Beach Number:

nsw003

Includes Beaches:

Dreamtime/kingscliff/cudgen

State/Region:

NSW - Fingal Head

Post Code:

2487

General Beach Hazard Rating:

6/10 (Moderately hazardous)

Beach

Wommin Bay runs from Fingal Head for 6.4 km south to Cudgen Headland. It contains a continuous sandy beach known as Dreamtime in the north and centre and Kingscliff in the south, with Cudgen Headland Surf Club at the southern end, surrounded by Kingscliff township. This is a popular beach just off the Pacific Highway, with a car park and access on the south side of Fingal Head in the north and Kingscliff in the south, as well as from the road that runs between Wommin Lake and the beach. Towards Kingscliff are two beachfront caravan parks, and next to the surf club a park and car park. Its early popularity led to the formation of the surf club in 1922. The first clubhouse was opened in January 1924 the same day the Wommin Bay Road was opened, which ensured the growing popularity of the beach. The beach is backed by low dunes for most of its length, providing a natural appearance. It is composed of fine sand which, combined with its exposure to most waves, produces an energetic two bar surf zone and numerous rips. Wave energy is highest in the centre-north where an attached inner bar cut by rips every 300 to 400 m dominates, with a deep trough separating it from the more widely spaced rips of the outer bar. This system continues down to Kingscliff, however, the vicinity of the southern caravan park and the surf club, the presence of Cudgen Creek and headland influences the beach. The moderate protection provided by the headland combined with the tidal shoals of the creek produce a permanent, yet variable sand shoal that periodically sends pulses of sand (sand waves) north along the beach. The sand waves are evident as a prominent bar and equally prominent trough and rip that sweep to the north.

These conditions can produce great surf for the board riders, but also generate a hazardous northward current for the bathers, conditions that contribute to the average of 12 rescues each year. Also, tidal currents sweep in and out of Cudgen Creek and rocks are present in the surf south of the surf club.

Swimming

This is an attractive beach with lots of potential hazards in the form of rips on the inner and outer bar, a deep trough running the length of the beach, and in the south interesting and variable sand shoals around Cudgen Headland, with equally hazardous tidal, longshore and rip currents. So make sure you stay between the flags, and even then watch for the northward sweep, which contribute to the 11 rescues each year.

Surfing

Numerous beach breaks along Wommin Beach offer variable quality depending on banks, waves and tide. In front of the Bowling Club is a popular spot in Kingscliff, while at Cudgen Reef out on the headland good, fast rights are often formed both on the reefs off the creek mouth, and along the adjacent beach, the latter depending on the shape and position of the sand wave.

Fishing

Shifting gutters along Wommin and Kingscliff beaches, with permanent gutter against Fingal Head. The Kingscliff bar can produce a deep gutter on the north side, with spots also up the shallow Cudgen Creek. 4 WD beach licence required.

General

Cudgen - Kingscliff offers a more traditional Australian holiday spot with 4 caravan parks and several motels, but as yet no high rise resorts or major development. An attractive spot catering to all the travellers and tourists needs.