S A N D - S U R F - S U N
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Last Updated 7/8/99
The Far North Coast of New South Wales contains some of the best waves in Australia. It is a region where if a break has more than five people in the line-up then it is considered crowded. Starting form the concrete landscape of Tweed Heads and finishing in the banana growing region of Coffs Harbour, the Far North Coast has much to offer any surfer or bodyboarder and many undiscovered secrets are still on offer to those willing to go the distance. This page will contain information about this area plus surfing photos and video of the athletes that call this area their home.
Yamba/Angourie
Yamba is a large coastal town situated three hours south of Brisbane. As fishing/tourist town it is home to a large amount of various breaks. From the quality beach breaks of Pippie beach to the heavy reef action of Lovers Reef, there is heaps on offer. One method to check the size of the swell before seeing a single wave is to check out the boat harbour. Empty of boats and trawlers: average to no swell. Full of trawlers and boats: big swell!
A few minutes south is the small town of Angourie. Made famous by its right that is claimed by locals to be one of the best in Australia it contains some excellent breaks especially reefs that are hidden amoungst the trees that mark the beginning of the Yugrair National Park.
The Yugrair National Park (Brooms Head)
South from Yamba the landscape changes dramatically. Gone are the holiday homes, tourists (except in summer), the abundance of surf shops and take-away shops and the scar of development. Instead the meandering black trail of road carved though endless forest will take you to some quality breaks but just look out for the kangaroos.
Brooms Head is a lonely coastal town. During summer its population explodes creating tension amoungst the waves however if you make the effort to make your way here during the colder months of the year then you will be rewarded for your efforts. When the rest of this area is blown out due to a rageing southerly, Brooms Head will still offer a wave due to its position.
North of Brooms Head is Red Cliff, so called due to the red coloured stone that has been eroded due to a millenia of ocean movements. It is home to many breaks but it is a fickle place with inconsistancy of swell size and swell quality being a major dampner to any surf trip.
South via a dusty or muddy road, depending on what the weather has been of late, you will arrive at Sandon River. Like Broomes Head, it offers a wave during a southerly however it dosent catch the swell as near as good. It is best when there is to much swell. Better waves can be accessed by swimming accross the river with your favorite mode of surf veichle.
Wooli/Minnie Water
An area largly devoid of major development and pollution, the Far North Coast contains hundreds of kilometres of unspoilt beaches. If you happen to visit this area then keep it this way and remember to respect all those that use the ocean.
If you have any comments on this web page or have any photos, information, etc. that you think should be included, then feel free to e-mail me.
Click on the link below for surf reports
Copyright Steven Bale 1999