Cape Pinnacle is a scenic rocky headland on the far north coast of NSW, near Evans Head, offering dramatic coastal views and rock platforms that form protected tidal pools perfect for snorkelling at high tide. The headland shelves into a mix of shallow reef gutters and sandy patches, where crystal-clear water reveals temperate reef life. Sheltered from the dominant swell by its rocky outcrops, the bay below Razorback Lookout provides a peaceful nook for wading and exploring the underwater ledges, with easy access from the adjacent Shark Bay beach.
Cape Pinnacle
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Outgoing tide current
The tidal flow around the rocky headland can create strong currents as the tide recedes, particularly near the gutters and ledges.
Moderate risk: Swell surge on headland
Ocean swells wrap around the cape causing surge conditions close to the rocks, especially on days with larger southerly swell.
Low risk: Sharp reef ledges
The reef shelves drop in ledges with exposed rock edges that can cause cuts and abrasions.
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Getting in
Cape Pinnacle is located south of Evans Head, NSW. From the Pacific Highway, take the Evans Head exit and follow Woodburn-Evans Head Road to the town centre. Continue to the southern side of the Evans River mouth to reach Shark Bay and Razorback Lookout area. Access to the water is via the beach and rock platforms at the base of the headland.
Limited roadside parking is available near Shark Bay and Razorback Lookout. Park responsibly as spaces fill quickly on warm weekends.
No fees apply. The area is public beach access.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.