Agnes Water
Agnes Water is Queensland's most northerly surf town—a laid-back coastal village that marks the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The main beach offers gentle beach break waves that are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. Cyclone swells from January to April provide the best conditions, but the trade winds can make it challenging. The town has a distinct backpacker vibe, with surf schools, hostels, and a relaxed atmosphere. Being this far north means warm water year-round and the unique opportunity to combine surfing with reef exploration.
Agnes Water surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Direction range
- 60° - 130°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.3m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 230° - 310°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Gateway to Great Barrier Reef. Backpacker town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Agnes Water?
Agnes Water is a beach break in Central Queensland, Australia, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Agnes Water?
Agnes Water picks up swell from the ENE round to the SE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the E. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.3 to 1.7m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Agnes Water?
A W wind is dead offshore at Agnes Water, and anything from the SW round to the NW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Agnes Water?
Agnes Water has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.4m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Agnes Water?
The most reliable run of swell at Agnes Water comes Nov to Apr. There's a second window in May to Oct too. Cyclone swells Jan-April. Trade winds make it tricky.
How cold is the water at Agnes Water?
The water at Agnes Water averages around 25°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Agnes Water good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 3/10 for difficulty. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Standard beach rips. Warm water year-round.
How do I get to Agnes Water?
The nearest airport on our list is GLT, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Gateway to Great Barrier Reef. Backpacker town.
Best Season
Peak: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Secondary: May-Oct
Cyclone swells Jan-April. Trade winds make it tricky.
Getting There
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