Sydney and New South Wales surf hub

Sydney and New South Wales surf buoys and coastal conditions

Sydney and the New South Wales coast combine open-ocean swell, local wind and beach-by-beach exposure. Use this hub to compare the MHL Sydney reference and nearby marine conditions before heading to the beach.

How to read this coverage

This page brings together surf, swell and wave conditions for Sydney and New South Wales surf buoys and coastal conditions. SwellOracle separates real instrument observations from marine model points so you can understand what you are seeing before making a decision. Current coverage includes 0 recent observations and 1 model points; availability can vary by source and update time.

  • Check the timestamp and source before comparing readings.
  • Combine height, period and direction with your coastline orientation.
  • Use models as context, not as an automatic substitute for a real buoy.

Compare MHL Sydney with local beach exposure

A larger offshore reading does not translate equally to Bondi, Manly, Maroubra or Newcastle. Compare timestamp, height, period and direction, then finish with local wind, tide and beach orientation.

Always check the reading time, source and official marine warnings before entering the water.

Available coverage

0 recent observations 1 model points 2 reference stations

Latest regional observation:

Coffs Harbour Reference without a recent reading · Source: AODN/MHL NSW · 30° 22' 3.0" S, 153° 16' 40.0" E · History not captured yet
Height6 ft (1.8 m)Period10 sDirectionSSETemp.0 °CWind
View reading and chart →
Sydney Reference without a recent reading · Source: AODN/MHL NSW · 33° 46' 26.0" S, 151° 24' 42.0" E · History not captured yet
Height5.3 ft (1.6 m)Period11 sDirectionSTemp.0 °CWind
View reading and chart →

History is enabled gradually when reusable, correctly identified observations are available. Models and references without a stored series keep their own page, but do not show historical charts.

Reference tides

Check predicted high- and low-tide times for the reference port station.

Loading tides…

Source: Local port tide service. Times refer to the reference station and may differ from a nearby beach. Open source

Beaches to compare

Use this table as local context: the same buoy can translate differently depending on exposure, shelter and bottom.

Visual check and warnings

Complete the table with a local visual check and official warnings before entering the water.

Regional buoy and conditions table

Compare every station included in this hub by timestamp, source, height, period and direction. Physical stations and models are labelled separately.

ReferenceSourceUpdatedHeightPeriodDirection
Coffs HarbourPhysical stationAODN/MHL NSWNo recent reusable readingNo recent reusable reading
New South Wales coast modelMarine modelOpen-Meteo MarineNo recent reusable readingNo recent reusable reading
SydneyPhysical stationAODN/MHL NSWNo recent reusable readingNo recent reusable reading

No numeric difference is calculated when either source has no reading.

Buoy and history FAQs

What buoy information is available for Sydney and New South Wales surf buoys and coastal conditions?

The published catalog includes 2 physical or reference stations and 1 model point for this region. Each source identifies its provider, location, data type and history status so observations are not mixed with estimates.

Why do some buoys have no historical charts?

Charts appear only when SwellOracle has a stored series of reusable, correctly identified observations. A station can keep its information page even when there is not yet a sufficient series for a chart.

What is the difference between a physical buoy and a marine model?

A physical buoy or station represents instrument measurements. A marine model estimates conditions at a grid point. Use observations as local confirmation and models as spatial context rather than treating them as equivalent sources.

How should swell height, period and direction be interpreted?

Read all three variables together: height describes the size of the signal, period helps explain its energy and direction shows where it comes from. Coastline shape, depth and local exposure can change what reaches the beach.

Keep tracking your buoys without missing a reading

Open the map, save your favorite buoys and get more context when you decide when to check conditions.

Practical takeaway

Use the Sydney buoy network to understand the regional swell, then translate it beach by beach.