South Stradbroke
South Stradbroke (TOS - The Other Side) is the Gold Coast's secret weapon—a hollow A-frame beach break that requires a 350-meter paddle across the treacherous Seaway channel. The crossing deters crowds, leaving those brave enough to make it with world-class peaks and far fewer surfers than anywhere else on the coast. The sand formations produce perfect barrels on E swells. Watch for boats, strong currents, and the ever-present bull sharks in the channel. Worth the risk? The empty tubes say yes.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Direction range
- 45° - 135°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 230° - 315°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 1.6m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: 350m paddle across Seaway from breakwall to breakwall. Dodging boats and rips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at South Stradbroke?
South Stradbroke works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.6m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
What wind direction is offshore at South Stradbroke?
Offshore wind at South Stradbroke blows from the W (270°). Anything in the 230° to 315° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at South Stradbroke?
South Stradbroke wants E swell (45° to 135°) between 1m and 2.5m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf South Stradbroke?
The main season at South Stradbroke is Feb-Oct. Year-round. Protected from crowds by channel crossing.
How do I get to South Stradbroke?
Fly into OOL, then allow about 25 minutes by road. 350m paddle across Seaway from breakwall to breakwall. Dodging boats and rips.
What kind of wave is South Stradbroke?
South Stradbroke is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Feb-Oct
Year-round. Protected from crowds by channel crossing.
Getting There
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