The Guillotine
The Guillotine is an exposed left-hand reef break near Gracetown that delivers very consistent waves. The reef picks up virtually any swell going and works best around mid tide when the wave produces clean, defined walls with barrel sections. The isolated location keeps crowds to a minimum, but the rocky reef and shark-prone waters demand respect. A solid intermediate option in the Margaret River region.
The Guillotine surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 195° - 265°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (70°)
- Offshore range
- 30° - 110°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.65m - 0.95m
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Remote access near Gracetown. Track through bush.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at The Guillotine?
The The Guillotine profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.65m and 0.95m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at The Guillotine?
The The Guillotine profile uses wind from ENE (70°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 30° to 110°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at The Guillotine?
The The Guillotine scoring profile favors swell from SW (195° to 265°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf The Guillotine?
The main season at The Guillotine is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Feb, Nov. Very consistent reef. Autumn through spring is prime.
How do I get to The Guillotine?
The spot profile lists PER as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 180 minutes. Remote access near Gracetown. Track through bush.
What kind of wave is The Guillotine?
The Guillotine is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Feb, Nov
Very consistent reef. Autumn through spring is prime.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
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The Box
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Margaret River
🦈 Indian Ocean power • Multiple world-class breaks • Bring your shark shields