Windmills

Windmills is an exposed beach break in the Cape Naturaliste area, known for producing fast, often hollow surf. The break is most reliable when a southwest swell arrives and when the wind supports cleaner conditions—easterly to east-northeast winds are described as the key direction for offshore flow. The spot is also tide-dependent, with sources indicating the best conditions occur around mid tide. Because it’s exposed and beach-break focused, strong rip currents are commonly mentioned as a key risk, and the area’s natural hazards include rocks and shark activity. The walk in can be lengthy due to the dunes, so plan time and avoid rushing to the water once conditions change. Seasonally, summer months (December through March) align with strong afternoon sea breezes, while the surf-related best month is cited as May. Water temperature varies across the year; it’s quite cool and a wetsuit is standard practice, with the commonly recommended thickness ranging from 3/2mm for much of the year to 4/3mm preference in the winter months (July to September). Overall, the conditions here tend to challenge experienced surfers: the wave description emphasizes power, speed, and heavy beach-break behavior—capable of holding size, but with the risk of closing out on very large swells. For safety, it’s important to account for limited rescue and the absence of lifeguards on-site, and to keep a close watch for wildlife and submerged hazards near the ends of the beach.