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Level 6/10

Nightcliff

Darwin, Australia
🦈Sharks🪸Sharp reef🏝️Remote

Nightcliff is Darwin's most consistent surf spot—a reef break in Australia's tropical north where crocodiles share the lineup. When cyclone swells from the Timor Sea push toward the coast during the wet season, Nightcliff can produce quality right-hand waves. The catch? Saltwater crocodiles are a genuine risk, as are box jellyfish and sharks. Local surfers check government croc warnings, wear stinger suits, and surf in groups. This is frontier surfing in one of the world's most dangerous marine environments, but for the dedicated few, it's worth the risk.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
NW (310°)
Direction range
280° - 340°
Size range
0.8m - 2m
Ideal period
12s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
E (90°)
Offshore range
45° - 135°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
mid
Optimal range
0.5m - 2m

Water temp

29°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

6/10

Crowd level

1/10

Access: Darwin suburb. Check croc warnings before surfing.

Getting There

Airport
DRW
Drive time
15 min

Best Season

Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Secondary: May, Sep

Wet season cyclone swells Oct-April. Dry season rarely has surf.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Local NT surfers, Surfline