Queenscliff
Queenscliff is the northern end of Manly Beach, where the wave takes on a different character to the southern section. Sitting in a NE-facing pocket below the headland, Queenscliff picks up NE swell that bypasses the rest of the beach. The break was made famous when Duke Kahanamoku demonstrated surfing here in 1915, introducing the sport to Australia. Today it remains one of Sydney's most consistent waves, with defined peaks that work through most tides. The bombie offshore adds a big wave option when serious swell arrives.
Queenscliff 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 Queenscliff 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
- E (83°)
- Direction range
- 30° - 135°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.4m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 270° - 350°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.8m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
7/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: North end of Manly Beach. Ferry from Circular Quay or drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Queenscliff?
The Queenscliff profile favors mid to high tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.8m 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 Queenscliff?
The Queenscliff profile uses wind from NW (315°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 270° to 350°. 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 Queenscliff?
The Queenscliff scoring profile favors swell from E (30° to 135°), a swell-height range of 0.5m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 11s. 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 Queenscliff?
The main season at Queenscliff is Apr-Aug. A secondary window runs Mar, Sep. Autumn-winter NE-E swells. Works on different swell to south Manly.
How do I get to Queenscliff?
The spot profile lists SYD as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 30 minutes. North end of Manly Beach. Ferry from Circular Quay or drive.
What kind of wave is Queenscliff?
Queenscliff is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Sep
Autumn-winter NE-E swells. Works on different swell to south Manly.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Manly Beach
🇦🇺 Australian surf birthplace • Ferry from Sydney • Crowds guaranteed
Dee Why Point
➡️ Sydney's quality right • SE swell magnet • Local point break
Long Reef Bombora
⚡ Sydney's big wave spot • Offshore bombora • Northern Beaches power
North Narrabeen
🌊 Sydney's best beachie • Sandbar roulette • Where pros are made
Bondi Beach
🇦🇺 Australia's most famous beach • Surf culture ground zero • Beginners welcome
Maroubra
💪 Bra Boys territory • Raw Sydney power • Respect required