Duranbah
Duranbah (D-Bah) is the Gold Coast's swell magnet—an east-facing beach break that picks up energy when everywhere else is flat. The wave produces punchy A-frame peaks that offer fast, hollow barrels and high-performance walls ideal for airs. The Tweed River training wall creates a permanent sandbank setup, making D-Bah more consistent than other beach breaks. It's crowded, competitive, and a proving ground for young pros. When the points are small, D-Bah is often the best option for quality waves.
Duranbah surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Direction range
- 60° - 130°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (250°)
- Offshore range
- 210° - 290°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.6m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
9/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Duranbah?
The Duranbah 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 Duranbah?
The Duranbah profile uses wind from WSW (250°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 210° to 290°. 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 Duranbah?
The Duranbah scoring profile favors swell from E (60° to 130°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 2m, 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 Duranbah?
The main season at Duranbah is Jan-Dec. Year-round east-facing swell magnet. Often works when the Gold Coast points are too small.
How do I get to Duranbah?
The spot profile lists OOL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 15 minutes.
What kind of wave is Duranbah?
Duranbah is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Dec
Year-round east-facing swell magnet. Often works when the Gold Coast points are too small.
Getting There
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Kirra
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Plan a trip around Duranbah
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