Alva Beach is located approximately 103km (1:20 drive) south of Townsville and 132km north of Bowen (1:30 drive).
This place is a mecca for kitesurfers with super flat water in a tidal lagoon and works in all tides.
The water is too shallow to foil safely however windsurfers could sail here with a weed or delta fin.
On bigger tides the shallower depths extend over the sand flats while the main “channel” gets much deeper
The sea breeze and the most reliable during winter from April to October.
The best wind direction here is ESE & E.
Most days start with a SE breeze in the mornings which can be gustier & lighter.
As the day progresses, wind strengths usually increase and swing more to the ESE / E around midday.
In spring and summer Alva gets more direct onshore ENE, NElys with sea breeze effect occur thru to Xmas, usually followed by Doldrums.
As the water is only knee to waist deep, this spot would also be perfect for beginner kitesurfers & windsurfers.
Access, Rigging & Launching
The best option for access is to park at the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club. Parking is free.
The SLC is a great spot for rigging as it has a nice shaded grass area. There is also a public toilet, BBQ area & tables and a kids playground.
At low tide the sand are is huge so there is plenty of space for launching.
Potential Hazards
The greatest hazard here is sandbars and the depth of water. Be cautious when jumping that the water you ate landing in is deep enough and for windsurfers get the lay-of-the-land before trying to crack 40 knots.
There can also be some drift wood particularly after big rains so be aware of this.
Like all waterways in northern Queensland, they are subject to some nasty creatures like crocodiles, sharks & poisonous jelly fish.
The most common poisonous jellyfish here are the Box Jellies but they are few and far between and mostly appear from Nov to Apr. If you are sailing here during this time or close to these times it is a good idea to wear a thin wetsuit or stinger suit just to be safe.
In general this estuary feels pretty safe and because the water is shallow and mostly clear you should be able to sight any crocs from a distance if they are ever present.
It is a good idea to avoid sailing at sunset & sunrise when the large predators are feeding.
Where To Stay
There isn’t a lot of options in Alva Beach. The best option is the Alva Beach Tourist Park
2 Reviews on “Alva Beach (QLD, Australia)”
Alva is located midway on a unique stretch of North Queensland coast between Bowen & Rollingstone, known as the dry tropics. With the exceptions of capes & islands, the coastline runs more E-W than N-S. Located on the edge of the flat Burdekin river delta, this means the moist SE Tradewinds, run more parallel to the coast with no uplift to produce rain as is the case in the Whitsundays & the wet tropics – Crystal creek, north. This means Alva regularly enjoys sailors ideal combination, sunshine & mod- fresh+ winds. This is enhanced by effectively being in the Whitsunday islands’ rain shadow.
Back in the 80’s & 90′, Alva was the ideal windsurfing location with all disciplines covered ; speed, slalom & waves. However, over time & as a result of the delta building process, replenished in the summer wet season flooding Burdekin river carrying sediment, a permanent high bar has formed along the coast on what was the wave sailing “back bar”. This has enclosed what is now the Alva tidal lagoon & in combination with sand buildup across the “flats”, has produced twintip kiting heaven as particularly on low tide, it can get very shallow in places, even in the main “channel”. This was my motivation to move to the “dark side” & take up kitesurfing. There are 3 imbeded lagoon areas with great flat water speed runs which perfectly align to the ESE, E, ENE winds, usually becoming established from midday. The Causeway lagoon to the north of the s.l.s.c., the High run to the E which requires a few hundred metres upwind walk or tack to reach & what is euphemistically referred to “Crocodile country” to the ESE. Not that I have ever seen one in 4 decades “afore the mast”, year round at Alva, (touch wood). November/ December, with the seabreze effect, the wind can shift more directly onshore ENE/ NE & the bigger tides move into the afternoons & it is possible to enjoy 3km+ runs along & back the entire lagoon. Sadly, not as reliable as the autumn & spring Tradewind seasons at Alva. Jan/ Feb/ March, is when the equatorial trough moves down over North Queensland & we get the “Wet season” accompanied by discoloured flood waters from the Burdekin river & the Doldrums. Correspondingly, with high pressure systems centered over Australia, June into July, we have a winter doldrum period as the wind belt is too wide off the coast & up Cape Yorke & Archer Point near Cooktown becomes the “go to” location. Alva is often visited by these wind pilgrims on their way up & back. Happily, with no large population centres nearby, 6+ kiters at Alva is considered a crowd, long may it continue! Alva Mike.
This spot is incredible for flat water twin tip riding. It is butter flat, with strong consistent wind. Most areas are deep enough to safely crash big tricks but it can get shallow along some sand bank areas. There are multiple sections to choose from and waves on the other side if you want to venture out. Spent two days here but definitely could stay longer. A great training ground for tuning technique! A must visit.