Beaches and Breaks of Alex Headland

Pipeline

Also known as PIPES or BLUE BAR, Pipeline is between Beach Accesses 153 and 154, opposite Maroubra Street.

Historically named after a metal 4” drainage pipe that extended out to the coffee rock, this is best known as a shortboard break - although in wintertime, ‘Pipes’ when small can be ridden with a longboard.

Suitable for all craft, but when it’s large it becomes an abrupt steep breaking wave suitable mainly for short boards.

Geriatrics Reef

Beach Access 155 - opposite Katoa St, ‘Geris’ is a gentle break suitable for both long and short boards.

Sharks

Beach Access 156, behind the Skate Park, this area was named in 1976 after 21 year-old Gary Grace, who survived after being bitten on the leg and buttock by a 12' great white. 

Great break when it goes off but an abrupt wave when large.

Patrolled Main Beach

With access via entrances 163 and 164, this is a flagged swimming and body surfing beach i.e. boards aren’t allowed.

In front or to the south of The Alex Surf Club (depending on the sand and winds), this beach is patrolled daily.

Alex Lefts

Historically a steep tubing wave suitable for shortboards when at its best.

The Corner

Also known as PINCHPOINT or ALEX RIGHTS, the corner is found at Beach Access 165 in front of Boris Beach Park.

When the surf is big, this is more of a shortboard ride, but it’s suitable in gentler conditions for long boarders.

Surfers refer to the gutter or rip here as “Old Faithful” because it gets them out easily.

The Bluff

At Beach Access 166, The Bluff is a helf of rock jutting out from the base of the sandstone cliff. This creates a right-handed point break which operates in working swells up to 4 metres, but generally averages 1 metre.

Well protected from the south and the west by the rocky bluff or headland, in most conditions it is a very forgiving wave, but when larger a rideable and enjoyable short board wave.

The Bluff is the home of longboarding and The Alex Mal Club.

Kong’s Cove

Named after legendary surfer Gary Elkington who was renowned for riding this break, ‘Kongs’ entry is at Beach Access 168. It’s is a little bay at the very southern end of the Headland. It operates as a great left-handed break for short board riders in large to extreme swell.

Caution. Only for the very experienced riders.