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.
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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
- 1.5m
- 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
Access: Easy access from Matthew Flinders Drive. Popular Port Macquarie beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Lighthouse Beach?
Lighthouse Beach works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Lighthouse Beach?
Offshore wind at Lighthouse Beach blows from the W (270°). Anything in the 230° to 310° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Lighthouse Beach?
Lighthouse Beach wants E swell (60° to 150°) between 0.5m and 2m, with a period of 11s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into PQQ, then allow about 10 minutes by road. 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.