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A lone surfer rides a wave at Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast, Australia, with a pink sunset skyline.
📷 Josh Withers · Pexels

Currumbin Alley

4.1 — based on 25 community signals
4.3 12 species 30 contributors

Currumbin Alley is a Queensland surf break offering consistent waves year-round in a accessible Gold Coast location.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entry

At a glance

Activity
surf
Difficulty
beginner

Top operators here

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Map

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Currumbin Alley location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
2.4 kn
Wave
1.04 m
Water
20.8°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: SE (14%)
Now: N (351°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.45m

Next: High at 01:00 (+0.32m)

+1.0 m0 m-0.5 m
▲ 01:00 · +0.32m ▼ 07:00 · -0.04m ▲ 14:00 · +0.79m ▼ 21:00 · +0.05m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV7.45 · high Air PM2.512 · moderate 05:40 17:40
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 7.2 1.16 7 0mm
09-20 7.2 0.92 8 0mm
09-21 9 0.92 8 0mm
09-22 11.7 1.26 7 0mm
09-23 10.9 1.44 7 5mm
09-24 10.8 1.62 8 4mm
09-25 8.6 1.88 7 9mm

About this spot

Currumbin Alley sits on Queensland's Gold Coast, a region known for reliable swell and warm water. This break attracts both locals and travelers looking for consistent conditions without the crowds of major tourist peaks. The spot works through most of the year, making it a solid option if you're timing a trip around other activities in the region. The break has built a small community of users who document sessions regularly. Three community videos are available showing the wave's character and behavior. With 12 species observations logged, the area supports marine life typical of Queensland's coastal ecosystem. Being outside a marine protected area, it operates under standard access rules with no additional permit requirements. Gold Coast logistics are straightforward for travelers. The region has solid infrastructure, accommodation, and services. If you're based in or passing through the area, Currumbin Alley deserves a session check. Conditions shift seasonally like any coastal break, so local intel before arrival helps dial in your timing.

📖 Guide: Diving in Australia: 61 Sites from Coral Reefs to Cold-Water Wrecks

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type I · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 16632km · ~3825kg · €69

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 53/100
  • Visa: e-Visa · 90 days max
  • Flight: 16h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 9h east · 6 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to surf Currumbin Alley?

The break works year-round, making it a reliable choice across all seasons. Winter and spring typically bring more consistent swell from Southern Ocean systems, while summer offers calmer conditions. Check recent reports and local forecasts to match your skill level and schedule.

What type of waves and difficulty does Currumbin Alley offer?

Specific difficulty and wave characteristics are best confirmed through recent community videos and local reports. The break serves the local community and visiting surfers, suggesting it accommodates a range of abilities. Watch the three available community videos to assess whether conditions suit your level.

What marine life is found at Currumbin Alley?

Twelve species observations have been logged at the site, reflecting Queensland's typical coastal marine ecosystem. Standard tropical and subtropical fish, crustaceans, and other fauna are common in the area. Local knowledge and guides can identify specific species you're likely to see.

Do I need permits or special access to surf Currumbin Alley?

Currumbin Alley is not within a marine protected area, so standard public beach access applies. No special permits are required. Check local council rules and current beach conditions before heading out, as closures or advisories can occur.

See it live now

Live webcams at this spot (within 500 m). Windy.com

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Kirra Dive

7.9 km
4.7 (209 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified Booked 43+ times this month
Hours: Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

92 records · 24 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
11 Sept 2024
×4records

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
23 Aug 2023
×3records

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Sept 2022
×1records

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
4 Oct 2016
×1records

Cyclosalpa polae

Thaliacea · Salpidae
OBIS
Last seen:
19 Sept 2016
×1records
Depth:
45 m

Siphonophorae

Hydrozoa
OBIS
Last seen:
19 Sept 2016
×1records
Depth:
45 m

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
12 Jul 2014
×1records

Carcharhinus leucas

Bull Shark
Elasmobranchii · Carcharhinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
11 Feb 2014
×1records

Carcharhinus leucas

Bull Shark
Elasmobranchii · Carcharhinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
12 Oct 2013
×26records
Depth:
2–5 m

Megaptera novaeangliae

Humpback whale
Mammalia · Balaenopteridae
OBIS
Last seen:
3 Aug 2013
×1records

Mustelus antarcticus

Gummy Shark
Elasmobranchii · Triakidae
OBIS
Last seen:
19 Mar 2013
×1records
Depth:
3 m

Carcharhinus leucas

Bull Shark
Elasmobranchii · Carcharhinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
19 Dec 2012
×31records
Depth:
2–5 m

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Currumbin Alley Goes Nuclear

mySURF tv
💬 3 top comments
  • What a insane slab of a beast. The surfers have some steel balls. Imagine the view looking into the pit chunky thick raw power👍

    @owengoldsmith4767 · 👍 6
  • Looks like a good day for me to hang out on the rocks!

    @scottcarter6915 · 👍 0
  • This my local break where I first caught my first wave at the age of 5. I'm now 43, mostly it a fun soft wave long walls through to laceys lane. Though went it gets 6-10feet it's heavy with thick lips and a good hold down which always fun.

    @aaronrussell-smith4140 · 👍 2

Currumbin Alley - Cyclone Seth Part One - 3 January 2022 Surf

Surf Days
💬 3 top comments
  • Thank you for the footage we were out there yewww

    @zakcrawford9507 · 👍 4
  • Gotta love the occasional ex-cyclone. Pumpin !

    @hoptoads · 👍 0
  • Sabroso 🌊🏄🏽

    @gustavoluna7079 · 👍 0

Average Joe Has a Go - Currumbin Alley - February 2025

Surf Days
💬 3 top comments
  • Cool

    @felipebouzonnoexperienceon1160 · 👍 1
  • VERY NICE

    @ka4816 · 👍 0
  • Good fun when its decent, drop in deep behind a sup and you have the pocket to your self

    @guy2448 · 👍 0

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "Need to fix the crossing details here when the aerial imagery updates."

    TheSwavu · 2026-02-24
  • "Posted speed was recently increased to 70km/h for a portion of Old Coach Road"

    RoadEngineering · 2025-12-30
wind peaks Oct-Sep-Nov, calmest Aug-Jul-Jun, dry Apr-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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