Kirra
Kirra is Australian surfing's most storied barrel—a right-hand sand-bottom point that has produced some of the country's most iconic waves when the sand aligns correctly. As the finishing section of the Superbank sand system (which starts at Snapper), Kirra can deliver thick, grinding tubes that connect for hundreds of meters. The barrel shape is perfect: round, spitting, and fast. Unfortunately, decades of dredging and sand politics have made classic Kirra sessions rare. But when cyclone swells push SE and the sand is configured right, Kirra reminds everyone why it was once considered Australia's best wave.
Kirra surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (100°)
- Direction range
- 60° - 125°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (168°)
- Offshore range
- 141° - 202°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
10/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Kirra?
The Kirra profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m 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 Kirra?
The Kirra profile uses wind from SSE (168°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 141° to 202°. 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 Kirra?
The Kirra scoring profile favors swell from E (60° to 125°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 3m, 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 Kirra?
The main season at Kirra is May-Aug. A secondary window runs Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct. Winter E-SE swells are prime when the sand is right. Cyclone swells Jan-Mar can produce rare classic days.
How do I get to Kirra?
The spot profile lists OOL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 20 minutes.
What kind of wave is Kirra?
Kirra is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Aug
Secondary: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct
Winter E-SE swells are prime when the sand is right. Cyclone swells Jan-Mar can produce rare classic days.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Superbank (Maxing)
🌊 2km connected rides • Cyclone swells only • 500-surfer zoo
Greenmount
🌅 Superbank connection • Coolangatta icon • Headland right-hander
Snapper Rocks
🦘 Superbank starting point • 2km rides possible • Gold Coast icon
Duranbah
🧲 Gold Coast swell magnet • Punchy A-frames • Pro training ground
Fingal Head
🌋 Basalt reef right • Australia's Giants Causeway • Ancient lava break
Burleigh Heads
💪 Gold Coast power • Boulder point perfection • Don't drop in on the locals
Plan a trip around Kirra
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