Farnborough Beach is located at the northern end of the main beach in Yeppoon in Northern Queensland.
This spot works best in a SE or NE breeze and is great for windsurfers & kitesurfers who like some small wave action. For wing foilers, wade out a little further past the shore break for some nice swell riding.
The most consistent winds here are during the summer months (Nov to April).
Surprisingly, as this beach is inside the Great Barrier Reef, it generates enough swell in a SE breeze to generate waves big enough for surfing.
The water here is generally brownish in colour due to the high amount of sediment from the rivers running into the sea.
Whilst you can stand up for a long way out, I don’t believe this would be a good spot for beginners due to the shore break.
When the tide is way out the beach is great for land sailing as it has a very gentle incline and the sand is smooth and hard-packed.
Access, Rigging & Launching
There is free car parking on the foreshore and some nice grass to rig on.
Launching can be a little challenging if there is a substantial shore break. If you are foiling you may need to wade out some way as the sand gradient is very gradual and the beach can be huge at very low tides.
Potential Hazards
Like all waterways in northern Queensland, they are subject to some nasty creatures like crocodiles, sharks & poisonous jelly fish.
In the region, crocs are fairly rare and are mostly found further up-stream in the muddy creeks & swamps. Bull sharks are know to visit this area as well but are not commonly seen.
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.
Evidently there are also turtles in this area so be aware and stay clear of them.
It is a good idea to avoid sailing at sunset & sunrise when the large predators are feeding.
Where To Stay
If you are camping (and don’t have a dog with you), the Bayside Holiday Caravan Park is located right on the water at Farnborough Beach.
Otherwise there are plenty of other options for staying in Yeppoon.
