Headlands
Crescent slab over a boulder ledge. E swell is the classic; NE opens the inside bowl (bodyboard magnet); S is more manageable and thins the crowd. It works best on an E swell with WSW winds around mid tide. Watch for: shallow bowl, dry reef at the end, rips, sharks.
Headlands surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (95°)
- Direction range
- 40° - 186°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 3.1m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (250°)
- Offshore range
- 205° - 295°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
7/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Headlands?
The Headlands profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Headlands?
The Headlands profile uses wind from WSW (250°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 205° to 295°. 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 Headlands?
The Headlands scoring profile favors swell from E (40° to 186°), a swell-height range of 0.5m to 3.1m, 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 Headlands?
The main season at Headlands is Jan-Jul.
How do I get to Headlands?
The spot profile lists SYD as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 65 minutes.
What kind of wave is Headlands?
Headlands is a slab break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Jul
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Sharkies
🌊 Lefts and rights • Reef • E swell, Northern Illawarra
Austinmer Pools
🌊 Right-hand reef • ESE swell magnet • Northern Illawarra
Wombarra Reef
🌊 Right-hand reef • SE swell magnet • Northern Illawarra
Sandon Point
🌊 Right-hand point • ESE swell magnet • Bulli-Wollongong
Peggies (Bulli Point)
🌊 Right-hand reef • E swell magnet • Bulli-Wollongong
Coalcliff (Coally Reef)
🌊 Lefts and rights • Reef • E swell, Northern Illawarra
Plan a trip around Headlands
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