Cylinders
Cylinders is North Stradbroke Island's premier point—a sand-covered reef that produces long, walling rights when strong NE-E swells wrap into Moreton Bay. The name says it all: when it's running on all cylinders, the wave peels for several hundred meters with barrel sections and rippable walls. Access requires a ferry from Cleveland plus a drive across the island. The local Straddie crew takes their wave seriously, so respect the hierarchy. When the angle is right, this is one of Queensland's best.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (55°)
- Direction range
- 30° - 100°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 135° - 225°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.6m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Ferry from Cleveland + drive across island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cylinders?
Cylinders works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Cylinders?
Offshore wind at Cylinders blows from the S (180°). Anything in the 135° to 225° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Cylinders?
Cylinders wants NE swell (30° to 100°) between 1m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Cylinders?
The main season at Cylinders is Mar-May. A secondary window runs Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Autumn best. Needs strong E angle swell. Very wind sensitive.
How do I get to Cylinders?
Fly into BNE, then allow about 90 minutes by road. Ferry from Cleveland + drive across island.
What kind of wave is Cylinders?
Cylinders is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-May
Secondary: Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Autumn best. Needs strong E angle swell. Very wind sensitive.
Getting There
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