Dreamland Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve got a long look ahead for us at Dreamland. We’ve got a solid run of swell on the way, but it’s not all going to be perfect. The early part of the week starts a bit average, then we get a proper pulse of energy that has some real potential, especially if you’re an experienced surfer. The water temp is sitting at 78°F, which is pretty normal for this time of year, nothing unusual there.

The first waves worth a mention kick off on Monday the 17th of August, but it’s nothing to get too excited about. We’re looking at a clean 5ft swell from the SSW, with a moderate breeze from the ESE keeping things tidy but cross-off. The wave energy is moderate (903) and the period is a solid 14 seconds, so there’s some push, but the quality is only marginal. It’s a start, but you might be better off waiting.

The standout window for this whole forecast kicks off on Tuesday the 18th. The morning session is the real deal – offshore wind from the ESE at 12 mph, and the swell jumps to 6ft from the SSW with a very long 16-second period. The combined energy is strong (2197), and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is your best bet in the first week. The afternoon holds similar size but the wind goes cross-off, so the morning is the cleanest.

The swell builds through Wednesday the 19th and Thursday the 20th, pushing 8ft to 8ft from the SSW and SW, with periods between 16 and 18 seconds. That’s a lot of power, with energy readings up over 4000 (4095 on Wednesday arvo). But the wind stays cross-off from the ESE at 12-16 mph, so while it’s clean, that size is getting into expert-only territory. If you’re not confident, sit this one out. The long period is great for the point and reef here, but it might make the wave face a bit too straight for the beach.

Friday the 21st drops back a little, but the energy is still significant. The morning sees 5ft from the SSW with an 18-second period, but a fresh breeze of 19 mph makes paddling tougher. The afternoon picks up to 8ft again.

Saturday the 22nd is another top pick. The morning has offshore wind (ESE 16 mph) and 7ft from the SSW with a 16-second period. Again, this is rated excellent for experienced surfers. The energy is strong (2433), and that offshore wind is going to make for some beautiful, clean walls. Crowds can be an issue here sometimes, so get in early.

From Sunday the 23rd through the end of the month, the swell settles into a consistent but less dramatic pattern. Heights run from 4ft to 6ft, mostly from the SSW or SW, with periods between 13 and 18 seconds. The wind is almost always cross-off from the SE or ESE at 9-16 mph. The energy readings stay in the moderate-to-strong range (741 up to 2126). It’s clean and rideable, but the “marginal” tag on most of these sessions suggests tide or shape is a factor. Nothing to write home about, but you’ll get waves if you’re keen.

Sunday the 30th of August and Monday the 31st start to build again. The 30th has 5ft to 6ft from the SW with an 18-second period, light SSE winds at 9 mph, and strong energy (2355). Rated excellent for experienced surfers, this is a promising late-season pulse. The 31st pushes 7ft from the SW with a 16-second period and even stronger energy (2593). Both these sessions are clean and look solid, but with that size and long period, it’s still for the crew who know what they’re doing.

Into the start of September, Tuesday the 1st holds a 6ft SW swell with 15-second period. There’s a risk of thunderstorms in the morning, which will keep the crowds down, but the wind is cross-off from the SE at 12 mph. It’s a solid option to close out the run.

Best on offer: Without a doubt, Tuesday morning the 18th of August is the standout. That early offshore wind with a clean 6ft, very long-period SSW groundswell, and strong energy – it’s the full package for an experienced surfer. Saturday morning the 22nd runs a close second for the same reasons.

There’s no big gap of no surf here – we’ve got waves rolling through the entire 16-day window, but the quality peaks in that first weekend.

Stay safe, and I’ll see you in the water.
Rusty

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