The Surf Window

Albany Middleton

Western Australia, Australia

Beach breakIntermediate

On WA's Great Southern coast, Albany's Middleton Beach sits in a protected bay where the Southern Ocean delivers consistent swell to the most southerly city in Western Australia, a beautiful heritage city where whaling history and surf culture intersect.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–SW 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

N

Light to NE under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Oct

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the bay

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent Southern Ocean beach break in a manageable bay setting

Hazards

  • •Cold water, Albany is at 35°S, water is 14–18°C
  • •Rip currents in bigger swells
  • •The bay sometimes funnels strong southerly winds

Local Tips

  • •The Discovery Bay area east of Middleton also has surf, check both
  • •Albany's historic Whaling Station (Whale World) is one of Australia's best museums
  • •The Gap and Natural Bridge near Albany are extraordinary geological formations on the Southern Ocean cliffs

Location

Map showing the location of Albany Middleton in Western Australia, Australia

-35.0167, 117.8833