Turners Beach
New South Wales, North Coast
This small beach is located just south of the Clarence River break wall and can be fun on small surf days for beginner surfers, and just as fun for more experienced surfers when the sandbars are in place. Easy access from town does see this beach get very crowded, especially during school holiday periods.
Wave Type
Lefts break at the northern end (off the south breakwall) and rights at the southern end of the beach with rips that form along the beach. When the surf is big it can be dangerous with challenging waves and a lot of water moving around. Best spot for beginners is normally in the middle of the beach where there is a fun peak during mid to high tides on small wave days and a good broad sandbar for practising in the whitewater.
If the waves are flat here, check out Pippi Beach to the south, or if the surf is too challenging during south swell and wind conditions, Yamba's Main Beach and the even more sheltered Convent Beach which are located around the headland to the south, normally have a smaller wave than Turners.
Good Wind Direction
Best on South West to North West winds, and even OK on light North or South winds.
Good Swell Direction For Fun Beginner Waves
Small North to East to South swells.
Hazards
Rocks, the break wall, rip currents and marine life
Have fun surfing Turners Beach by practicing surfing etiquette and surf safety.
Access
Walk from town, or car parks are located at the southern end of the beach and at Whiting Beach next to the breakwall.
Lifeguard Patrolled
Turners Beach is patrolled during the December / January school holidays - always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Beginners & kids are best to surf at beaches when Lifeguards are on patrol or with a friend who has decades of surfing experience.
Amenities
Located in the car park behind Turners Beach.
Closest Shops
Main Beach (next beach to the south) has a popular beach kiosk, and the town of Yamba offers good cafes, restaurants, take aways and surf shops.
Photos of Turners Beach
Turners Beach Yamba
Photo: Kelly Ratcliffe
The shifting and wedging peaks of Turners Beach can prove challenging to catch for progressing surfers on all but tiny surf days.
Photo: Kelly Ratcliffe
The normally flat sandbar in the middle of the beach is a good spot for surfing whitewater waves - avoid drifting into the rip currents that often flow at both ends of the beach.
Photo: Kelly Ratcliffe