Kitesurfing Shoal Point

Wind & Conditions

Sandy headland north of Mackay. E-facing beach receives SE trade winds (130-150°, 18-28 kn) Apr-Oct side-onshore. Sand-spit at low tide extends launch options; local club active.

About Shoal Point

Shoal Point sits on a sandy headland north of Mackay, open water stretching east from the beach and the Queensland coast rolling away behind you. It's an east-facing beach that catches the Southern Hemisphere's SE trade winds with minimal fuss — the kind of spot that rewards riders who plan around the season. Getting here puts you on the coastal stretch north of Mackay. The beach is low-key, without heavy crowds, and you can typically pull up reasonably close to the water. Rigging up here doesn't mean negotiating around day-trippers or a packed car park. The launch itself is shaped by the tides. At low water, a sand-spit extends and opens up the beach considerably, giving you more room and a more forgiving angle. Time your sessions around the tide table if you can — it makes a real difference to how much space you have. The local kite club is active at Shoal Point, which matters: you'll often find other riders here, and with that comes on-ground knowledge and an informal support network if you need it. From April through October, the SE trade winds arrive reliably, running typically between 130° and 150°. On this east-facing beach that puts the wind at side-onshore — the safest and most confidence-inspiring angle for most riders. The trades blow consistently in the 18-28 knot range through the season. The usable wind arc spans from 15° right through to 165°, which means conditions stay practical across reasonable wind shifts. Outside the trade window the spot is notably less consistent, so April to October is when you want to be here. The water is a classic Queensland coastal setup — relatively shallow inside with open ocean beyond the sandbar. Side-onshore means a mistake pushes you toward shore, not further offshore. Intermediate and experienced riders will find the consistent trades and clean angles here genuinely enjoyable. The 18-28 kn window is solid territory for performance kites and for riders wanting to rack up quality sessions without wrestling with marginal conditions. Beginners are better off getting structured instruction before turning up solo — tidal dynamics and reading a launch that changes through the day require some experience. After your session, the Beachfront Bar and Restaurant is the natural stop for food and a drink. For overnight stays, the Bucasia Beachfront Caravan Resort keeps you right on the water's edge, and the Eimeo Hotel is another option in the area. Mackay as the nearest regional city handles fuel, groceries, and anything gear-related. The one thing to scout on arrival: the sand-spit changes considerably between tides. Walk the beach before you rig and identify your landing zone. With the local club around, you won't be the only one doing that.

Best Season

Check the Breeza app for the current rideable window at Shoal Point.

World Ranking

Not globally ranked, but a kitesurf destination — a local favourite worth a check when the wind lines up.

Location

Shoal Point, Queensland, Australia, Australia

Lat: -21.01, Lon: 149.139