Fingal Head, on the far north coast of NSW just 5 km south of the Queensland border, offers exceptional snorkeling in the protected Cook Island Aquatic Reserve. This calm, white-sand beach sits on a narrow peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the Tweed River. The highlight is swimming out from the beach to the fringing reef and around the headland, where crystal-clear waters are home to a resident colony of green sea turtles, abundant fish, leopard sharks, and the occasional manta ray. The volcanic headland and historic lighthouse add to the dramatic coastal scenery.
Fingal Head
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.9 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 5.5 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Fingal Head has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Rip currents at Fingal Head Beach danger
The beach can develop strong rip currents, especially on an outgoing tide. Many drownings have been reported in the area.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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High risk: Rip currents at Fingal Head Beach
The beach can develop strong rip currents, especially on an outgoing tide. Many drownings have been reported in the area.
Moderate risk: Strong ocean currents
Strong currents run along the headland and out toward Cook Island. Swimmers and snorkelers must stay aware of tidal movement.
Low risk: Boat traffic near Cook Island
Cook Island is a popular spot for dive boats and fishing charters. Snorkelers near the island should keep a lookout for vessel traffic.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From the Pacific Highway, take the Tweed Valley Way exit toward Fingal Head. Continue along Casuarina Way, turn onto Fingal Road, then Lighthouse Parade to the end. The beach and headland access is at the end of Lighthouse Parade.
Parking & facilities
Free carpark at the end of Lighthouse Parade. Additional parking available at the Fingal Head Surf Lifesaving Club. The headland walk is about 500 m from the carpark.
parkingtoiletspicnic_tables
No fees for beach access or parking at Lighthouse Parade carpark.
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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.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports