Turners Beach

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Turners Beach is a sheltered beach break in Yamba, set at the base of the Yamba lighthouse headland. It’s described as one of the more reliable surfing options in the area when other beaches are too windy, with both left and right-hand waves available. The break can form a quality left-hand wedge off the northern breakwall, and surf conditions are typically consistent. Wind-wise, the best setup is offshore south-southeast winds. During the summer months, afternoon sea-breezes/thermal winds are common, with winds typically in a moderate range (about 10–20 knots) and light gustiness. Depending on direction, the lighthouse headland and breakwall can provide shelter, but edges can also be more turbulent. Safety is a key consideration at this spot. Rocks are present—especially toward the southern end—and rip currents are a known hazard. During larger swells the rip can pull toward the wall, and the break can get messy or close out on bigger surf. There is seasonal lifeguard presence and rescue coverage is described as limited; Surf Life Saving patrol services are not permanent at this beach. For comfort and preparedness, summer water temperatures are very warm (rash vest noted) while winter conditions generally call for a wetsuit. Crowds rise in summer and the most popular takeoff area (the wedge off the wall) can get busy, so arriving early can help during peak periods.

  • Sheltered, consistent beach break in Yamba
  • Often produces a hollow left-hand wedge off the northern breakwall
  • Best wind direction is offshore south-southeast
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginners
What's great
  • Sheltered, generally consistent surf—often a reliable bet when other beaches are blown out.
  • Works well with offshore south-southeast winds and can produce a notable left-hand wedge off the wall.
Heads up
  • Rips can be dangerous during big swells, with a rip often running along the northern breakwall.
  • Rocks at the southern end and near the breakwall can be hazardous.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SW
Offshore directions
S, SSE, SE, SSW, SW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Afternoon sea-breezes are common during the summer months.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August
Shadow Zones
The southern headland and northern breakwall can create localized shelter/turbulence near edges depending on wind direction.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Also described as small-to-medium overall, with working swell often in the 1.0–2.5 meter range depending on conditions.
Chop Level
Moderate chop
Launch
Small — Launch from sandy beach areas between the northern breakwall and the southern headland; described as a smallish beach near the Yamba lighthouse headland.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–26 °C
Water Temperature
10–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun–Nov: 3/2mm steamerDec–Mar: spring suit / boardshorts or springsuit
Crowds by Season

Highest during summer school holidays and Easter; busy in summer.

Storm/Rain Season

Wet season typically occurs from January to March with occasional East Coast Lows bringing heavy rain.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Sheltered beach break at the base of the Yamba lighthouse headland. Reliable option when other beaches are too windy, with both left and right-hand waves.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
S, SSE, E
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Surf is described as suitable across tides; one reference specifically notes an optimal high tide.
Shelter
Sheltered — Sheltered by the Clarence River breakwall/lighthouse headland; however, the northern breakwall still channels a persistent rip current, especially on larger swells.
Wind Effect
Works best in offshore south-southeast winds; offshore winds from the South and West tend to groom waves.
Bigger Swell
Can become messy and tend to close out when swells exceed 3 meters.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling — Often produces a hollow left-hand wedge off the northern breakwall.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Rides typically range from 50 to 100 meters, with the best waves wedging off the wall.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Best waves tend to wedge off the wall; popular takeoff location can get crowded.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Turners Beach in the full forecast view.

Turners Beach wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–12 ktsGusts 23 kts
Direction
ENE60°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2412 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–1.9 m7s period
Temperature
16–31 °C

Over the next 7 days, Turners Beach is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.9–1.9 m with a period of about 7s. 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
  • rip currents
  • sharks
  • marine stingers
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital: Maclean District Hospital, approximately 20 minutes away. Emergency services: 000.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies. Stay clear of swimming zones if flags are present.

Restrictions
  • No surfing within designated swimming flags.
  • Dogs must be on a lead in certain areas.
Local Tips
  • Be careful of the rocks at the southern end and the rip that pulls toward the wall during big swells.
  • Check the southern end at low tide as rocks can become exposed.
  • The wedge off the wall is the most popular takeoff spot but can be crowded.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Grafton
Nearest Town
Yamba
Nearest Airport
Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK)
Parking
Free parking available; a dedicated parking lot is available directly at the beach, though it fills up quickly on weekends.
Public Transport
Regional bus services connect to Grafton and Lismore; private vehicle is typically the standard way to reach beaches.
Access
Right in town, easy to find with free parking.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Showers
Toilets
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various caravan parks, motels, and holiday rentals within walking distance in Yamba town center, plus a campground option described nearby.
Food & Drink
A kiosk and several cafes are located within a short walk of the beach entrance; plenty of accommodation and dining options nearby.
Equipment Rental:
Surf and wetsuits available for rent from local surf shops in town.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard and sail repair services are available through local surfboard shapers in the Yamba industrial area.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Yamba’s visitor area combines coastal landmarks, river-mouth scenery, and easy access to nearby nature walks and family-friendly river activities.

Best time to visit: September to November offers a strong balance of pleasant weather, more consistent conditions, and lower crowds.
Yamba Lighthouse~1 km

Iconic coastal landmark with panoramic views of the Clarence River mouth and the Pacific Ocean.

Story House Yamba~2 km

Local museum covering maritime and indigenous history of the Clarence Valley.

Yuraygir National Park Hiking~5 km

Coastal walking tracks through heathlands and secluded beaches.

Yamba Tavern~3 km

Popular waterfront venue known for local seafood and sunset views over the river.

Clarence River Ferries~2 km

Scenic ferry service connecting Yamba and Iluka with wildlife viewing opportunities.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Turners Beach?

The best overall months at Turners Beach are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Turners Beach?

Turners Beach works with S, SW winds. Offshore directions are S, SSE, SE, SSW, SW.

What skill level is Turners Beach suitable for?

Turners Beach suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.