(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Haven't surfed here for years, but have fond memories of the RH reef producing quick takeoffs, but frustrated by the mellow end section. The bombie sometimes produced some wally left numbers, which would start with a steep takeoff and invite multiple cutties, before producing a nice section breaking into a deep gutter which produced the most unusual noise when all the stones crashed together in the shorey.
On certain tides, the mid break produced some fun right and left peaks. Not sure if this has changed, but it was always a good midweek option and offered some protection from the southerlies.”
Phil Osopher from AUSTRALIA - 02 Mar 2011
Coalcliff Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 3 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.0(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: 3.3(1: Coalcliff is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.0(1: Coalcliff is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Illawarra. 5: the best break in Illawarra). |
Difficulty Level: 4.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.5(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Coalcliff can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 5.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Coalcliff, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Coalcliff are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.7(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Coalcliff is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.3(1: Getting to Coalcliff 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: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 1.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 1.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Coalcliff for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at Coalcliff is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Coalcliff is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 1.5(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Coalcliff, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 1.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Coalcliff where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
Nearest