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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Highest during summer school holidays and Easter; busy in summer.
Wet season typically occurs from January to March with occasional East Coast Lows bringing heavy rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- rocks
- rip currents
- sharks
- marine stingers
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.
- No surfing within designated swimming flags.
- Dogs must be on a lead in certain areas.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
Iconic coastal landmark with panoramic views of the Clarence River mouth and the Pacific Ocean.
Local museum covering maritime and indigenous history of the Clarence Valley.
Coastal walking tracks through heathlands and secluded beaches.
Popular waterfront venue known for local seafood and sunset views over the river.
Scenic ferry service connecting Yamba and Iluka with wildlife viewing opportunities.
From riders who've been here
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.