Fingal Head
Fingal Head is a unique right-hand reef break that peels over ancient basalt columns—Australia's own Giants Causeway formed 23 million years ago by lava flows from the now-extinct Tweed Volcano. The wave needs specific NE-E swell to wrap around the headland and break properly, making it an inconsistent but rewarding spot when conditions align. The setting is spectacular, with Cook Island sitting offshore and the hexagonal basalt columns visible at low tide. The break has a loyal local crew who know exactly which tides and swells make it fire.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (60°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 100°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Offshore range
- 170° - 250°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
👥 Autumn Break (Apr 4 – Apr 19) — expect extra crowds
Access: Fingal Head village. Walk to headland. Giants Causeway basalt formations.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-May
Secondary: Feb, Jun
Autumn NE swell season. Needs specific NE swell direction.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Snapper Rocks
🦘 Superbank starting point • 2km rides possible • Gold Coast icon
Duranbah
🧲 Gold Coast swell magnet • Punchy A-frames • Pro training ground
Superbank (Maxing)
🌊 2km connected rides • Cyclone swells only • 500-surfer zoo
Greenmount
🌅 Superbank connection • Coolangatta icon • Headland right-hander
Kirra (Cyclone)
🌀 World's best right • Cyclone magic • Once-in-a-decade perfection
Kirra
🏆 Australia's barrel queen • Superbank's finishing move • Sand politics drama