North Point
North Point is Margaret River's big wave venue—a long, powerful right-hander that handles massive swells when other spots close out. The wave breaks over a shallow reef shelf, producing long, grinding barrels and open faces that allow for committed turns on waves well overhead. Cold water, and ever-present shark threat add menace to already serious conditions. This is where West Oz chargers come to test their limits.
North Point surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 260°
- Size range
- 2m - 6m
- Ideal size
- 3.8m - 5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (75°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 120°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 1m - 2.2m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is North Point?
North Point is a reef break in Margaret River, Australia, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What's the story behind North Point?
WA's North End Board Club crew discovered Cowaramup Bay's points in the early 1960s, and started surfing North Point by paddling across the bay when the wind swung offshore.
What swell works best at North Point?
North Point picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 2m and handles up to about 6m, with the sweet spot around 3.8 to 5m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 14s 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 North Point?
An ENE wind is dead offshore at North Point, and anything from the NE round to the ESE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at North Point?
North Point is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 1m to 2.2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf North Point?
The most reliable run of swell at North Point comes May to Sep. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. Big wave spot. Needs substantial SW swell to work.
How cold is the water at North Point?
The water at North Point averages around 17°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is North Point good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Heavy wave. High shark activity. Cold water.
How do I get to North Point?
The nearest airport on our list is PER, then it's roughly a 3.5-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near North Point?
The closest breaks we track are Gas Bay (15 km), Surfers Point (20 km) and Margaret River (20 km), handy when North Point isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
Big wave spot. Needs substantial SW swell to work.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Gas Bay
🌊 Margaret River right • Consistent reef • Works year-round
Surfers Point
🍷 Margaret River's left • Wine country waves • Less crowds than Margs
Margaret River
🦈 Indian Ocean power • Multiple world-class breaks • Bring your shark shields
The Box
⚠️ Australia's heaviest slab • Square barrels of doom • Helmets recommended
Lefthanders
🦈 Gracetown quality • Workable walls • Shark country awareness
South Point
🌿 Gracetown left • Beginner friendly • Works in onshore
Plan a trip around North Point
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