Sandbar (Cellito)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sandbar (Cellito) is a low-profile, dual-nature water-sports spot on NSW’s Mid-Coast where flat, shallow water on the Smiths Lake side meets ocean-facing surfing on the outer beach. Water clarity is consistently described as crystal-clear, and the sandbar/shallows provide space for beach launches and freeride-style sessions. For wind sports, NE/E/SE sea breezes in warmer months are the main driver. Kitesurfing is typically centered on flat-water freeride, foil, and strapless riding, with ocean swell sometimes adding a wave-riding option. A thermal sea-breeze pattern is reported to kick in late morning, peak mid-afternoon, and generally run through the warmer season, though conditions can depend on cloudiness. Surfing is described as more demanding, with an exposed ocean setup and reef/point-style left-hand options plus consistent sandbar beach breaks. Best surf is commonly associated with mid tide and Southeast swell, with reported working swell heights around 1–2 meters. Wind effects are cross-shore with NE creating chop, while other wind directions may be cleaner and more rideable. Safety is a key factor: the beach is not patrolled and there are no lifeguards. Hazards mentioned include rocks, sharks, and strong currents/rips—especially where the lake opening changes the water flow. Vehicle access is possible but can be tricky because the sand is very soft, and a 4WD permit is required via the caravan park; camping on the sand is not allowed. Visitors are advised to check the lake opening status before committing to ocean or sandbar sessions.
- Crystal-clear water and big sandy access
- Flat-water kitesurfing/foiling on the Smiths Lake side
- Exposed surfing options on the ocean side with reef/point plus sandbar beach breaks
- NE sea-breeze pattern supports wind sports in warmer months
- Crystal-clear water
- Flat, shallow water for kitesurfing and foiling on the lake side
- Consistent surfing options on the ocean side with reef/point and sandbar/b beach-break variety
- NE sea breezes in warmer months support wind sports
- Unpatrolled beach with no lifeguards
- Soft sand where 4WD can bog
- Sharks and rocks reported as hazards
- Lake opening status can change currents and depth substantially
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, SE
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 12–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — NE/E/SE coastal sea-breeze in warmer months
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Swell
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Surf size described as small to medium depending on side and conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Spacious sandy ocean-side beach for launching; grassy and sandy rigging areas on the Smiths Lake side.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch area described as easy on the shallow sandbar; some access approaches are moderate due to ocean/lake conditions and currents.
Through the year
Low mid-week off-season; busier during school holidays and summer weekends.
Most rainfall occurs between February and June; autumn/winter coastal lows can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and swell.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat, shallow water ideal for freeride, foil, and strapless; small wave option when ocean swell is present. Works best with NE–SE sea breezes in warmer months. Ocean side also described as offering wave riding in NE sea breezes.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Ocean side can suit bump and jump; lake side suits flat-water blasting and foiling.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Lake side described as popular for learning and progression due to shallow, flat water. Ocean side offers rolling swells for more advanced riders.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly, especially on the lake side.
- Min Depth
- 1.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Challenging surfing with reef/point-style left-hand options plus consistent sandbar beach breaks.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best at mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach/reef setting on the ocean side.
- Wind Effect
- Cross-shore; NE can create chop but remains ridable. West/NW winds described as cleaner.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but becomes heavy with strong currents.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Also described as peeling with both point and beach-break options.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Point can offer longer rides on a good Southeast swell; beach breaks are shorter and punchy.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical surf ride length reported as 50–150 meters; longer rides possible on a good Southeast swell at the point.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sandbar (Cellito) in the full forecast view.
Sandbar (Cellito) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- ENE67°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.4 m8s period
- Temperature
- 14–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sandbar (Cellito) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.2–2.4 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- No lifeguard patrol / unpatrolled beach
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Strong currents and rips
- Soft sand where vehicles can bog
- Conservation-area restrictions on sand dunes
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital mentioned: Forster or Taree (about 20–30 km). In an emergency, dial 000. Coastguard/NSW Marine Rescue can be contacted via radio or phone.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Also described as mild localism; quiet except during lake opening events.
Rules of the spot
Beach is not patrolled. Respect surfers at the northern point; kitesurfing is generally done further down the beach. Four-wheel drive beach access requires a permit; no camping on sand. Strict sand-dune conservation rules apply.
- No camping on sand (use a caravan park).
- Dogs allowed on leads only (morning/evening noted).
- Strict conservation area rules apply to sand dunes.
- 4WD permit required for beach driving.
- Get the 4WD permit from the Sandbar Caravan Park shop to avoid fines.
- Beach is very soft; vehicles commonly bog.
- Check the status of the lake opening, as it significantly changes water flow and depth near the sandbar.
- The lake side can be a safer option if ocean conditions are rough.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Forster
- Nearest Town
- Smiths Lake
- Parking
- Parking available at car park near boardwalk entrance / at end of Sandbar Road near the camping area.
- Access
- From Forster drive south to Smiths Lake, then east to Sandbar; pedestrian access via car park, then a short walk along timber boardwalk through coastal rainforest to viewing platform. 4WD beach access via Sandbar Caravan Park with permit.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Sandbar & Bushland Holiday Park is located directly adjacent to the spot.
- Food & Drink
- A small shop and cafe are located in the nearby Smiths Lake village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Some basic gear may be available in Forster, but it is best to bring your own.
- Gear Storage
- Available for guests at the nearby holiday park.
- Gear Repair
- None locally; nearest services are in Forster.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sandbar (Cellito)?
The best overall months at Sandbar (Cellito) are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Sandbar (Cellito)?
Sandbar (Cellito) works with NE, E, SE winds. Offshore directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Sandbar (Cellito)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Sandbar (Cellito): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–20 kts.
What skill level is Sandbar (Cellito) suitable for?
Sandbar (Cellito) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.