Fingal Head
Fingal Head is a unique right-hand reef break that peels over ancient basalt columns—Australia's own Giants Causeway formed 23 million years ago by lava flows from the now-extinct Tweed Volcano. The wave needs specific NE-E swell to wrap around the headland and break properly, making it an inconsistent but rewarding spot when conditions align. The setting is spectacular, with Cook Island sitting offshore and the hexagonal basalt columns visible at low tide. The break has a loyal local crew who know exactly which tides and swells make it fire.
Fingal Head surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (67°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 123°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Offshore range
- 190° - 257°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Fingal Head village. Walk to headland. Giants Causeway basalt formations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Fingal Head?
Fingal Head is a reef break in Tweed Coast, Australia, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Fingal Head?
Fingal Head picks up swell from the NNE round to the ESE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the ENE. It starts working at around 0.5m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.2 to 1.6m. Period matters too: aim for 11s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Fingal Head?
A SW wind is dead offshore at Fingal Head, and anything from the S round to the WSW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Fingal Head?
Fingal Head is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Fingal Head?
The most reliable run of swell at Fingal Head comes Mar to May, through the southern autumn. There's a second window in Feb and Jun too. Autumn NE swell season. Needs specific NE swell direction.
How cold is the water at Fingal Head?
The water at Fingal Head averages around 22°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Fingal Head good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Basalt reef. Sharp volcanic rock. Cook Island views.
How do I get to Fingal Head?
The nearest airport on our list is OOL, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Fingal Head village. Walk to headland. Giants Causeway basalt formations.
What other surf spots are near Fingal Head?
The closest breaks we track are Snapper Rocks (4.0 km), Duranbah (4.0 km) and Superbank (Maxing) (4.4 km), handy when Fingal Head isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-May
Secondary: Feb, Jun
Autumn NE swell season. Needs specific NE swell direction.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Snapper Rocks
🦘 Superbank starting point • 2km rides possible • Gold Coast icon
Duranbah
🧲 Gold Coast swell magnet • Punchy A-frames • Pro training ground
Superbank (Maxing)
🌊 2km connected rides • Cyclone swells only • 500-surfer zoo
Greenmount
🌅 Superbank connection • Coolangatta icon • Headland right-hander
Kirra
🏆 Australia's barrel queen • Superbank's finishing move • Sand politics drama
Casuarina Beach
🏖️ Tweed Coast quality • Gold Coast escape • Uncrowded peaks