Beach Number:

nsw451

Includes Beaches:

Cudmirrah

State/Region:

NSW - Sussex Inlet

Post Code:

2540

General Beach Hazard Rating:

7/10 (Highly hazardous)

Beach

Cudmirrah Beach (NSW 451) is the surf beach for Sussex Inlet and location of the Sussex Inlet and District SLSC (founded 1981). The beach is 3 km long extending to the southwest from the 60 m high sandstone headland and rocks at Sussex Inlet to the lee of the reef and sand salient on the north side of the usually closed mouth of Swan Lake. The beach is backed by active sand dunes including several large blowouts extending a few hundred meters inland and to heights of 30 m. The only car access is to a small car park behind the surf club, which is situated high on the northern foredune. Its tower gives an excellent view of the beach and its many rips. The entire beach faces straight into the southeast swell and has an exposed surf zone. Up to 10 large rips usually dominate the beach, with the largest in the north and a permanent rip against the rocks (Fig. 4.342 & 4.344). To the south slight protection in lee of the reef reduces wave height and rip intensity. The bars between the rips are usually detached in the north, attaching more frequently in the south. Following high seas a second bar forms offshore.

Swimming

A potentially hazardous rip-dominated beach particularly in the north. So definitely stay between the flags. Be very careful if swimming down the beach.

Surfing

A popular summer beach with plenty of beach breaks and offshore north winds. The southern reef, called Conneeleys Reef, can produce both lefts and rights.

Fishing

The inlet and wide, flat rock platform off north head are popular, with very persistent rip holes and gutters along the entire beach.