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October 4, 2026
Byron Bay vs Spot X: Which Aussie Surf Camp Is Right for You?
Byron Bay or Spot X at Arrawarra? An honest side-by-side comparison of the waves, crowds, seasons, travel and atmosphere at our two…
Read more →Arrawarra is a small beach settlement on the Coffs Coast of New South Wales, about ten minutes north of Woolgoolga and roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. There is a headland, a long beach, a creek and not much else, which is the appeal. Our Spot X surf camp has its home here. This guide covers the waves at Arrawarra and along the coast nearby, and what they are like through the year.
This is Gumbaynggirr Country. Arrawarra Headland and its stone fish traps are listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, and the Garby Elders are their custodians. The fish traps are a place of living cultural importance. Please look from a respectful distance and do not walk on them.
Surf conditions change daily, and published guides do not always agree with each other. Where they differ we say so. Treat this as a starting point and always check conditions on the day with someone who knows the break.
Arrawarra at a glance
| Where | Coffs Coast, New South Wales, Australia, about 10 minutes north of Woolgoolga |
| Type of waves | A right-hand point at the headland and sand-bottom beach breaks |
| Best for | Learners and longboarders who want uncrowded waves |
| Biggest swell | May to August, from the south and south-east |
| Water temperature | About 24–27 °C in February and 18–21 °C in August |
| What to wear | Boardshorts or swimwear and a rash vest in summer; up to a 3/2 mm wetsuit in the coldest weeks of winter |
| Lifeguards | Arrawarra is patrolled only in the summer school holidays |
| Nearest airport | Coffs Harbour, about 25 km south |
The waves
| Spot | Level | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Arrawarra Point | Guides differ; tourism sources describe it as gentle and suited to beginners and longboarders | A right-hand point that peels along the headland. It is a longboard-style wave, usually uncrowded, with rides of up to about 100 metres on a good day. It is offshore in winds from the south through to the west. |
| Arrawarra Beach | Varies with the sandbanks | Beach-break peaks along the sand north of the headland. |
| Woolgoolga | Beginner | About ten minutes south. The main beach is sheltered, and the NSW tourism body describes it as one of the best learn-to-surf spots on the Coffs Coast. |
| Coffs Harbour beaches | Mixed | Park Beach, Diggers Beach and Sawtell, further south, give more options on different swells. |
Arrawarra through the year
| Months | Surf | Water and weather |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Generally the smallest surf of the year. | The warmest water, about 24–27 °C in February. The beach is patrolled in the summer school holidays. |
| March to April | Autumn, and April in particular, is regarded as prime time for Arrawarra. | Water still warm. |
| May to August | Peak swell season, from the south and south-east. | Cool mornings and water of about 18–21 °C by August. A 3/2 mm wetsuit is useful in the coldest weeks. |
| September to November | Swell eases towards summer. | Water and air warm up again. |
There are surfable waves here in every season. Smaller summer surf suits first-timers, and the bigger winter swells are balanced by the shelter of the headland and the sheltered beach at Woolgoolga.
Tides and wind
- Wind. South to west winds are offshore at the point. These are most common in the cooler months.
- Tide. The sandbanks along the beach shift, so the best tide changes. Ask on the day.
- Time of day. Early mornings are usually the cleanest, before the sea breeze.
Staying safe in the water
- Unpatrolled for most of the year. Lifeguards are on duty only in the summer school holidays. Do not surf or swim alone.
- Rip currents. If you are caught, stay calm, float, and signal for help or paddle parallel to the beach.
- Rocks at the point. Take care getting in and out around the headland.
- Sun. Sunscreen and a rash vest, all year.
Getting to Arrawarra
Coffs Harbour Airport is about 25 km south. By road, Woolgoolga is roughly 550 km from Sydney, about six hours’ drive, and roughly 360 km from Brisbane. Byron Bay is about 250 km north of Coffs Harbour. Long-distance coaches stop at Arrawarra.
Beyond the surf
The water off Arrawarra is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, declared in 1998. It covers more than 70,000 hectares, from Muttonbird Island at Coffs Harbour north to the Sandon River, and it is a zone where warm tropical currents mix with cooler temperate water, so species from both live side by side. On land there is the creek, the long empty beach and the headland walk.
Surf Arrawarra with Mojosurf
Our Spot X Surf Camp is at 46 Arrawarra Beach Road, with cabins or tipis, a campfire, and breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. The daily lesson starts at about 7:30am and runs for two to three hours.
- Surf & Stay Spot X: 3 to 8 days with all meals and daily lessons. There is a free transfer from the Arrawarra bus stop.
- 6 Day Great Aussie Learn to Surf Adventure: five nights at Spot X with all meals, five lessons and a return coach from Sydney, Byron Bay or Brisbane.
You need to be able to swim 50 metres unaided to join a lesson.
Keep exploring
Arrawarra surf questions
Where is Spot X?
At Arrawarra on the Coffs Coast of New South Wales, about ten minutes north of Woolgoolga and about 25 km north of Coffs Harbour Airport.
Is Arrawarra good for beginners?
Tourism sources describe the point as a gentle wave for beginners and longboarders, and the area is uncrowded. Other guides rate it differently, so go with an instructor who knows the conditions.
When is the best time to surf Arrawarra?
There are waves all year. Autumn, especially April, is regarded as prime time, and May to August has the most swell. Summer is smaller and warmer.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Not in summer. In the coldest weeks of winter a 3/2 mm wetsuit is useful.
