Point Cartwright surf report
Exposed beach by the Point Cartwright lighthouse that grabs plenty of swell.
New region (beta): these break settings are still being checked by locals. Spot something off? Tell us.
Tomorrow at Point Cartwright (Sun, 4 Oct) · best 5am–12pm
Fun.
Glassy, no wind, head-high waves. Rated for an intermediate surfer.
- Barely any wind (5 kn), so it'll be glassy and smooth.
- Waves around head high (1.3m faces), a good size for an intermediate surfer.
- Easterly swell at 7 seconds, an angle this spot likes.
- Low tide and rising at 10am, but this spot prefers mid tide.
- Wind swings north-easterly 8 kn around 2pm, so it'll get choppy.
Forecast checked Sat, 3 Oct, 9:12 pm Gold Coast time.
When is Point Cartwright good?
- Best wind
- West-north-westerly (offshore) or none
- Best swell
- North-east to south
- Best tide
- Mid tide
- Suits
- Intermediate+
Who it suits depends on the size: intermediates up to about 1.5m. Bigger than 1.5m it is for advanced surfers. Long-period groundswell hits harder, so it counts as bigger.
It picks up more swell than anywhere else around, so it is often the place to check on small days. A west-north-westerly wind blows offshore here, so mornings before the sea breeze are usually cleanest. Get Frothin’ checks the wind, swell, tide and the live wave buoys every hour and tells you, in plain English, whether it's worth paddling out at Point Cartwright for your level.
Watch out
Strong currents near the river mouth and rocks.
Frequently asked
What are the best conditions for surfing Point Cartwright?
Point Cartwright is best with a west-north-westerly (offshore) wind or no wind, a north-east to south swell and mid tide. It picks up more swell than anywhere else around, so it is often the place to check on small days.
What wind is offshore at Point Cartwright?
A west-north-westerly wind (WNW) blows straight offshore at Point Cartwright, holding the waves up and keeping them clean. Light winds are good too. Onshore winds make it choppy.
Is Point Cartwright good for beginners?
Not really. Point Cartwright is best for intermediate surfers and up. Beginners will have a better time at Noosa (First Point) or Peregian.
What should I watch out for at Point Cartwright?
Strong currents near the river mouth and rocks.
Nearby breaks
- Mooloolaba 2.0 km
- Alexandra Headland 2.9 km
- Moffat Beach 12.3 km