Sawtell The Island (Sawtell)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sawtell The Island is a right-hand surfing spot located at the southern end of Sawtell Beach. It’s exposed and can offer fairly consistent surf, with waves wrapping around the rocky outcrop known as “The Island” and breaking as rights along the sandy shore. The strongest matchup is typically south-east (to south/southeast) swells with west to west-northwest winds, which are generally more favorable/offshore for rideable conditions. Wind from the NE is sheltered by the headland, helping preserve usability compared with more fully exposed beaches. For progression, spot-level notes describe beginner-to-intermediate potential, but the presence of rocks, shallow reef patches, and rips means conditions can be unforgiving when you get caught inside. A mid-tide is often highlighted as the best window to reduce exposure to the shallowest rocks. Safety is a key part of planning here: rips and strong currents are reported around rocky areas, and sharks are listed as a hazard. The beach can also become crowded at times when the surf is good, so arriving with extra time for setup and taking care around lifeguard zones is recommended.
- Right-hand waves at the southern end of Sawtell Beach
- Longer peeling rides when wind and swell align
- Mid-tide often best to avoid shallowest rocks
- Fairly consistent right-hand surfing on the southern end of Sawtell Beach.
- Works best with west to west-northwest winds and south/southeast swells.
- Semi-sheltered by the headland compared with fully exposed coastline.
- Rocks and shallow reef sections near the island/headland can make wipeouts higher consequence.
- Rips and strong currents are a known hazard.
- Crowding can increase when surf quality is good.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WSW, WNW
- Offshore directions
- W, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Spot-level notes describe variable/seasonal patterns; nearby regional conditions are often NE afternoon sea breezes in warmer months and S to SW systems in winter.
- Reliability
- 37% blown, 54% clean (monthly); fair overall
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Both spot-level sources indicate moderate gustiness; monthly blown vs clean stats show it’s not purely steady.
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Partially protected from south winds by the headland
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy shore with localized rocky/island influence.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Spot-level descriptions range from small to medium; surfing notes emphasize consistency and working swell when aligned.
- Launch
- Medium — Shore access from the southern end of Sawtell Beach; self-launch is described as easy at the beach access.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch via shore access; self-launch described as easy by one spot-level source (other source describes moderate for the launch area).
Through the year
Higher in summer; weekends and school holidays can be busier.
Summer and early Autumn can bring tropical low pressure systems and rain (spot-level note).
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed right-hand surfing setup at the southern end of Sawtell Beach. Waves can break along a sandy shore and wrap around the rocky outcrop known as The Island, producing fairly consistent surf when the swell and wind align.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SSE, S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid-tide helps avoid the shallowest rocks.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered by the headland, though still exposed overall.
- Wind Effect
- Best with west to west-northwest winds (offshore). South winds are partially blocked by the headland; wind from NE directions is sheltered by the headland.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle significant size, but on larger swell it becomes heavy and can require more advanced skills.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Generally good wave quality; long peeling rides are possible on the right swell.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Spot-level notes describe moderate power; larger swell can become heavy.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Right-hand waves that peel along the sand/rocky outcrop.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Described as peeling/longer rides when the swell aligns.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can produce longer, connected rides when sand alignment and tide are favorable.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides may connect through different sections depending on swell size and sand alignment.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sawtell The Island (Sawtell) in the full forecast view.
Sawtell The Island (Sawtell) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–12 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- NE51°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2412 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.2 m7s period
- Temperature
- 15–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sawtell The Island (Sawtell) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.0–2.2 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
- rips
- rocks
- sharks
- strong currents
- shallow reef/shallow rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal at Sawtell.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue support is limited; lifeguard patrols are typically during peak seasons and weekends.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is Coffs Harbour Health Campus (Coffs Harbour). Emergency services: 000. Coastguard/lifeguard support via the Coffs Harbour lifeguard service (where applicable).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Regional-level notes emphasize standard surf etiquette at busier breaks; spot-level notes indicate moderate respect/local awareness at the point.
Rules of the spot
Standard beach/surfing etiquette; respect lifeguard/club zones. Follow local guidance and be cautious around rips and rocky sections.
- Beware of rips and rocks, especially near the island/headland area.
- Works best on a mid-tide to avoid the shallowest rocks.
- Check sand banks near the mouth of Boambee Creek (just north of the island).
- It can get crowded when the surf is good.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Coffs Harbour
- Nearest Town
- Sawtell
- Nearest Airport
- Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS)
- Parking
- Parking is available at the southern end of Sawtell Beach and near the Boambee Creek Reserve (where referenced).
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus services connect Sawtell to central Coffs Harbour; a vehicle is highly recommended for transporting gear.
- Access
- Southern end of Sawtell Beach; accessible via the main beach path near Sawtell. Walk across sand from southern Sawtell car parks / Boambee Headland (where referenced).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available in Sawtell, including Sawtell Beach Holiday Park and local motels.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous cafes and restaurants in the Sawtell main street (First Avenue).
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through local surf schools and specialty retailers in the greater Coffs Harbour area.
- Gear Storage
- Limited gear storage is indicated; primarily available through private accommodation or local club memberships.
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops in Sawtell are referenced for gear repair.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A coastal village with easy access to outdoor tracks and nearby nature areas, plus a compact main street for food and walking between spots.
A famous Australian 'Big Thing' featuring a water park, ice rink, and plantation tours.
A heritage-listed main street lined with iconic fig trees, cafes, and a historic cinema.
Offers mountain biking, kayaking in the Bonville Creek, and coastal walking tracks.
A classic coastal pub known for its family-friendly atmosphere and live music.
A sheltered estuary perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and family picnics.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sawtell The Island (Sawtell)?
The best overall months at Sawtell The Island (Sawtell) are January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Sawtell The Island (Sawtell)?
Sawtell The Island (Sawtell) works with W, WSW, WNW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.
What skill level is Sawtell The Island (Sawtell) suitable for?
Sawtell The Island (Sawtell) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.