The Groyne

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

The Groyne is an exposed ocean reef setup associated with the groyne structure near Kings Beach. It’s described as delivering consistent surfing with a focus on southeast swell performance and a mid-tide setup. Depending on the source description, the wave can present as left-hand (from an exposed reef-break viewpoint) while also being characterized as a right-hand point break/peeling wave off the groyne—so riders should expect a groyne-influenced, direction-changing lineup. In terms of ride quality, conditions are described as producing peeling waves with moderate power and generally good wave quality. One source highlights that the spot can offer medium rides, with good days reported around 50 to 100 meters. Larger swells are generally manageable, but there is a caution that the wave can close out if the sand alignment isn’t right. Wind is most favorable when it provides offshore support: West to Northwest winds are described as offshore and north winds are noted as ideal. The spot can become messy in East to Southeast winds, and one wind description also notes protection from southerly winds via the headland. Typical wind for the best months is reported as roughly 10–20 knots with light gusting and only fair reliability. Safety and logistics matter here: hazards include rocks and marine life (jellyfish/urchins, sharks), and currents/sweeps can pull you toward the channel. Local guidance warns that summer can bring bluebottles, and the lineup can be busy with longboarders at times. Seasonal lifeguard coverage is noted, and rescue availability is described as limited—so plan conservatively, especially around entry points near submerged rocks.

  • Consistent groyne-linked surf with strong southeast swell preference
  • Mid-tide highlighted as the best window
  • Offshore wind window in W/NW described as improving conditions
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Consistent reef break conditions with waves that can work with the right swell.
  • Mid-tide is highlighted as the best window for this spot.
  • Good servicing by nearby amenities and access along the Kings Beach area.
Heads up
  • Reef hazards including rocks and marine life (jellyfish/urchins, sharks).
  • Can get crowded with longboarders.
  • Currents/sweeps can be strong near the channel/headland.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, SW, NW
Offshore directions
W, NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Spot wind is described as sea-breeze influenced, with offshore conditions in West to Northwest winds.
Reliability
fair
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
June, July, August, September
Shadow Zones
Protected from southerly winds by the headland.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand beach with reef/groyne influence.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Wave size described as medium; reef break conditions.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach entry adjacent to the rock groyne.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch difficulty is described as easy from the sandy beach entry adjacent to the rock groyne.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
20–26 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mm or 2mm steamerJan–Dec: Boardshorts or rash guard
Crowds by Season

Can be very crowded during school holidays and weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

Summer months (December to March) can see tropical storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with consistent waves centered on the groyne structure; described as producing a left-hand wave and also as a right-hand point break/peeling wave off the rock groyne. Best with a southeast swell and mid tide.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SE, E
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed — Generally exposed from the open coast; additionally described as semi-sheltered by the groyne/headland shape.
Wind Effect
North-wind is described as ideal; offshore in West to Northwest winds. Conditions can become messy in East to Southeast winds.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells but may close out if the sand isn't aligned.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling waves described at the groyne.
Peel Speed
Medium — Peels at a medium pace.
Ride Length
Medium — On good days, rides are described around 50 to 100 meters.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Waves can offer rides of 50 to 100 meters on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Groyne in the full forecast view.

The Groyne wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
Direction
NE55°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2511 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.6–1.7 m6s period
Temperature
20–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, The Groyne is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.7 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

  • Rocks
  • Sharks
  • Jellyfish
  • Urchins
  • Currents
  • Bluebottles
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vest

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited; professional surf life saving services operate seasonally in the region.
Emergency Info
Emergency services available in Caloundra; emergency number 000.
Localism / Vibe
None — Regional guidance also characterizes localism as mild here.

Rules of the spot

Best at mid tide; north wind preferred; southeast swell optimal. Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.

Restrictions
  • Best at mid tide.
Local Tips
  • Can get crowded with longboarders; expect heavier local use during busy periods.
  • Watch out for a 'sweep' that can pull you toward the channel.
  • In summer, watch for bluebottles.
  • Beginner-friendly approach noted—use a foam board for a safer setup.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Sunshine Coast
Nearest Town
Caloundra
Nearest Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), about 30 km
Parking
Public parking available at Happy Valley and Kings Beach lots. Also noted: park at Dingle Avenue for rock access or near Golden Breed surf shop (13 Noosa Parade) for a beach walk.
Public Transport
Translink buses and Sunbus routes connecting Caloundra to the North Coast railway line at Landsborough.
Access
Public access via the boardwalk connecting Kings Beach and Happy Valley.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
Playground
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels and holiday apartments in Caloundra and surrounding Sunshine Coast Regional area.
Food & Drink
Cafes and restaurants within walking distance at Kings Beach.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboard rentals described as available in Caloundra town center; additional surf rental access also noted for beginners.
Gear Storage
Limited dedicated public storage; visitors typically rely on accommodation or lesson-provided storage.
Gear Repair
Specialized surfboard repair and related services are described as available in the broader Caloundra/Sunshine Coast area.
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 The Groyne?

The best overall months at The Groyne are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at The Groyne?

The Groyne works with W, SW, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.

What skill level is The Groyne suitable for?

The Groyne suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.