Dreamland Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, surfers. Rusty here, and I’ve been staring at the charts for Dreamland, and it’s a mixed bag of grunt and frustration over the next 16 days. The water’s sitting at 79°, which is bang on average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real swell window kicks off on Tuesday, 25 August, with a long-period SSW groundswell at 6 ft, period 16 seconds, and the combined energy is a solid 1322 (moderate). The wind is a cross-off from the ESE at 19 mph, which will keep things clean, but the report says the surf is marginal—probably a tide issue. This is a beach-and-reef setup, and with that long period, it’s going to be better for the reef than the sand. It’s not a beginner’s wave, but it’s not huge either. Tuesday afternoon looks a bit more inviting with lighter wind and clearer skies, but still marginal.

Wednesday, 26 August, the swell drops a touch to 5 ft, period 14 seconds, and the energy is down to 911 (still moderate). Cross-off winds again, but the surf is still average. Not a standout.

Then things start to build. Thursday, 27 August, sees the swell dip to 4 ft in the morning but then jump to 5 ft in the afternoon with a 15-second period, and the energy skyrockets to 2872 (very strong). The wind is light and cross-off. This is where it gets interesting, but the forecast still calls it marginal. The real fireworks start Friday, 28 August. Morning swell hits 8 ft, 16 seconds, with energy at 3731 (very strong). That’s a big, powerful groundswell. The afternoon is even better with the same size and period, energy at 3038, and the report finally says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” Wind is a light cross-off from the SSE at 9 mph. This is for experts only—over 8 ft with that period means it’s going to be a beast. The long period might make it break a bit straight on the beach, but the reef sections should fire.

Saturday, 29 August, keeps the goods rolling. Morning swell is 7 ft, 15 seconds, energy 1671, with a light breeze from the SSE at 6 mph. That’s about as clean as it gets. The report says excellent for experienced surfers again. This is your best window. Afternoon sees the swell drop to 5 ft, but still worth a look.

From Sunday, 30 August, into the start of September, the swell hangs around 4 ft to 6 ft, with periods from 12 to 18 seconds, but the wind is a fresh cross-off and the reports are all marginal. Not a total write-off, but nothing to write home about.

The standout, without a doubt, is Friday, 28 August afternoon through to Saturday, 29 August morning. Big, clean, powerful swell from the SSW at 8 ft and 7 ft, with light cross-off winds and excellent quality. The reef will be the place to be. Crowds are listed as “sometimes,” so you might have some company, but it won’t be a zoo. The energy readings are through the roof—3731 and 3038—so this is heavy, heaving surf. Don’t take a beginner board.

After that, it’s a slow fade. The first week of September has consistent 4 ft to 8 ft SSW swell, but the wind stays cross-off and the reports stay marginal. There’s a little bump on 6 September with 7 ft and a 15-second period, but it’s more of the same.

The second week is a long-range look, so take it with a grain of salt. Around 5–6 September, there’s a bump back up to 7 ft from the SSW with a 15-second period and energy up near 2588, but the wind is a gentle cross-off. It could be good, but it’s a bit uncertain.

Overall, if you’re only picking one day, nail Saturday, 29 August morning. It’s the cleanest, strongest, and most inviting window for the crew who know what they’re doing.

Rusty.

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