Catherine Hill Bay
Catherine Hill Bay is a heritage-listed mining village with a quality right-hand reef break that peels along the southern headland. The historic jetty and mining infrastructure create a unique backdrop for surfing. The wave breaks over a rock and reef bottom, producing long, workable walls with occasional barrel sections on the right swell. Being between Sydney and Newcastle, the spot can get crowded on good days, but it's worth the paddle. The village itself is charming, with the old miners' cottages now heritage-protected.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 160°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 230° - 310°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Historic mining town. Beach access from village.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Catherine Hill Bay?
Catherine Hill Bay works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.4m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Catherine Hill Bay?
Offshore wind at Catherine Hill Bay blows from the W (270°). Anything in the 230° to 310° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Catherine Hill Bay?
Catherine Hill Bay wants ESE swell (90° to 160°) between 1m and 2.5m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Catherine Hill Bay?
The main season at Catherine Hill Bay is Feb-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan. Works year-round. Best on E-SE swells.
How do I get to Catherine Hill Bay?
Fly into SYD, then allow about 100 minutes by road. Historic mining town. Beach access from village.
What kind of wave is Catherine Hill Bay?
Catherine Hill Bay is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Feb-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan
Works year-round. Best on E-SE swells.
Getting There
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