Snapper Rocks
Snapper Rocks is the starting point of Australia's legendary Superbank—an artificial sand formation that can create rideable waves stretching around 2 kilometers to Kirra. The right-hand point break produces machine-like barrels and long, rippable walls that have made it the heart of Gold Coast competitive surfing. Cyclone swells from February to May deliver the best conditions, but the wave works year-round. The downside is crowds—Snapper is one of the most crowded waves in Australia, requiring patience and wave selection skills.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (89°)
- Direction range
- 65° - 119°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (165°)
- Offshore range
- 120° - 211°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
9/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Snapper Rocks?
Snapper Rocks is a point break in Gold Coast, Australia, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Snapper Rocks?
Snapper Rocks is believed to be named after HM Colonial Cutter Snapper, which sailed past Point Danger in July 1822. The Superbank it starts is partly man-made: since 1995 the Tweed River sand bypass has pumped sand north from the river mouth. In 1956 Jack Evans built the Snapper Rocks Sea Baths here, complete with a shark pool for public viewing.
What swell works best at Snapper Rocks?
Snapper Rocks picks up swell from the ENE round to the ESE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the E. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 13s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. E windswell + SE groundswell creates wedge. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Snapper Rocks?
A SSE wind is dead offshore at Snapper Rocks, and anything from the ESE round to the SSW 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 Snapper Rocks?
Snapper Rocks is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.4m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Snapper Rocks?
The most reliable run of swell at Snapper Rocks comes Feb to Oct. There's a second window in Nov to Jan too. Works year-round. Cyclone swells Jan-Mar.
How cold is the water at Snapper Rocks?
The water at Snapper Rocks averages around 23°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Snapper Rocks 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 9/10), so mind the pecking order. Very crowded. Respect the lineup. Strong currents.
How do I get to Snapper Rocks?
The nearest airport on our list is OOL, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Snapper Rocks?
The closest breaks we track are Duranbah (0.2 km), Greenmount (0.6 km) and Superbank (Maxing) (0.9 km), handy when Snapper Rocks isn't working. We track 7 spots around Gold Coast in total.
Best Season
Peak: Feb-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan
Works year-round. Cyclone swells Jan-Mar.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
Nearby Spots
Duranbah
🧲 Gold Coast swell magnet • Punchy A-frames • Pro training ground
Greenmount
🌅 Superbank connection • Coolangatta icon • Headland right-hander
Superbank (Maxing)
🌊 2km connected rides • Cyclone swells only • 500-surfer zoo
Kirra
🏆 Australia's barrel queen • Superbank's finishing move • Sand politics drama
Fingal Head
🌋 Basalt reef right • Australia's Giants Causeway • Ancient lava break
Burleigh Heads
💪 Gold Coast power • Boulder point perfection • Don't drop in on the locals
Plan a trip around Snapper Rocks
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