{"ok":true,"data":{"id":135,"slug":"back-beach-angourie-angourie","name":"Back Beach (Angourie)","country":"Australia","state":"New South Wales","city":"Angourie","coords":{"lat":-29.4925,"lng":153.3588},"beachType":null,"tags":["surf","scenic"],"article":{"hero":"Back Beach earns its name honestly: it sits on the opposite side of Angourie Point from the sheltered main break, facing directly into the Tasman Sea's moods. The beach stretches in a gentle arc, framed by shaggy Norfolk pines and coastal scrub that clings to the headland. When swells roll in from the south or southeast, waves stack up against the rocky point before peeling across the reef with mechanical precision, their faces glassy in morning offshore winds.\n\nThe sand here is coarse and tea-stained, littered with pumice stones and bits of driftwood smoothed to bone-white. At low tide, rock platforms emerge like the spine of some sleeping creature, their surfaces pockmarked with tidal pools where crabs scuttle between curtains of Neptune's necklace. The water shifts from jade green in the shallows to ink-blue beyond the break, and the air tastes of salt and eucalyptus carried down from the ridge.\n\nUnlike the more famous front beach with its protected blue pool, Back Beach offers no coddling. The rip runs strong on big days, pulling from the southern corner toward the point. Local galahs screech from the pines at dawn, and in winter you might spot humpback whales breaching offshore, their spouts catching the first light as they migrate north along the coast.","teaser":"You'll feel the ground shudder before you see the waves—Back Beach takes the full brunt of southerly swells that wrap around Angourie Point. The shore is a mosaic of caramel sand and dark volcanic rock, with white water exploding across the reef as experienced surfers paddle into overhead sets.","uniqueAngle":"This is where Angourie's surf-obsessed locals go when they want power over perfection—a raw proving ground facing unobstructed Southern Ocean fetch.","accessType":"Drive-up / Short walk","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"surf","title":"Ride Reef Breaks","subtitle":"Hollow right-handers over shallow reef"},{"icon":"camera","title":"Photograph Dawn Swells","subtitle":"Catch backlit spray at sunrise"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Walk to Spookies","subtitle":"Track south along coastal headland"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Study Tidal Pools","subtitle":"Explore platforms at low tide"}],"audience":{"surfer":"You're looking at a chunky right-hand reef break that handles four to eight feet of south swell with serious grunt. The wave jacks up fast over shallow volcanic shelf—bring your step-up and check your leash twice. Best on southeast swells with light southwest winds; the peak sits off the southern rocks, and the paddle-out demands respect when it's solid. Local crew knows every boil and channel, so wait your turn and don't snake the inside section. Wax heavy—the water's cold even in summer.","couples":"Stake out the grassy headland at the southern end as afternoon light turns the Norfolk pines to copper—you'll have the coastline unfurling north toward Yamba spread before you. The beach itself is too wild for swimming most days, but the drama of waves detonating against dark rock makes for mesmerizing picnic theatre. Stay at Angourie Rainforest Resort ten minutes inland for privacy and plunge pools, then drive to Yamba's Pacific Hotel for sunset beers and salt-crusted fish on the deck overlooking Main Beach.","backpacker":"Pitch at Yamba Beach Holiday Park for eighteen dollars a night and bike the five kilometers south—lock your board to the rack under the pines. Entry is free, the shore break offers punchy body-surfing when the swell's manageable, and you'll dodge the crowds plaguing Angourie's front pool. Grab a five-dollar bacon-and-egg roll from the servo in Wooloweyah on your way in, refill your bottle at the beach tap, and if you're brave, the rock platform yields pipis at low tide for campfire cooking.","local":"Hit the water before seven when visiting surfers are still nursing hangovers at the caravan park—you'll get the peak to yourself and glide through dawn glass with dolphins working the baitfish schools. After big easterly storms, comb the southern rocks for Japanese glass floats and rare cowries pushed up from deep water. Park at the far end near the track to Spookies; the first lot fills with day-trippers by nine who never venture past the initial lookout.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Back Beach is an exposed surf beach with strong currents, rips, and consistent swell, making it challenging for swimming. It's not patrolled by lifeguards, so swimmers should exercise extreme caution. The beach is more suited to experienced surfers than casual swimmers. If you're looking to swim, the nearby Blue Pool (a protected ocean pool in Angourie) offers a safer alternative. Always check conditions before entering the water, avoid swimming alone, and stay close to shore if you do swim here.","q":"Is Back Beach Angourie safe for swimming?"},{"a":"Back Beach is a year-round destination, with each season offering different appeal. Summer (December-February) brings warm weather ideal for surfing and beach walks, though it can be busy. Autumn and spring offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, with consistent surf conditions. Winter delivers the largest swells for experienced surfers. Mornings generally provide cleaner surf conditions with offshore winds. The temperate climate means comfortable visits any time of year, though water temperatures range from 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer.","q":"When is the best time to visit Back Beach Angourie?"},{"a":"Back Beach is located approximately 3 kilometers south of Yamba in the small village of Angourie. From the Pacific Highway, take the Yamba exit and follow signs to Angourie. There's a small parking area at the end of Back Beach Road with direct beach access. Parking is free but limited, especially during peak surf conditions and summer holidays. The beach is also accessible via a short walk from other Angourie parking areas. The nearest major town is Grafton, about 45 minutes' drive inland.","q":"How do you get to Back Beach Angourie and where can you park?"},{"a":"Angourie is a small village with limited amenities directly at the beach. You'll find basic supplies at nearby Yamba (3km north), which has supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, and takeaway options. Accommodation near Back Beach includes holiday rentals, beach houses, and the Angourie Rainforest Resort. Yamba offers additional hotels, motels, caravan parks, and vacation rentals. The historic Angourie Store is a local landmark worth visiting. For dining variety, Yamba provides numerous choices from casual fish and chips to restaurants with ocean views.","q":"Are there food options and accommodation near Back Beach Angourie?"},{"a":"Back Beach is renowned for its exposed, consistent surf breaks that attract experienced surfers from around Australia. The beach receives swell from multiple directions, creating reliable waves year-round. It's less sheltered than nearby Angourie Point, producing more powerful, challenging conditions. The beach faces southeast, catching significant swells and offering both beach breaks and occasional point break conditions. The area has strong surfing heritage and offers uncrowded sessions compared to more famous nearby breaks. Conditions suit intermediate to advanced surfers; beginners should seek gentler breaks in Yamba.","q":"What makes the surf at Back Beach Angourie special?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Back Beach Angourie: Wild Surf & Coastal Views in NSW","description":"Raw swells hammer this exposed strand south of Angourie Point, where headland cliffs frame consistent breaks and untamed Pacific waters. Experience surf uncrowded.","ogImage":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1651860282131-e3257674ccd1?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxCYWNrJTIwQmVhY2glMjAlMjhBbmdvdXJpZSUyOSUyMGJlYWNofGVufDF8MHx8fDE3ODAzMTg4MzB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080"},"images":[{"id":"502445","url":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1665765416733-60b2b1b1f5fd?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxCYWNrJTIwQmVhY2glMjAlMjhBbmdvdXJpZSUyOSUyMGJlYWNofGVufDF8MHx8fDE3ODAzMTg4MzB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","thumbnail":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1665765416733-60b2b1b1f5fd?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxCYWNrJTIwQmVhY2glMjAlMjhBbmdvdXJpZSUyOSUyMGJlYWNofGVufDF8MHx8fDE3ODAzMTg4MzB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=200","alt":"a beach with boats and trees"},{"id":"502448","url":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1589035813591-c265ab8c9ec8?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxCYWNrJTIwQmVhY2glMjAlMjhBbmdvdXJpZSUyOSUyMGJlYWNofGVufDF8MHx8fDE3ODAzMTg4MzB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","thumbnail":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1589035813591-c265ab8c9ec8?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxCYWNrJTIwQmVhY2glMjAlMjhBbmdvdXJpZSUyOSUyMGJlYWNofGVufDF8MHx8fDE3ODAzMTg4MzB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=200","alt":"sea waves crashing on shore during daytime"},{"id":"502450","url":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1553670440-f4fa1dfeabf4?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxCYWNrJTIwQmVhY2glMjAlMjhBbmdvdXJpZSUyOSUyMGJlYWNofGVufDF8MHx8fDE3ODAzMTg4MzB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","thumbnail":"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1553670440-f4fa1dfeabf4?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w5MzY4MzB8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxCYWNrJTIwQmVhY2glMjAlMjhBbmdvdXJpZSUyOSUyMGJlYWNofGVufDF8MHx8fDE3ODAzMTg4MzB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=200","alt":"people sitting on seashore"}]}}