Windy Harbour

WindsurfingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Consistent exposed beach-break surf
  • Works best with offshore north winds and south-southwest swells
  • Generally rarely crowded year-round
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
15–21 °C
Water Temperature
11–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–May: 3/2mmJun–Dec: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet year-round, with occasional increases during Western Australian school holidays and long weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (May to September) bring frequent cold fronts and heavy rainfall.

By sport

What to expect for each.

WindsurfingSkill Level

Occasionally used by windsurfers during cross-shore conditions, though the swell can be heavy.

Wave
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break with consistent surf, most favorable in winter. Works best with offshore north winds and south-southwest (Southwest/South) swells.

Beach break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • sharks
  • submerged rocks
  • strong rip currents
  • remote location with limited mobile reception
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

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.

Restrictions
  • Follow National Park rules regarding vehicles and camping.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Camping
Picnic area
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).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The Windy Harbour area is centered on nature and remote coastline access within D'Entrecasteaux National Park, with limited commercial infrastructure.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for outdoor activities and coastal exploration.
Point D'Entrecasteaux3 km

Dramatically elevated limestone cliffs offering panoramic views of the Southern Ocean.

Mount Chudalup15 km

A massive granite monolith providing 360-degree views of the surrounding forest and coast.

4WD Beach Driving1 km

Extensive networks of sandy tracks allowing access to remote stretches of the national park.

Salmon Beach2 km

Popular spot for beach fishing and exploring rock pools during low tide.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.