Kiting Locations

Area Maps
Local kiting areas in South East Queensland and places where NOT to kite

GOLD COAST:

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The Gold Coast region covers a large area of beaches and bathing reserves. The following is designed to inform and assist both local and visiting kitesurfers of which locations they should avoid or that are banned for kitesurfing. Gold Coast beaches feature many SLSC patrolled bathing areas and the Red/Yellow flagged bathing areas are no go zone. Kitesurfers should avoid going within 200m either side of these flagged areas and approx 400m from the shore when passing around any flagged areas.



Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach Zone This section of beach has multiple flagged bathing areas that are close together and there are many swimmers and beach goers. It is suggested to avoid this zone and stay clear of all flagged areas by giving a wide berth of at least 200m if passing around.
Currumbin Alley Estuary Zone This is the flat water estuary area inside the Northern rock wall at Currumbin Alley. Currumbin Alley has Queensland Maritime Transport regulations which apply to the estuary zone. The area is a boating channel and has a 6 knot speed limit for all vessels including kitesurfers. Fines can and may be issued by the water police if you are caught kiting the inside estuary zone exceeding the 6 knot limit.
Tugun Airport Zone This stretch of beach runs parallel with the Coolangatta Airport runway and is a total no kite zone due to the airport restrictions. The airport restricted zone starts to the south of Elephant Rock at Currumbin and ends at Bilinga beach.
South Kirra Beach to Rainbow Bay Zone The area is another no go zone and is the stretch of beach from Pizza Hut east to Rainbow Bay. It is a designated bathing reserve with many surfers and the wind direction is rarely good in this area.
Above is a map of the Gold Coast coastline and its beaches:




Brisbane:


Brighton Beach (30mins North of CBD) This is a popular beach remains an open beach for all levels of kite surfers but be aware that on weekends it is very popular. Try to spread out clear of the launch and land area opposite Nineteenth Avenue Brighton. You can kite anywhere between the Sandgate swimming pool and Brighton. This is a great beach for a novice kite surfer because of its shallow flat water and large area but kite surfers should be aware of a reef situated offshore from the Eventide Nursing Home Brighton. It is not visable during high tide and kiters should ask locals where the reef is situated. Do not kite over this reef and it is also adisable that kiters keep a safe distance from the Houghton Highway bridge to not distract the concentration of drivers.
Wind directions: SSE to NNE
Conditions: Shallow water with small chop and small waves. Quite a good walk out at low tide
Precautions: Blue jelly fish in summer,stingrays and the odd stick or shell underfoot. Small beach area so please be considrate to all other beach users!. Rock walls either end of the beach.
General: One of the safest places for learners in the Brisbane area. Amenities 700m walk north.

Wellington point (30mins East of CBD)
Wind directions: SW/N/E all tides. S/E in high tides.
Conditions: Flat to chop with some butter flat water at mid tide next to the sand bar.
Precautions: No equipment or rigging allowed on the grass areas. All setting up and kiting to be below the high tide mark due to local council rules - fines do and have been issued!. A lot of people at times on weekends and holidays, some blue jellyfish in Summer. Rocky areas to avoid- check with the locals for advice on areas.
General: A very nice spot in summer E and N/E winds. Some of Australia's top kiters kite here regularly. All public ammentiies including showers and shops

Wynnum / Manly (20mins East of CBD)
Wind directions: S/E to N/E high tides
Conditions: Advanced kiting only, many hazards including rocks and small launching areas
- check with locals.

Thompson's Beach (40mins East of CBD) - Int/Adv.  at Victoria Point.
Wind directions: S/SSE
Conditions: Int/Adv kiting only only,can be a very hard launch area,better spots around

Redcliffe Peninsular: (20mins North/East over the Hornibrook Highway)

Scarborough:
Wind directions: W to NNE 
Conditions: Int/Adv only,carefull of structures and rocks,busy with public esp on weekends.
Be Aware: 1/ Of an old crabpot thats covered in shells and it is half embedded in the sand.
               2/ The sighting of stonefish
               3/ Marine life in the lagoon

Queen's Beach:
Wind direction: N to SE 
Conditions: Int/Adv only, deep water generally and frequented by swimmers and public on weekends
.
Sutton's Beach:
Wind directions: N to SE
Conditions: Int/Adv recomended, can be quite busy on weekends,carefull of rock walls,plenty of setup areas. Showers and taps in the park.

Woody Point:
Wind directions: SW/W
Conditions:  Adv only. All rocks and gusty wind.

Pelican Park:
Wind directions: SW-SE
Conditions: Some rocks, but a nice graded beach to launch and land. Water taps in the park,plenty of grass for rigging.

Bribie Island:
Wind directions: Pretty open in most directions. There is discussion and confussion about riding on the Eastside of the Island in the surf as Rangers discourage it. Talk t locals.
Conditions: Deep channels and strong tidal flows - not for the faint hearted or inexperienced!