Cabarita

Cabarita is a right-hand point break that wraps around Norries Headland, with Southeast groundswells providing the most consistent swell. The wave is best during winter in mid-tide conditions with westerly winds holding up the face. The break is noted for its reliability and usually maintains rideable surf, though it becomes crowded when conditions align. Hazards include rips, exposed rocks, shark presence, and a notably protective local surfing community.

The spot has been on the surfing radar since the early 1960s when it was discovered by travelling surfers seeking consistent waves on the northern coast. The Cabarita Beach Boardriders Club was formally established in 1992 after an earlier attempt in the mid-1980s, and a separate longboarders club followed in 1995. The area's reputation grew through grassroots participation in local competitions and by association with prominent Australian surfers who have served as National Surfing Reserve Ambassadors, among them Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater, and Joel Parkinson.

Access from nearby Kingscliff is straightforward, with the break sitting approximately 20 kilometres south of Gold Coast Airport. The Tweed Coast Pro, a World Surf League qualifying event, has been held at Cabarita since at least 2020, drawing competitors from across the country. The reserve comprises multiple breaks—the Point and Back Beach being most popular—offering alternatives for different tides and swell angles.