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.
Cylinders surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (55°)
- Direction range
- 30° - 100°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- 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
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Ferry from Cleveland + drive across island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cylinders?
The Cylinders 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 Cylinders?
The Cylinders profile uses wind from S (180°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 135° to 225°. 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 Cylinders?
The Cylinders scoring profile favors swell from NE (30° to 100°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. 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 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?
The spot profile lists BNE as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 90 minutes. 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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