Tannum Sands – Main Beach
A popular spot for local kitesurfers, windsurfers & wing dingers is the main beach of Tannum Sands.
This spot works best in a E to SE breeze but would also work in a NW. NE is no good as it is directly on-shore.
The predominant wind directions here are NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE windiest season is from Sept to March however it tends to blow consistently throughout winter as well. 12 – 18 knot sea breezes are common on most afternoons in summer.
Whilst it is not really a wave riding spot the wind generated chop/waves will provide advanced riders with some fun bump n jump conditions.
For those looking for smooth water, check out the Boyne river mouth just a couple of kms to the north.
The water is a bit brackish but gets clear & blue the further you go out. Typical water temps are 22 deg C to 27 deg C with air temps averaging 25 – 30 deg C.
Rigging & Launching
There is free public car parking along the foreshore. There is a nice grassy rigging area to the right of the surf lifesaving club. Then it’s just a 30 metre walk to the water’s edge. The sand drops off fairly sharply so foiling is possible here.
There can be a bit of a hap-hazard shore break that might test a few people so this spot is more ideally suited to intermediate to advanced riders.
Potential Hazards
There is a flagged swimmers area patrolled by surf lifesavers, which is a no go zone for wind sports riders (for obvious reasons).
Like all waterways in northern Queensland, they are subject to some nasty creatures like crocodiles, sharks & poisonous jelly fish.
However in the region, the crocs are fairly rare and are mostly found further up-stream in the muddy creeks & swamps. Bull sharks are know to visit this area but to this date no one has been bitten by one and the locals say they have never seen one nor have they ever seen a croc in the area.
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.
Nearby Services
The Surf Lifesaving Club has a nice bar overlooking the beach and also serves pub-style meals.
There are picnic tables, lovely treed areas, public toilets & kids playground on the foreshore.
Unfortunately like many Queensland beaches they are dogist so there are no dogs allowed even on a lead and even on the grassy part of the foreshore.
