Twinnies
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Twinnies is an exposed beach break on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast with reliable surf, best in July. Spot-level descriptions highlight consistent sandbank formation near the Maroochy River mouth, which can help produce quality peeling walls when the banks are well formed. For surfing, the break is described as beach-break and exposed, with a good wave quality profile when conditions are right. The working swell window is provided as roughly 0.5 to 2.0 meters from the south to southeast, and typical rides are described in the range of about 50 to 100 meters. Sources also note that on bigger swell it can handle size but may become messier due to water movement around the river mouth. Wind conditions at Twinnies commonly involve afternoon sea breezes, with spring/summer patterns favoring sea-breeze flow (often from the northeast). Offshore wind guidance is given for better surf, specifically light offshore winds from the west or southwest. Overall wind reliability is described as moderate, with a typical range around 15–25 knots during the windy season. Beyond surfing, Twinnies is also described as a versatile spot for kitesurfing and wingfoiling, particularly when Northeasterly sea breezes set up. The river mouth area can create a mix of flatter water near the entrance and more wave-focused riding on the beach side. For all disciplines, multiple sources emphasize strong currents, shifting sandbars, rips, and crowding near the peak—so watching the outgoing tide and keeping clear of the main surf zone (especially if you’re kiting/windsurfing) are key safety considerations.
- Exposed, reliable surfing with sandbanks linked to the Maroochy River mouth
- July singled out as the best month for surf
- Afternoon sea breezes support wind sports in spring/summer
- Reliable surf with consistent sandbanks near the Maroochy River mouth
- Works well for intermediate surfers
- Versatile for multiple wind-powered sports when winds line up
- Exposed conditions can be demanding
- Shifting sandbars and strong currents near the river mouth
- Crowds can be heavy at peak times
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, E, SE, SW, W
- Offshore directions
- W, WSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Afternoon sea breezes are common in spring and summer; typical thermal wind is from the Northeast.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Spot-level wind/water descriptions indicate chop.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for kite setup and surf entry
Through the year
High during summer holidays and weekends; moderate during weekdays
February and March often see the highest rainfall
By sport
What to expect for each.
Popular for kitesurfing when Northeasterly sea breezes set up; the area can offer a mix of flat water inside the river mouth and wave riding on the ocean side.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for wave sailing and bump-and-jump outside the river mouth; conditions vary with the Maroochy River entrance.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
A growing winging spot; deep channels of the river mouth can provide good foil clearance with access to ocean swells.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters in the channel
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach break with reliable surf, known for sandbanks that form near the Maroochy River mouth.
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Best with light offshore winds from the West or Southwest.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles size well but can become messy with heavy water movement at the river mouth.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Works well when sandbanks are well-formed.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer fast, peeling walls when sandbanks form well.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically can produce fast, peeling walls when sandbanks are well-formed.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Twinnies in the full forecast view.
Twinnies wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- NE53°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2510 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.6 m6s period
- Temperature
- 20–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Twinnies is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.6 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- strong currents
- rips
- sharks
- shifting sandbars
- heavy crowds
- sandbars at the river mouth can shift
- occasional driftwood
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are described as seasonal in spot-level information; the wider region has strong lifesaving coverage on major beaches.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level information lists rescue as limited; regional information describes high lifesaving capability at major beaches.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency Services: 000. Sunshine Coast University Hospital is approximately 20 minutes away.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Sources describe the area as having moderate localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies. Kitesurfers and windsurfers should stay clear of the primary surfing zones near the peak. Stay clear of designated swimming areas; follow any kites no-fly zones near nearby residential developments.
- No-fly zones for kites near nearby residential developments.
- Stay clear of designated swimming areas.
- Watch the river mouth currents on the outgoing tide.
- Sandbanks on the north side of the river (often associated with the Twin Waters side) are frequently better than the south side.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Sunshine Coast
- Nearest Town
- Warana
- Nearest Airport
- Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)
- Parking
- Public parking available at the end of North Shore Road and near the river mouth parklands
- Access
- Beach access points 220-228, Warana QLD 4575
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various resorts and hotels/apartments in the nearby coastal towns.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous cafes and restaurants in nearby areas including Maroochydore and Twin Waters resort areas.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available in the nearby town center.
- Gear Repair
- Surf shops in the nearby towns provide board repairs.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Twinnies?
The best overall months at Twinnies are July. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January.
Which wind directions work at Twinnies?
Twinnies works with N, E, SE, SW, W winds. Offshore directions are W, WSW, SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Twinnies?
Recommended equipment sizes at Twinnies: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Twinnies suitable for?
Twinnies suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.