiasts, with rugged coastal beauty and a quiet, spread-out scene.
Rugged coastal wilderness known for white sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, and diverse wildlife.
Guided tours explaining the history and process of the Coffin Bay oyster industry.
Seasonal viewing of Southern Right Whales migrating along the coast between June and October.
Local seafood destination specializing in regional oysters.
Accessible walking tracks with views of the lagoon and birdwatching opportunities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Monument?
The best overall months at Monument are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April.
Which wind directions work at Monument?
Monument works with ESE winds. Offshore directions are ENE.
What skill level is Monument suitable for?
Monument suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.