Cabarita

Tucked away on the North Coast, Cabarita—known locally as Bogangar—is the kind of place where the pace slows down and the surf matches the vibe. This consistent, easygoing break draws a friendly mix of locals and travelers, all here for a no-fuss wave that delivers more fun than fanfare. The session works best when a south-east swell pushes in, though north-east and south pulses can also keep things interesting. It handles small days gracefully, starting around 1 foot, and can build well beyond double overhead when the ocean decides to flex. The main attraction is a right-hand point break, with reef and sandbars sculpting playful, peeling lines. Low to mid tide brings out the best shape, though the walls can sometimes turn fat and tricky—especially on a filling tide. If the lineup feels a bit too cozy, slip around to the backside in the lee of Norries Head, where sandbars stretching toward Hastings Point often produce clean A-frames with less company. This is a solid choice for beginners looking to level up, but even seasoned surfers will appreciate the low-stakes, high-fun sessions. Just know that at high tide, the waves can get full and close out unless there’s a bit more size pushing through. For a surf that’s consistent, accessible, and mercifully low-drama, Cabarita stands its ground.

Best Surf Season (May - August)

Cabarita is an east-northeast facing stretch of the Australian coast that lives and dies by wind direction. The true gold comes during the late autumn and winter months, from May through August. This is when the westerly wind belt pushes farther north, and the SW, WSW, W and WNW offshore flow becomes the dominant wind signature. At the same time, the Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean start throwing E/ESE groundswell into the coast, often with periods pushing 9 seconds. Ideal wind percentages peak at 55-65% from May to July, meaning far more clean, groomed sessions on Cabarita's banks. Swell heights may only average 3ft (0.9m) to 3-4ft (1.0-1.1m), but the consistency and lack of chop make it the most reliable surf window of the year.