Thirteenth Beach
Thirteenth Beach is a long stretch of sand near Barwon Heads that offers multiple peaks and consistent waves. The beach is more exposed than the town beaches of Torquay and Jan Juc, meaning it picks up swell when other spots are flat. The sandbars shift regularly, so checking multiple spots along the beach is recommended. When small to medium swells hit with light winds, Thirteenth Beach offers fun, rippable waves suitable for all abilities. It's a staple of the Melbourne surf scene and often the go-to when conditions are marginal elsewhere.
Thirteenth Beach surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 240°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Offshore range
- 310° - 30°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Easy beach access from multiple carparks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Thirteenth Beach?
The Thirteenth Beach profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m 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 Thirteenth Beach?
The Thirteenth Beach profile uses wind from N (350°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 310° to 30°. 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 Thirteenth Beach?
The Thirteenth Beach scoring profile favors swell from SSW (170° to 240°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 12s. 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 Thirteenth Beach?
The main season at Thirteenth Beach is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct, Nov. Works year-round. More consistent than town beaches.
How do I get to Thirteenth Beach?
The spot profile lists MEL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 90 minutes. Easy beach access from multiple carparks.
What kind of wave is Thirteenth Beach?
Thirteenth Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct, Nov
Works year-round. More consistent than town beaches.
Getting There
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