Overview
Mudjimba Island, also known as Woman Island, sits off the coast en route to Maroochydore and throws up some serious waves. Its rocky ends produce chunky lefts and grinding, ledgy rights that wrap around the island. Air drops and dry sucks are common here, which makes it a favourite with bodyboarders. The waves are always much bigger than the nearby town beachbreaks, as swell refracts around the island and hits those beaches at funny angles.
When It Works
The wave breaks over uneven reef and draws swell from northeast to southeast, with southeast (SE) the best direction. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft and is moderately consistent. The left at the south end is the longer wave, with multi-barrel sections opening up in northwest to north winds.
Wind and Tide
Offshore winds blow from the north (N), and whichever way the wind is coming from, paddle to the opposite end of the island for shelter. It breaks on mid and high tide, with a rising tide the better call, though the higher tides are experts-only.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave, and the lineup gets busy when it's firing. Barnacles and holes in the reef turn a wipeout over the ledge into a real ordeal, and picking up a cut makes the paddle back all the more nerve-wracking. Plenty of careful surfers hire a boat rather than face the arduous 30-minute paddle through sharky waters. The local vibe can be strong.
Access
Onshore you'll find restrooms, showers, and camping. For parking there's a car park with free parking, along with paid and roadside options.
