Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River)

Surfing
Advanced riders, Shortboard
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Swell
Spot Type
Crowded
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Otherside of the Moon is an exposed reef break in the Margaret River area near Cape Naturaliste. It’s known for dependable surf, with the best reported conditions occurring in May, when offshore east winds and a west-to-west-southwest swell line up. The ride is typically a fast, powerful right-hand reef wave with hollow characteristics. It breaks over a shallow reef shelf, so it can change quickly with swell size and where the energy is landing—sources emphasize that it holds size well when swell ramps up enough to break away from the shallowest sections. Wind cleanliness is a key part of the spot’s performance. In May, clean surfable waves are reported about 36% of the time, while conditions are blown out roughly 63% of the time, so sessions are highly dependent on getting the wind direction and timing right. Safety is a priority here: the break is rocky and sits over sharp shallow reef. There can be strong currents, powerful waves, and the spot is described as advanced-level terrain with moderate localism. There is no lifeguard presence at the spot, and rescue is described as limited with emergency response coordinated through the regional emergency services.

  • Fast, powerful right-hand reef waves
  • Best surf window reported for May
  • Mid tide preferred
  • Offshore east winds improve wave cleanliness
Great for
Advanced ridersSurfing shortboard
What's great
  • Exposed reef break with dependable surf
  • Often hollow, powerful fast right-hand waves for capable surfers
  • Mid tide is typically preferred
  • Best month reported as May
Heads up
  • Sharp reef/rocks and submerged hazards
  • Often crowded when conditions are good
  • No on-water lifeguards
  • Wind can be unreliable; waves can be blown out much of the time
  • Best conditions depend on the right swell + offshore wind combination
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E
Offshore directions
E, NNE, NE
Wind Range
10–25 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Seasonal onshore/offshore balance reported; spot guide notes best winds from the east.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
May
Shadow Zones
sheltered-from-southerly-winds-by-headland

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Reef
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Medium wave size reported; working swell height window provided by sources.
Launch
Small — Limited/rocky access.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Limited, rocky access.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
16–22 °C
Water Temperature
15–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–May: 3/2mmJun–Sep: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Often crowded when conditions are good due to its reputation.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see the most storm activity.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break in the Margaret River region with dependable surf, strongest in autumn. Works best when a West-southwest swell combines with offshore east winds, producing a fast, hollow right over a shallow reef shelf.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
WSW, W, SW
Swell Height
1.5–3 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Best reported tide: mid tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef break; also described as semi-sheltered by a headland in some conditions.
Wind Effect
Offshore-optimal when east winds are in the right range; East-Southeast winds provide the cleanest offshore conditions.
Bigger Swell
Holds-size-well (keeps size as swell increases).
Wave Quality
Good — Monthly clean conditions reported around 36% in May; otherwise it can be blown out.
Wave Power
Powerful — Powerful and fast right-hand reef break.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Known for hollow sections.
Peel Speed
Fast — Fast sections over a shallow reef shelf.
Ride Length
Medium — Fast sections over a shallow reef shelf.
Ride Length Details
Fast sections over a shallow reef shelf.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River) in the full forecast view.

Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–20 ktsGusts 30 kts
Direction
S191°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2420 kts
Windy days
6/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–3.4 m10s period
Temperature
12–22 °C

Over the next 7 days, Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.8–3.4 m with a period of about 10s. 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
  • Sharp shallow reef
  • Submerged rocks
  • Powerful waves
  • Strong currents
  • Sharks
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated full-time on-water rescue for all launches; seasonal Surf Life Saving patrols operate at major nearby beaches.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Dunsborough. Emergency number is 000; nearest hospital is Busselton Health Campus.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the locals.

Local Tips
  • Watch the reef on entry and exit as it can be very sharp.
  • Best surfed when the swell is large enough to break away from the shallowest sections.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Margaret River
Nearest Town
Cape Naturaliste
Parking
Limited parking at the end of the access tracks or at the main lighthouse carpark; also noted: free off-street parking available nearby (may apply to spot access).
Access
Access is via Bunker Bay Road off Cape Naturaliste Road; alternative access described as a walk from the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse area or via 4WD tracks.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping and holiday rentals available in Dunsborough and Yallingup.
Food & Drink
None at the spot; nearest options are in Dunsborough.
Equipment Rental:
Surf shops available in Dunsborough and Yallingup.
Gear Storage
Generally not available at public beach areas; most visitors store gear at their accommodation or in private vehicles.
Gear Repair
Repair services available in Margaret River and Dunsborough.
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 Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River)?

The best overall months at Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River) are April, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are May.

Which wind directions work at Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River)?

Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River) works with E winds. Offshore directions are E, NNE, NE.

What skill level is Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River) suitable for?

Otherside of the Moon (Margaret River) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.