Short Point
Short Point is a quality right-hand point break at the southern end of Merimbula on the NSW Far South Coast. The wave wraps around a rocky headland, producing long, workable walls that peel into the protected bay. When solid SE swells hit with NW winds, Short Point can produce some of the best waves on the Sapphire Coast. The break is more sheltered than the exposed beaches, making it a good option when it's too big elsewhere. The pristine setting—clear blue water and native bushland—makes surfing here a treat even on average days.
Short Point surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (150°)
- Direction range
- 120° - 190°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Offshore range
- 250° - 330°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Walk from Merimbula town. Local airport nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Short Point?
Short Point is a point break in Merimbula, Australia, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Short Point?
Short Point picks up swell from the ESE round to the S, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSE. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 12s 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 Short Point?
A WNW wind is dead offshore at Short Point, and anything from the WSW round to the NNW 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 Short Point?
Short Point is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.4m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Short Point?
The most reliable run of swell at Short Point comes Mar to Oct. There's a second window in Nov to Feb too. Year-round surfing. SE swells most consistent.
How cold is the water at Short Point?
The water at Short Point averages around 18°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 Short Point good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Rocky entry. Watch for rips on bigger days.
How do I get to Short Point?
The nearest airport on our list is MIM, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. Walk from Merimbula town. Local airport nearby.
What other surf spots are near Short Point?
The closest breaks we track are Camel Rock (60 km), handy when Short Point isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round surfing. SE swells most consistent.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Camel Rock
🌊 Left-hand point • SE swell magnet • Mystery Bay-Bermagui-Tathra
Bawley Point
🌊 Right-hand point • E swell magnet • Burrill-Tabourie-Bawley-Kioloa
Mollymook Beach
🏌️ South Coast quality • Bannisters backdrop • Sydney escape