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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardSurfing bodyboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • Rocks and sharks are a known hazard around the headlands.
  • Can be inconsistent in summer, with waves sometimes flatter.
  • Rescue availability is limited.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–27 °C
Water Temperature
10–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Apr: rash vest or shortyJun–Sep: 3/2mm steamer
Crowds by Season

Highest during school holidays and summer weekends; quieter during winter weekdays.

Storm/Rain Season

Late summer (January to March) can see increased rainfall and occasional tropical cyclone activity.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

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

  • Sharks
  • Rocks
  • Strong rip currents
  • Strong sweep
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetLeash

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.

Restrictions
  • No surfing between the flags at patrolled beaches.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Camping
Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Restaurant
Bar
Picnic area
Playground
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A nature-focused island getaway around Moreton Bay, with scenic coastal walks and seasonal wildlife viewing.

Best time to visit: Autumn and spring for more temperate weather; summer for reliable sea breezes.
North Gorge Walk1km

Scenic coastal walk with views of turtles, dolphins, and manta rays.

Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery15km

Showcasing work of local Aboriginal artists from the Quandamooka people.

Whale Watching0km

World-class land-based whale watching from the headlands between June and November.

Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel1km

Iconic pub with expansive views of the Coral Sea.

Brown Lake (Bumiera)12km

A natural tea-tree stained lake suitable for swimming and picnics.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.