North Stradbroke - Pt Lookout Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. I’ve run the numbers for Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, and I’m not gonna sugarcoat it—you’re gonna need some patience. We’ve got a long, flat period at the start, and then things kick into gear, but you gotta pick your moments.

From Tuesday the 11th through Sunday the 16th of August, the swell is tiny—0.4ft to 0.9ft—with combined energy mostly below 100. That’s weak. The wind is often offshore or cross-off, so it’s glassy and clean, but there’s nothing to ride. On Monday the 17th, the swell finally shows up, hitting 4ft in the morning (energy 186) and 7ft in the afternoon (energy 420). That’s moderate energy. Wind is cross-off from the SSE/SE, clean, but the period is short at 7 seconds—windswell, so expect lumpy, disorganized waves.

Then Tuesday the 18th through Wednesday the 19th, the swell pumps up to 7ft to 8ft, with combined energy soaring from 582 to 758—strong energy. Swell direction is ESE, right in the sweet spot for the point. Wind stays cross-off from the ESE, clean, but these waves are over 8ft at times. This is expert territory only. Beginners and intermediates, stay home. Period is still short at 8 seconds, so it’ll be raw and heavy. Big winds at 25 mph make paddling out a mission.

Now, the real highlight is Friday the 21st of August. The swell sits at 5ft in the morning, building to 6ft in the afternoon, with combined energy jumping to 429 and then a monstrous 1063 in the afternoon—very strong energy. Swell direction is still ESE, perfect. Period stretches to 10 seconds, giving you proper groundswell with real shape and power. Morning wind is offshore from the south at 19 mph, afternoon cross-off from the SSE at 22 mph—both clean. This is the day. Consistent, powerful, and clean for all experienced surfers.

Sunday the 23rd offers a smaller session: 4ft in the morning with offshore south wind at 12 mph and a 10-second period (energy 340). That’s a clean, fun morning. Monday the 24th brings 3ft with an 11-second period and offshore south wind at 16 mph—long, lined-up sets that’ll peel nicely down the point.

Crowds are “sometimes,” so expect company on the good days. Water temp is 69°, just 0.5° below average—no big deal.

Summing it up: almost a week of nothing, then a spike of expert-only heavy stuff mid-week, and then Friday the 21st is the clear winner. After that, it fades out. Keep an eye on the wind and be ready for that Friday.

Rusty.

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