Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach is Port Macquarie's most consistent surf break—a long stretch of sand that picks up E-SE swell and serves up punchy beach break peaks day after day. Named for the Tacking Point Lighthouse that watches over the southern end, the beach offers quality waves without the crowds of the Gold or Northern Beaches. The multiple peaks spread surfers out along the beach, and the variety of sandbar formations means there's usually a good bank working somewhere. A solid all-rounder on the mid-north coast.
Lighthouse Beach 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° - 150°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 230° - 310°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
21°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
4/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Easy access from Matthew Flinders Drive. Popular Port Macquarie beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Lighthouse Beach?
The Lighthouse Beach profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Lighthouse Beach?
The Lighthouse Beach profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 230° to 310°. 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 Lighthouse Beach?
The Lighthouse Beach scoring profile favors swell from E (60° to 150°), a swell-height range of 0.5m to 2m, and a reference period of 11s. 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 Lighthouse Beach?
The main season at Lighthouse Beach is Apr-Aug. A secondary window runs Mar, Sep. Autumn-winter E-SE swells. Consistent mid-north coast break.
How do I get to Lighthouse Beach?
The spot profile lists PQQ as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 10 minutes. Easy access from Matthew Flinders Drive. Popular Port Macquarie beach.
What kind of wave is Lighthouse Beach?
Lighthouse Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Sep
Autumn-winter E-SE swells. Consistent mid-north coast break.