(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Has been taken over by Surfing Australia and surf coaches. The pass at Byron or Snapper is probably less crowded and safer these days.”
seadog62 from AUSTRALIA - 22 Feb 2026
Cabarita Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 5 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.5(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.8(1: Cabarita is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.3(1: Cabarita is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in North Coast - New South Wales. 5: the best break in North Coast - New South Wales). |
Difficulty Level: 2.5(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.2(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Cabarita can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Cabarita, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Cabarita are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.2(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.8(1: Often too crowded. 5: Cabarita is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.8(1: Getting to Cabarita requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.5(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Cabarita for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 3.0(1: Camping at Cabarita is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Cabarita is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 4.5(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Cabarita, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.7(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Cabarita where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Getting too crowded. Locals off it. Used to be good.”
paul ricketts from AUSTRALIA - 09 Jun 2011
Nearest