Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Mixed
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay) is a compact, sand-bottom launch area with shallow water near shore that deepens over reef structures. Conditions are commonly described as flat to small chop, and the reef can create rideable ramp opportunities for kiting and smoother sections for foilers. Water quality is reported as crystal clear/clean, and the shoreline break is typically small. Wind is dominated by an afternoon sea breeze in summer, most consistently during November through February, with peak reliability commonly cited for November–February. The spot generally works best with southerly to south-westerly winds (including SE/SW), and typical strengths are around 15–25 knots. Because winds are strongly thermal-driven in summer, planning around the afternoon window is key. This is an intermediate-friendly venue for kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and windsurfing, but the reef and rocks are the main constraint. The Marine Sanctuary status means riders must respect the environment, follow local distance requirements from swimmers, and use designated riding/launch zones (including restrictions associated with sanctuary lines and no-boating sanctuary areas). At low tide, reef depths can become very shallow, so checking tide conditions before committing on the water is strongly emphasized. Access is straightforward from Melbourne, including by train and bus, with parking near the Beachside Café/Teahouse area and nearby toilets/showers. Lifeguards are reported as seasonal. Overall, the spot is well regarded for reliable summer sea-breeze sessions and for providing a manageable range of wave/flatter sections compared with more exposed nearby alternatives—while still requiring careful navigation around shallow reefs.

  • Reliable summer afternoon sea breezes (southerly/SW sector)
  • Shallow, reef-influenced water that can create flatter sections and ramp opportunities
  • Urban convenience: train/bus access and nearby on-site refreshments
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing big airKitesurfing foilWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyleWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing foil
What's great
  • Consistent summer sea breezes with reliable kiting conditions
  • Often flat to small-chop water with reef-protected sections
  • Easy urban access with nearby facilities and dining
Heads up
  • Reef and rock hazards, especially at low tide
  • Launch space can be limited (more so at high tide)
  • Can get crowded on good summer days
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SE, S, SW, W
Offshore directions
N, NNW, NW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Afternoon sea breeze pattern in summer; works best on southerly to south-westerly airflow.
Reliability
high in summer (November–February)
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
January, February, March, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Mixed
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Small bay swell may come through off the reef for surfing.
Chop Level
Light chop — Often flat to small chop; reef protection can reduce heavier swell impact in some sections.
Launch
Medium — Car park adjacent to Beaumaris Yacht Club; spacious grass rigging area and beach slope. Limited narrow launch sections between rocky outcrops, especially at high tide.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 4/3mm or 5/4mmSep, Oct, Nov: 4/3mm or 5/4mm (or warm 4/3mm depending on preference)Dec–Mar: 3/2mm or shorty
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded with beachgoers and other water users during summer weekends and public holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is most frequent in late winter and spring (August–October).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Flat water to small chop with ramp opportunities created by the reef; works best on SW/S winds during the summer sea-breeze. Common for bump-and-jump, wave jumping, and flat-water freeride with some reef protection from heavier swell.

FreerideWaveBig airFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Bump and jump and foiling are possible; shallow reef areas require extra care with long fins (especially at low tide).

FreerideFoilSlalom
Sail Sizes
5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Flat-water conditions are supported by the shallow reef structures and sandbar protection. Riders need to be able to walk out past the shallowest reef sections to avoid hitting foils.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported.
Min Depth
1.0m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay) in the full forecast view.

Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–14 ktsGusts 23 kts
Direction
SW232°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2514 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–1.1 m6s period
Temperature
10–21 °C

Over the next 7 days, Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.2–1.1 m with a period of about 6s. 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

  • reefs
  • rocks
  • ships
  • sea urchins
  • marine sanctuary markers
  • sharps on the seabed
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestBootsHelmet

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional rescue is limited in the bay; emergency services via 000.
Emergency Info
Emergency services can be reached via 000. Nearest major hospital: Sandringham Hospital.

Rules of the spot

Ricketts Point is a Marine Sanctuary—respect the flora and fauna, follow designated riding/launch zones, and observe local distance requirements from swimmers.

Restrictions
  • No kiting inshore of the line between big yellow poles in front of beach huts.
  • No-boating zones in specific sanctuary areas.
  • Strict distance from swimmers (typically 50m).
  • Seasonal dog restrictions on the beach.
Local Tips
  • Launch from designated zones only.
  • Be careful of reefs and rocks when on the water.
  • Check the tide before heading out—reef depths can become very shallow at low tide.
  • Wear booties to protect against rocks and reef.
  • Respect the marine sanctuary and local distance requirements from swimmers.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Melbourne
Nearest Town
Beaumaris
Parking
Parking available at car parks along the cliff top and near the Teahouse; north of Rickett's Point Beachside Café adjacent to Beaumaris Yacht Club. Paid parking can fill up quickly on sunny weekends.
Public Transport
Reachable by bus; moderate walk from Sandringham train line stations.
Access
Easy access via the local Sandringham train line; several nearby stations and bus options.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Showers
Camping
Parking
Restaurant
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation is available in Beaumaris/nearby bayside areas with beach access.
Food & Drink
Beachside Café / Teahouse on-site for meals and drinks.
Equipment Rental:
Dedicated on-beach rental shops are not reported; equipment can be rented through shops/schools in Melbourne.
Gear Storage
No specific gear storage availability reported for the spot.
Gear Repair
No on-site repair services reported; repair services available in Melbourne city/northern suburbs.
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 Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay)?

The best overall months at Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, December.

Which wind directions work at Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay)?

Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay) works with SE, S, SW, W winds. Offshore directions are N, NNW, NW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay) suitable for?

Rickett's Point (Port Phillip Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.