Illuka Beach (NSW 40) is a straight 2.5 km long beach located between Iluka Bluff and the northern Clarence River entrance wall. The wall was initially constructed in 1901 and extended in 1965. Access is provided from the northern Iluka Bluff car park and the southern car park that runs out from Iluka township to the beach and entrance wall. This is a moderately hazardous beach and fortunately not as popular as some of its northern neighbours, except with surfers who enjoy the break along the entrance wall. The beach is well exposed to the southeast waves, which generate a double bar system. The usually attached inner bar is cut by two permanent rips against the bluff and the wall, while up to ten rips form along the beach (Fig. 4.28). A deep trough and rip dominated offshore bar lie further seaward. The Iluka Nature Reserve backs the northern half of the beach.
Just inside the northern Clarence River training wall is a 200 m long pocket of sand (NSW 40S), bordered at its western end by the tip of Moriarty’s Wall, a rocky training wall. This is a relatively low wave reflective beach, usually containing a steep cusped beach face. However it does face into the deep water and strong tidal currents of the river mouth, so be careful if swimming off the beach.
Beach Length: 2.6km
General Hazard Rating:
6/10
Patrols
There are currently no services provided by Surf Life Saving Australia for this beach. Please take the time to browse the Surf Safety section of this website to learn more about staying safe when swimming at Australian beaches.
Click here to visit general surf education information.
SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate.