Windy Harbour
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Windy Harbour is a remote, low-profile and exposed beach-break surf spot on the Southern Ocean coastline of the Far South. Surf is described as quite consistent, with the cleanest/rideable setups most likely when north winds are offshore and the swell comes from the south-southwest (Southwest/South). June is identified as the best month. Conditions are also characterized by hazards and exposure: submerged rocks are scattered along the coast (especially near points) and shark risk is specifically called out, alongside strong rip currents and a generally remote setting. Providers also warn that the Southern Ocean can build quickly, so careful swell checks are advised before entering the water. For riding, the break is described as fast and dependent on sandbar formation, producing typically short rides. Wave quality is reported as good by one source and average by another, and on larger swells the beach can close out or become extremely heavy. The area is within a National Park and is typically rarely crowded year-round. Facilities are limited, with toilets, parking, and camping/picnic amenities available, while food and gear rentals are very limited—visitors are expected to be self-sufficient.
- Offshore north-wind setups in winter
- South-southwest (Southwest/South) swell alignment
- Rarely crowded, remote national-park setting
- Consistent exposed beach-break surf
- Works best with offshore north winds and south-southwest swells
- Generally rarely crowded year-round
- Exposed, remote Southern Ocean coastline conditions
- Rocks and sharks present
- Strong rip currents/common currents reported
- No lifeguards and limited rescue; mobile reception can be limited
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Providers describe north winds that are sometimes offshore/clean for surf; broader region pattern is strong gradient winds with thermal reinforcement in summer afternoons.
- Reliability
- 52% blown out, 45% clean in June (best month data); one provider reports high reliability overall.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported by one provider.
- Best Months
- June
- Shadow Zones
- Cliffs at Point D'Entrecasteaux can provide some shelter from certain wind angles.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition reported; sandbar formation can affect peak shape.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size is described as medium by one provider; also noted as can become extremely heavy on massive Southern Ocean swells.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach launch near the boat ramp or at the main beach frontage.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — One provider rates launch difficulty easy for surfing context; another rates launch difficulty moderate. For gear-launch context, treat as at least moderate.
Through the year
Generally quiet year-round, with occasional increases during Western Australian school holidays and long weekends.
Winter months (May to September) bring frequent cold fronts and heavy rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Occasionally used by windsurfers during cross-shore conditions, though the swell can be heavy.
Exposed beach break with consistent surf, most favorable in winter. Works best with offshore north winds and south-southwest (Southwest/South) swells.
- Optimal Swell
- SSE, SSW, SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All-tides are reported as suitable.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed Southern Ocean coastline.
- Wind Effect
- North winds provide clean, offshore conditions for the beach breaks (best setup).
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out or become extremely heavy during massive Southern Ocean swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — One provider rates wave quality as good; another rates wave quality as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Described as moderate wave power by one provider.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed wave shape is reported.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Fast beach-break peaks depending on sandbar formation.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short rides; fast beach-break peaks.
- Ride Length Details
- Fast beach break peaks that depend heavily on sandbar formation; can be short.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Windy Harbour in the full forecast view.
Windy Harbour wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–16 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- S179°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–4.2 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Windy Harbour is forecast for daytime winds of 4–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.2–4.2 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- sharks
- submerged rocks
- strong rip currents
- remote location with limited mobile reception
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard patrols/lifeguards reported for the beach.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — One provider states rescue availability is no; the regional context notes limited rescue via volunteer services and no permanent lifeguard patrols.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Pemberton or Manjimup; Northcliffe has a small nursing post. In an emergency dial 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Sources describe no localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; the area is within a National Park so park rules regarding vehicles and camping must be followed.
- Follow National Park rules regarding vehicles and camping.
- Check the swell forecast carefully as the Southern Ocean can get very large very quickly.
- Always surf with a partner due to the remoteness and shark risk.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Pemberton
- Nearest Town
- Northcliffe
- Nearest Airport
- Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB) approximately 160 km away.
- Parking
- Public parking available near the beach, boat ramp, and camping grounds.
- Public Transport
- Virtually non-existent; a private vehicle is essential for access.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Windy Harbour Nature Park offers camping and basic hut accommodation.
- Food & Drink
- Very limited options in the settlement; visitors should bring their own supplies.
- Equipment Rental:
- No commercial rentals; bring all gear from outside the settlement.
- Gear Storage
- None available locally (storage mainly via personal vehicle/accommodation).
- Gear Repair
- No local gear repair; nearest specialty shops noted as being in Margaret River or Albany (per provider context).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Windy Harbour area is centered on nature and remote coastline access within D'Entrecasteaux National Park, with limited commercial infrastructure.
Dramatically elevated limestone cliffs offering panoramic views of the Southern Ocean.
A massive granite monolith providing 360-degree views of the surrounding forest and coast.
Extensive networks of sandy tracks allowing access to remote stretches of the national park.
Popular spot for beach fishing and exploring rock pools during low tide.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Windy Harbour?
The best overall months at Windy Harbour are June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are June.
Which wind directions work at Windy Harbour?
Windy Harbour works with N winds. Offshore directions are N.
What skill level is Windy Harbour suitable for?
Windy Harbour suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.