Casuarina Beach
Casuarina Beach is a long stretch of sand on Darwin's northern beaches that catches cyclone swells during the wet season. The beach break offers multiple peaks and is more accessible than the reef setups nearby. However, the hazards are significant—saltwater crocodiles patrol these waters, box jellyfish are present from October to May, and the tropical heat is oppressive. The dedicated Darwin surf community has adapted to these challenges, checking croc warnings, wearing stinger suits, and embracing the frontier mentality. When cyclone swells arrive, the reward is empty, warm-water waves.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (320°)
- Direction range
- 290° - 350°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (100°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 140°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
29°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Popular Darwin beach. Nude section at north end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Casuarina Beach?
Casuarina Beach works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Casuarina Beach?
Offshore wind at Casuarina Beach blows from the E (100°). Anything in the 60° to 140° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Casuarina Beach?
Casuarina Beach wants NW swell (290° to 350°) between 0.8m and 2m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Casuarina Beach?
The main season at Casuarina Beach is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. A secondary window runs May, Sep. Wet season cyclone swells only. Often flat in dry season.
How do I get to Casuarina Beach?
Fly into DRW, then allow about 10 minutes by road. Popular Darwin beach. Nude section at north end.
What kind of wave is Casuarina Beach?
Casuarina Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Secondary: May, Sep
Wet season cyclone swells only. Often flat in dry season.