Norah Head
A south-facing reef beneath the historic Norah Head Lighthouse that fires on solid southerly swells. The uneven reef requires experience but rewards with quality walls when conditions align. Surfing beneath the 1903 lighthouse with its red-capped tower is a uniquely Central Coast experience. The headland provides shelter from northerly winds.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Get the full Norah Head trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (150°)
- Direction range
- 110° - 180°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 240° - 300°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Access via Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Best on solid southerly swells in winter.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Catherine Hill Bay
⛏️ Mining heritage waves • Historic village • Central Coast classic
Forresters Beach
⚡ Heavy offshore reef • Expert only • 600m paddle-out
Wamberal Beach
🌊 Open exposure beachie • Multiple peaks • North end reef section
Terrigal Haven
🏖️ Central Coast flagship • Rocky point walls • Consistent performer
Avoca Point
💎 Central Coast jewel • Long right-hand walls • The local proving ground
MacMasters Point
🔥 Quality right-hander • Needs size to fire • Steep takeoffs near rocks