Crescent Head
Crescent Head is the quintessential Australian point break—a long, walling right that peels along a rocky headland for 400+ meters on its day. The wave is forgiving and Malibu-style, making it a longboarder's paradise and a classic introduction to point surfing. The town is a quiet coastal hamlet with genuine surf village charm. Crowds can be intense when it's good, but the wave is so long that everyone eventually gets their share. This is old-school Australian surfing at its finest.
Crescent Head surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (96°)
- Direction range
- 29° - 117°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (203°)
- Offshore range
- 161° - 268°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.6m
Water temp
21°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
9/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Crescent Head?
The Crescent Head profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.4m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Crescent Head?
The Crescent Head profile uses wind from SSW (203°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 161° to 268°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Crescent Head?
The Crescent Head scoring profile favors swell from E (29° to 117°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Crescent Head?
The main season at Crescent Head is Feb-Nov. Year-round. Classic Australian pointbreak experience.
How do I get to Crescent Head?
The spot profile lists PQQ as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 30 minutes.
What kind of wave is Crescent Head?
Crescent Head is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Feb-Nov
Year-round. Classic Australian pointbreak experience.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Breakwall
Port Macquarie wedge | Rock-wall bowls | Bodyboard town
Lighthouse Beach
🏖️ Port Macquarie staple • Consistent beach break • Mid-north coast charm
Angourie Point
📜 Where Aussie shortboarding began • Blue Pool backdrop • Old-school soul
Plan a trip around Crescent Head
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