Yabbarra

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Yabbarra is a secluded, exposed beach break on the Dalmeny coast that tends to be reliable only when conditions line up—particularly a southeast swell. The break is characterized as a sandy, short stretch with rock hazards, so sessions are best approached with careful spot reading and awareness of the shoreline. Wind and surf interact strongly here. With westerly offshore winds, waves are described as more groomed, while easterly winds tend to add chop. Spot-level wind reliability is described as inconsistent/moderate, so it’s important to check conditions closely as conditions can change quickly. For surfing, the spot is most favorable when a southeast swell combines with offshore westerlies. Providers note intermediate-level suitability, with the beach offering both left and right waves (multiple peaks depending on sandbanks). When swell gets very large, waves may start to close out. Safety-wise, rocks at the break/headlands and variable rip currents are key concerns; additional hazards reported include shark presence. Lifeguard coverage is listed as none at the spot itself, so plan for self-rescue readiness and monitor local warnings. Overall conditions are typically best around autumn and winter months, with May highlighted as a best month in some references.

  • Exposed southeast-swell beach break
  • Offshore westerlies improve wave quality
  • Multiple peaks possible depending on sandbanks
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed beach-break setup with multiple peaks depending on sandbanks.
  • Best swell direction is southeast.
  • Has relatively straightforward access along the Dalmeny Drive beach approach.
Heads up
  • Works only when surf conditions align correctly (higher variability).
  • Rocks near/around the break increase risk.
  • Can develop strong rips and chop depending on wind and swell.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, NW
Offshore directions
W, WNW, NW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Provider notes describe winds as gradient/variable at the spot (offshore westerlies help, easterlies can make chop).
Reliability
inconsistent
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
May, June, July, August

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Sand — Soft, golden sand
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium
Launch
Medium — 300-meter stretch with soft golden sand; open sandy beach.
Launch Difficulty
Easy

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–24 °C
Water Temperature
7–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
May, Apr: 3/2mmJun, Jul, Aug: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Generally low to moderate; busier during summer school holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

June and July can see east coast lows.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

An exposed beach break in Dalmeny that only works when conditions are just right, with the most favorable swell from the southeast.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SE
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the west groom the waves; easterly winds cause chop.
Bigger Swell
Can close out in very large swells.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mixed
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Short to medium rides depending on bank quality.
Ride Length Details
Short to medium rides depending on bank quality.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Yabbarra wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–13 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
ENE59°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2513 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–2.2 m8s period
Temperature
10–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Yabbarra is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.8–2.2 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
  • rip currents
  • sharks
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Marine Rescue NSW (Narooma base) plus seasonal Surf Life Saving patrols at Dalmeny Beach.
Emergency Info
Emergency number: 000. Hospital options include South Coast District Hospital (Moruya) or Batemans Bay Hospital.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Local Tips
  • Check the sandbanks at the northern end for the most consistent peaks.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Dalmeny
Nearest Town
Dalmeny
Nearest Airport
Moruya Airport (MYA) ~45km
Parking
Parking available in designated areas along the beach road.
Public Transport
Limited regional bus services; car hire from Moruya or Batemans Bay is recommended.
Access
Located on Dalmeny Drive, Dalmeny, NSW; secluded 300-meter stretch.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Dalmeny Campground and holiday rentals/motels in Narooma.
Food & Drink
Local cafes available in Dalmeny town center.
Equipment Rental:
Surf and SUP rentals available in Narooma and Dalmeny.
Gear Storage
Limited; primarily through local accommodation or surf schools.
Gear Repair
Specialized repair services are located in Batemans Bay or Ulladulla.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Yabbarra?

The best overall months at Yabbarra are September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are May, June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Yabbarra?

Yabbarra works with W, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, NW.

What skill level is Yabbarra suitable for?

Yabbarra suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.