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.
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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
- 1.9m
- 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 tide is best at Queenscliff?
Queenscliff works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Queenscliff?
Offshore wind at Queenscliff blows from the NW (315°). Anything in the 270° to 350° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Queenscliff?
Queenscliff wants E swell (30° to 135°) between 0.5m and 2.5m, with a period of 11s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into SYD, then allow about 30 minutes by road. 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
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