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.
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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
Access: North end of Manly Beach. Ferry from Circular Quay or drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Queenscliff?
Queenscliff is a beach break in Northern Beaches Sydney, Australia, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Queenscliff?
Queenscliff picks up swell from the NNE round to the SE, 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 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.4 to 2m. 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 Queenscliff?
A NW wind is dead offshore at Queenscliff, and anything from the W round to the N 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 Queenscliff?
Queenscliff is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Queenscliff?
The most reliable run of swell at Queenscliff comes Apr to Aug. There's a second window in Mar and Sep too. Autumn-winter NE-E swells. Works on different swell to south Manly.
How cold is the water at Queenscliff?
The water at Queenscliff averages around 20°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 Queenscliff good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Crowded urban beach. Strong rips near headland.
How do I get to Queenscliff?
The nearest airport on our list is SYD, then it's roughly a 30-minute drive. North end of Manly Beach. Ferry from Circular Quay or drive.
What other surf spots are near Queenscliff?
The closest breaks we track are Manly Beach (1.1 km), Winkipop (1.4 km) and Fairy Bower (1.4 km), handy when Queenscliff isn't working.
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
Winkipop
🌊 Right-hand reef • ESE swell magnet • Northern Beaches
Fairy Bower
🌊 Right-hand point • SE swell magnet • Northern Beaches
Dee Why Point
➡️ Sydney's quality right • SE swell magnet • Local point break
Long Reef (south side)
🌊 Lefts and rights • Reef • SE swell, Northern Beaches
Long Reef Bombora
⚡ Sydney's big wave spot • Offshore bombora • Northern Beaches power