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.
Norah Head surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to SYD, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Australia is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Australia — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
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
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (150°)
- Direction range
- 110° - 180°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 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
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Access via Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Norah Head?
The Norah Head profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.4m 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 Norah Head?
The Norah Head profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 240° to 300°. 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 Norah Head?
The Norah Head scoring profile favors swell from SSE (110° to 180°), a swell-height range of 1m to 2.5m, 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 Norah Head?
The main season at Norah Head is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Best on solid southerly swells in winter.
How do I get to Norah Head?
The spot profile lists SYD as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 95 minutes. Access via Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve.
What kind of wave is Norah Head?
Norah Head is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
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