Sunset 3
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sunset 3 is an exposed point break on the NSW coast near Newcastle, known for being low-profile and rarely crowded when it’s working. Multiple sources emphasize that the spot is quite selective: it generally needs ideal conditions rather than running reliably all the time. For wave planning, the spot’s best swell direction is southeast, and the preferred tide is mid tide. When conditions line up, the break produces a right-hand wave with medium ride potential and a typically peeling shape. Wave quality is described as average, and the spot can become challenging on larger swells due to the rocky environment. Water and access details point to a rocky bottom and shoreline access via a rocky access point/rocky shoreline. Hazards are a key part of the picture: sharks are explicitly noted, and rocks/submerged reef are repeatedly mentioned. Strong currents can occur near the headland, and guidance specifically recommends watching for submerged rocks during low tide. Wind-wise, provider data indicates a west to southwest wind regime with a gradient-type pattern, and it’s described as improving grooming offshore. Best months are centered on July (and winter more broadly per provider seasonal notes), which aligns with cleaner offshore conditions in the region’s winter period. Because rescue details are not spot-specific, treat this as limited-rescue territory and surf with caution.
- Exposed point break—works only when conditions are ideal
- Southeast swell window
- Mid-tide is best
- Offshore grooming on west/southwest winds
- Rarely crowded
- Rarely crowded.
- Works on a clear southeast swell window with mid-tide best conditions.
- West/southwest winds can help groom the waves (offshore effect).
- Low-profile, niche surf that only works when conditions are ideal.
- Exposed rocky hazards; submerged rocks and strong currents possible near the headland.
- Shark hazard noted.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW
- Offshore directions
- W, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Sources disagree on wind characterization: one set describes a gradient-type pattern; another emphasizes that the spot only works when conditions are ideal.
- Reliability
- fair
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Provider notes moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- July
- Shadow Zones
- Protected by the headland from southerly winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rock/reef environment near the headland.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Provider describes medium wave size when conditions are right.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky shoreline access point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocky access with moderate difficulty reported.
Through the year
Rarely crowded throughout the year.
March to June can see higher rainfall (provider guidance).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed point break that only works when conditions are just right; works best on a southeast swell with mid-tide timing. Rocky bottom can make larger swells challenging due to rocks. Rarely crowded.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SE
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is repeatedly identified as the best tidal window.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Exposed point break overall; provider notes semi-sheltered characteristics.
- Wind Effect
- West and southwest winds provide offshore grooming.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but becomes challenging due to rocks.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Provider describes average wave quality.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Provider describes medium ride length.
- Ride Length Details
- Medium rides reported when it’s working.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sunset 3 in the full forecast view.
Sunset 3 wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- E82°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2612 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.0 m8s period
- Temperature
- 13–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sunset 3 is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.9–2.0 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
- Sharks
- Rocks
- Submerged rocks and reef
- Strong currents near the headland
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards specifically indicated for this spot in provider data.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional guidance indicates limited rescue availability, with lifeguards typically patrolling primary beaches during summer season.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major services are in Newcastle (provider guidance). Regional emergency number: dial 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — One source describes no localism; another notes mild localism—expect a respectful, low-friction crowd.
Rules of the spot
Check tide and avoid low-tide submerged hazards; conditions must be ideal for this exposed point break.
- Check the tide as it works best around mid-tide levels.
- Watch for submerged rocks during low tide.
- Expect offshore grooming on west and southwest winds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Newcastle
- Nearest Town
- Newcastle
- Parking
- Parking is available at Soldiers Beach or near the lighthouse reserve.
- Access
- Walking tracks from the Norah Head Lighthouse area or Soldiers Beach car park; parking available at Soldiers Beach or near the lighthouse reserve.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday rentals and camping available in Norah Head; regional guidance describes nearby holiday parks and rentals around Norah Head/Budgewoi/Toukley.
- Food & Drink
- Cafes and restaurants are located in nearby Norah Head.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals are available through local surf schools per regional guidance; spot-specific rental services not confirmed in provider data.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Budgewoi Coastline region offers coastal outdoor scenery and family-friendly attractions nearby, with well-known landmarks around Norah Head.
An active lighthouse offering guided tours and 360-degree views of the coastline.
Protects the last significant littoral rainforest on the Central Coast and features significant Aboriginal heritage.
Hiking trails, bird watching, and secluded swimming spots within a protected coastal environment.
A local venue offering dining and live music overlooking the lake system.
High ropes and zipline courses set in eucalyptus forest, suitable for various ages.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sunset 3?
The best overall months at Sunset 3 are July.
Which wind directions work at Sunset 3?
Sunset 3 works with W, SW winds. Offshore directions are W, SW.
What skill level is Sunset 3 suitable for?
Sunset 3 suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.