North Point (Margaret River)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
North Point is a highly regarded right-hand point break in Gracetown (Margaret River area), known for consistently strong surf and long, along-the-point rides when the swell connects between sections. The wave can range from solid and workable to extremely heavy and fast, with powerful, barrel-capable walls—particularly when southwest swell lines up with the right wind conditions. The take-off is technically demanding: entry is typically from rock entry/“shelf” areas, and the ride is shaped by a shallow, jagged rock ledge near the take-off. Because the rocks are unforgiving and described as a frequent board-snapping hazard, this spot requires careful judgment and appropriate experience/controls before committing to the lineup. Wind guidance points to stronger performance during May through October. Monthly stats indicate winds are often “blown” (about 60%) but also quite often “clean” (about 32%), with the remainder being small. Offshore or side-offshore winds are the key: easterly/southeasterly winds are described as offshore and can groom faces for cleaner, more barrel-friendly waves, while onshore winds can make conditions messy. Safety considerations are prominent. Hazards include sharp rocks, sharks, and strong currents/sweeps that become more likely as swell size increases (including when very large). Crowds can build quickly when swell and wind align, and the peak is described as localized—so waiting your turn and following strict point-break etiquette is essential. Lifeguard presence is not indicated, while rescue is available only in a limited capacity via local maritime assistance; emergency help is available by calling 000, with the nearest hospital in Margaret River about 15–20 minutes away.
- Right-hand point break with long rides along the point
- World-class power possible on well-aligned southwest swells
- May–October are the most favorable months
- Rocks and sharks are significant hazards; strong currents can occur
- Consistent right-hand point-break surf with long rides when the swell connects.
- Can offer world-class power—especially in larger, well-aligned SW swell conditions.
- Recognized as one of the most impressive right-hand point breaks in the Margaret River area.
- Rocks at the take-off are unforgiving and can snap boards; shallow shelf adds technical difficulty.
- Currents/sweeps and rips can become strong, especially on larger swells.
- Shark presence is noted.
- Very localized peak and potentially heavy crowding when conditions align; strict etiquette/localism reported.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Monthly stats indicate 60% blown and 32% clean, with 8% small (best season May–October).
- Reliability
- Moderate (offshore grooming depends on easterlies).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- The cliff can provide slight protection from southerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Ranges from around 1.5–2.5 m in one surf window description up to larger/heavy sets (sources vary from moderate to very big).
- Launch
- Small — Access/entry is typically via rock jump or paddling out from a sheltered corner of the bay; rock entry points are reached via a walking path from the car park/lookout.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Difficult due to shallow, jagged shelf and rock entry/take-off conditions.
Through the year
Extremely crowded whenever the swell and wind align, particularly on weekends.
Winter (June to August) sees frequent cold fronts and storm activity.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Primarily a surf spot; occasionally ridden by expert windsurfers only during rare strong easterly/southeasterly conditions due to extreme danger from rocks.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Right-hand point break known for consistent, high-performance surf with workable walls that can produce heavy, fast barrels over a shallow rock ledge. Rides are often long when the swell connects between sections.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SW, WSW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, All tides — Sources differ: some indicate best on mid tide; other guidance notes all tides can work depending on swell connection.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Generally semi-sheltered relative to direct open exposure, but still impacted by Indian Ocean swells and can become extremely powerful on large events.
- Wind Effect
- Works best with offshore or side-offshore winds. East/Southeast winds are offshore and can groom faces; onshore winds can make conditions messy and reduce quality.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size and can become one of the heaviest waves in Australia on large swell; exposed to Indian Ocean swells and can get very powerful.
- Wave Quality
- Good — At least consistently good, and described as world-class/heavy when conditions align.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Sources describe world-class power; can get very heavy and fast on larger swells.
- Wave Shape
- Barreling — Peeling/walls can transition into heavy, barreling sections depending on swell.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical rides can be long; reported ranges include roughly 50–150 meters depending on section connection.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Point-break shape with long rides along the point; reported typical length about 100 meters when conditions connect well.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for North Point (Margaret River) in the full forecast view.
North Point (Margaret River) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–14 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- SSW194°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2614 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.7 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, North Point (Margaret River) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.7–2.7 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 (unforgiving; boards can be snapped)
- Sharks
- Sharp shallow rocks / jagged outcrops
- Strong currents/sweeps and rips
- Extreme crowds (when it aligns)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard towers/permanent lifeguard presence is indicated at most beaches in the area.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Maritime assistance is available via Cowaramup Bay Sea Rescue; no dedicated surf rescue coverage is indicated for this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Margaret River, approximately 15–20 minutes away; in Australia call 000 for emergency services.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Sources describe heavy localism and strict adherence to etiquette.
Rules of the spot
Surf etiquette at a high-stakes point break is critical: respect the inside rider and do not drop in on the person closest to the peak; wait your turn as the peak is highly localized when working.
- Avoid riding in unsafe conditions around the shallow rock take-off unless you have the required skill and control.
- The end section is notorious for closing out on dry rocks—know when to kick out.
- Wait your turn; the peak is highly localized and crowded when it is working.
- With heavy swell conditions (especially when very large), expect stronger sweeps and rips.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Busselton
- Nearest Town
- Gracetown
- Nearest Airport
- Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB) (about 45 km).
- Parking
- Limited parking at the North Point lookout car park.
- Public Transport
- Limited to regional bus services (Transwa) to nearby towns; a private vehicle is essential.
- Access
- Accessible via roads in the Cowaramup/Boranup area to Gracetown; walk from the car park/outlook to the lookout and rock entry points.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation available in Gracetown including holiday rentals and a caravan park; more options in Margaret River town.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafe options are available in the center of Gracetown near the main beach (general availability for the spot area).
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf and SUP rentals available in Margaret River; dedicated kite/windsurf rentals more commonly found elsewhere (Busselton/Augusta).
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited; no public beachside lockers/dedicated storage facilities are indicated.
- Gear Repair
- Surfboard repair shops are located in Margaret River; about 15 km away per one source.
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 North Point (Margaret River)?
The best overall months at North Point (Margaret River) are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at North Point (Margaret River)?
North Point (Margaret River) works with E, ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at North Point (Margaret River)?
Recommended equipment sizes at North Point (Margaret River): Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is North Point (Margaret River) suitable for?
North Point (Margaret River) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Expert · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.