Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island) is described as a reasonably exposed point break on the north-eastern tip of the island. It typically produces waves year-round, though summer can be mostly flat, so conditions are best when swell and wind line up rather than relying on seasonality alone. The spot is noted to work best with offshore southerly winds. The better swell angle is reported from the east (with some sources pointing to east/south-east backgrounds). When these line up, wave quality is typically good, with a peeling wave shape and moderate wave power suited to intermediate surfers. Surf across tide stages is generally supported (i.e., not limited to a single tide). Safety is a major consideration at Point Lookout. Sharks and rocky hazards are both explicitly flagged around the headlands, so riders should be extra cautious—especially around dawn and dusk when visibility and wildlife activity can increase risk. Strong currents may occur, with notes of rip/sweep changes during higher swell conditions, so staying aware of water movement around the break is important. The area also includes patrolled swimming zones and clear local rules: do not surf between the flags at patrolled beaches. Lifeguards are seasonal and rescue availability is limited, so plan to surf with appropriate awareness and footwear/gear for rocky water.
- Offshore southerly winds are the key for better surfing conditions at this point
- Good wave quality and a peeling point-wave feel when swell aligns
- Works across tide stages
- A reliable point-break setup when winds and swell align.
- Works across tide stages.
- Good-to-excellent wave quality depending on conditions; clear water reported for the area.
- Rocks and sharks are a known hazard around the headlands.
- Can be inconsistent in summer, with waves sometimes flatter.
- Rescue availability is limited.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Reliability
- 34% blown (monthly blown pct), otherwise generally better conditions when offshore southerlies align
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- February
- Thermal Window
- Summer wind is commonly helped by afternoon sea-breeze development, but the spot-level wind stats most strongly match offshore southerlies for February.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Conflicting inputs: rocks in one source; sand in another (varies by access/nearby sections within the broader point area).
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Wide access along beach approaches/dunes; multiple access points reported.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Highest during school holidays and summer weekends; quieter during winter weekdays.
Late summer (January to March) can see increased rainfall and occasional tropical cyclone activity.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A reasonably exposed point break that usually has waves; summer can trend flatter. Works across tide stages with good wave quality when offshore southerlies align with the better swell angle.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, ESE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Also described as working across tide stages.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Point setting at the north-eastern tip; generally exposed to ocean swell.
- Wind Effect
- Southerly winds are best/offshore for the north-facing point beaches around Point Lookout.
- Bigger Swell
- Receives distant groundswells; can handle larger swell, but conditions can become more challenging with sweep/current changes at times.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported as good overall; one source also describes excellent conditions depending on conditions/swell.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Longer rides are associated with the point’s sand-bottom waves on suitable swell; riding remains typically medium overall for the spot’s peak conditions.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island) in the full forecast view.
Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–17 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- NE36°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.9–1.6 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Sharks
- Rocks
- Strong rip currents
- Strong sweep
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards reported for the area.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited overall; patrols operate in surrounding/nearby main swimming areas.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number is 000. Surf Life Saving Queensland/volunteer patrols cover main swimming areas immediately south of the headland; emergency/major medical care is on the mainland (Redland Hospital) with a local clinic available in Dunwich.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No notable localism indicated for this spot; main risks are environmental (sharks/rocks/currents).
Rules of the spot
Avoid surfing in designated no-surf zones between flags at patrolled beaches.
- No surfing between the flags at patrolled beaches.
- Be especially cautious around the headlands at dawn and dusk due to sharks.
- If winds are strong offshore from the south, it can suit the point more—still watch for rocks and current changes.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Brisbane
- Nearest Town
- Point Lookout
- Parking
- Car park available toward the western end of Flinders Beach along Flinder’s Beach Road, and at Adder Rock.
- Public Transport
- Ferry or water taxi access from Cleveland, with local bus service connecting island townships (Route 701).
- Access
- Car ferry or water taxi from Cleveland (near Brisbane) across Moreton Bay to the north end of North Stradbroke Island; vehicle access to Flinders Beach via Flinder’s Beach Road or at Adder Rock.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping grounds, holiday rentals, and a few hotels located within the Point Lookout township.
- Food & Drink
- Several cafes, a hotel/pub, and a bakery are located within walking distance of the main beaches.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at the local surf school and nearby shops in Point Lookout.
- Gear Storage
- Not commonly available; most riders keep gear at their accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- Limited surfboard repair services available in the township; basic fiberglass repair via local surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A nature-focused island getaway around Moreton Bay, with scenic coastal walks and seasonal wildlife viewing.
Scenic coastal walk with views of turtles, dolphins, and manta rays.
Showcasing work of local Aboriginal artists from the Quandamooka people.
World-class land-based whale watching from the headlands between June and November.
Iconic pub with expansive views of the Coral Sea.
A natural tea-tree stained lake suitable for swimming and picnics.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island)?
The best overall months at Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island) are March, April, May. The best wind months are February.
Which wind directions work at Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island)?
Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island) suitable for?
Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.