Old Woman Island South Side (Sunshine Coast)

Old Woman Island South Side is a remote, exposed reef point break off the Sunshine Coast (near Mudjimba). The wave is described as a right-hand point wave wrapping around the island’s southern ledge, with peeling sections that can hold longer rides when the swell direction is optimal. Access is a major factor: accounts consistently describe a long, exposed paddle from Mudjimba (often described around 1 km to about 2 km, with roughly 15–20 minutes depending on starting point), or boat access as the preferred method. The break is typically reached roughly 400–500 meters offshore, so conditions can feel isolated even on days when waves are running. Hazards are significant. Reported dangers include sharp rocks/reef ledges and shark risk, alongside strong tidal currents/sweeps that can pull you off the peak and make handling the lineup more difficult—especially when the swell builds. One source explicitly notes it’s rarely surfed because of access difficulty and shark risk, and multiple accounts emphasize it’s not a spot for casual attempts. When conditions line up, wind and swell alignment matter. Northerly winds are reported as the best option for getting cleanest conditions on this south-side launch, and surf guidance indicates the spot works best in winter with south (and also south–southeast) swell for 1.0–2.5 m surf. Advanced/expert surfers are expected to be the typical target group given the required entry skill, exposure, and current management needs.