Coordinates -34.313817 150.931550

Thirroul Reef is a surf spot located in New South Wales, Australia. Situated on the north end of Thirroul Beach, this spot is known for its challenging conditions and is best suited for intermediate surfers. The reef is characterized by a rocky bottom with the reef itself just inches below the surface, featuring holes throughout. Surfers should be cautious of urchins, rips, and undertow, which are common in this area. The wave direction is predominantly left, and it breaks best on medium to high tides. When the conditions align, Thirroul Reef can produce a hollow wave with a decent spit, offering a thrilling ride for those with the skills to handle it. The wave length is typically less than 50 meters, and the spot is not overly crowded, with only a few surfers usually present. Localism can be an issue, so it’s important to respect the locals and adhere to surf etiquette, especially in crowded conditions. Sharks have been noted in the area, so surfers should remain vigilant. Thirroul is a northern seaside suburb of Wollongong, located approximately 13 kilometers north of Wollongong and 73 kilometers south of Sydney. Nearby surf spots include Thirroul, Austinmer Pools, Austinmer Beach, Macauley’s, and Headlands. Before heading out, surfers should check the surf forecast and report to ensure the conditions are suitable. It’s also crucial to check your skills before paddling out to make sure the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. Respect the locals. Check out the good surf at Thirroul Reef in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.

Best tide at Thirroul Reef

Medium, High (best tide movement: Rising tide)

Check the full tide table

Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Thirroul Reef, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.

Near spots

There are 177 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Thirroul Reef. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.

See all 177 surf spots