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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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
Access: Easy access from Matthew Flinders Drive. Popular Port Macquarie beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Lighthouse Beach?
Lighthouse Beach is a beach break in Port Macquarie, Australia, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Lighthouse Beach?
Lighthouse Beach picks up swell from the ENE round to the SSE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the E. 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 Lighthouse Beach?
A W wind is dead offshore at Lighthouse Beach, and anything from the SW round to the NW 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 Lighthouse Beach?
Lighthouse Beach is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Lighthouse Beach?
The most reliable run of swell at Lighthouse Beach comes Apr to Aug. There's a second window in Mar and Sep too. Autumn-winter E-SE swells. Consistent mid-north coast break.
How cold is the water at Lighthouse Beach?
The water at Lighthouse Beach averages around 21°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 Lighthouse Beach good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Standard beach rips. Generally safe beach.
How do I get to Lighthouse Beach?
The nearest airport on our list is PQQ, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. Easy access from Matthew Flinders Drive. Popular Port Macquarie beach.
What other surf spots are near Lighthouse Beach?
The closest breaks we track are Breakwall (4.6 km) and Crescent Head (32 km), handy when Lighthouse Beach isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Sep
Autumn-winter E-SE swells. Consistent mid-north coast break.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Breakwall
Port Macquarie wedge | Rock-wall bowls | Bodyboard town
Crescent Head
🏄♂️ Classic Aussie malibu • Long point rides • Longboard perfection
Saltwater Point
🌊 Right-hand point • ESE swell magnet • Manning & Camden Haven
Seal Rocks (point)
🌊 Right-hand point • ENE swell magnet • Great Lakes
Merewether (the Ladies)
🌊 Right-hand reef • ESE swell magnet • Newcastle