Umina Point

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

About

Umina Point is a right-hand point/reef break at the southern end of Umina Beach under the Mt Ettalong lookout. It’s known for long, peeling right-handers when the swell direction and sand/reef exposure line up, but it’s also described as a fairly exposed break with unreliable wave quality overall—often requiring a proper swell to get over the reef. In terms of setup, the point is particularly sensitive to swell direction. It tends to work best with a solid south to southeast swell to wrap around the headland, and it can still handle larger south swells that may not suit the main beach. The ride is typically medium in length, with peeling-to-hollow character depending on conditions, and wave power is generally moderate. Safety-wise, Umina Point involves rock and submerged reef hazards plus the potential for strong and rip currents. The warning to emphasize is that low tide can make rocks more exposed, so conditions should be checked before paddling out. Lifeguard presence is seasonal, with rescue availability described as limited outside that peak period. Best wind conditions for surfing are associated with north to northeast sea-breeze patterns, with the broader regional sea-breeze trend typically building in the afternoon during spring into summer. September through November are specifically highlighted for better wind months, with typical wind around 10–20 knots and light gustiness.

  • Right-hand point/reef break on the southern end of Umina Beach
  • Works best on south/southeast swell wrapping around the headland
  • Rock and submerged reef hazards—extra care at low tide
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Right-hand point/reef break that can produce long peeling rides on the right setup.
  • Outdoor surf setting with nearby amenities and straightforward public access.
Heads up
  • Reef/rock hazards around the point and submerged sections.
  • Waves are described as unreliable; the point needs the right swell direction to work cleanly.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — North-Easterly sea breezes are common in summer; typical sea-breeze pattern builds during the afternoon.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
September, October, November
Shadow Zones
High headland to the south provides some shelter from southerly winds

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Mixed — Reported as sand/mixed around the area.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Also described as having unreliable waves that can vary significantly with swell.
Launch
Medium — Beach entry at the southern end of the bay
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–24 °C
Water Temperature
8–27 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 2mm shorty or rash vestJun–Oct: 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suit (depending on wind chill)
Crowds by Season

Can be busy on weekends but generally less crowded than the main beach breaks.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain can occur year-round; East Coast lows can bring intense storms and swell in late autumn and winter.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A right-hand point and reef/breast break on the southern end of Umina Beach under the Mt Ettalong lookout, working best with a solid south or southeast swell to wrap properly around the point.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S, SSE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Wraps around the southern headland; exposed setup overall but semi-sheltered relative to some wind directions.
Wind Effect
North winds tend to give cleaner faces; west and northwest winds are offshore.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger south swells that the main beach may not.
Wave Quality
Average — Waves can be unreliable and require the right swell to clear the reef properly.
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Hollow — Described as hollow; also noted as peeling depending on setup.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium
Ride Length Details
When sand and swell align, waves wrap around the point offering a decent run.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Umina Point in the full forecast view.

Umina Point wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–11 ktsGusts 24 kts
Direction
E80°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2511 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–2.4 m8s period
Temperature
14–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Umina Point is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.9–2.4 m with a period of about 8s. 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
  • submerged reef
  • strong currents
  • rip currents
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Patrolled during the summer season (typically September to April).
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Emergency support available during the summer season with jet ski/boat support.
Emergency Info
In an emergency call 000.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Be extra cautious around low tide: rocks and reef sections can be more exposed.

Local Tips
  • The point is more sensitive to swell direction than the main beach—watch how the reef is set up before committing.
  • Watch out for rocks during low tide.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Gosford
Nearest Town
Woy Woy
Nearest Airport
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), approximately 95–100 km away
Parking
Parking available at the southern end near the recreation area
Public Transport
Regular train services to Woy Woy station, followed by local bus connections to the beach area
Access
Public access via the southern end of Umina Beach
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Picnic area
Playground
Accommodation
Nearby town — Holiday parks and rentals available in Umina Beach; broader accommodation options nearby in the coastal area.
Food & Drink
Cafes and restaurants are located in the Umina Beach township.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available through local surf shops and mobile schools serving the Umina and Ettalong Beach areas.
Gear Storage
Limited public storage; most riders use private vehicles or garage access via accommodation.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard repairs available via local surf shops.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The Umina area is a family-friendly destination on the Central Coast with accessible beachfront amenities and nearby coastal nature options.

Best time to visit: December to February for the best beach weather and summer atmosphere.
Bouddi National Park5km

Scenic coastal walks, secluded beaches, and whale watching lookouts.

Ettalong Beach Foreshore2km

A vibrant waterfront area with markets, cinemas, and a Mediterranean-inspired village atmosphere.

Brisbane Water Kayaking3km

Exploring the calm waterways and mangroves of the nearby estuary.

Umina Beach Cafes1km

Numerous beachfront and town-center cafes serving modern Australian cuisine.

Peninsula Recreation Precinct0km

Large gated playground, skate park, and picnic facilities right next to the beach.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Umina Point?

The best overall months at Umina Point are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are September, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Umina Point?

Umina Point works with N, NE winds.

What skill level is Umina Point suitable for?

Umina Point suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.