Point Henry is located on the Bellarine Peninsula on Port Phillip Bay near Geelong (approximately 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne).

This spot is great for flat-water-blasting and bump-and-jump and works best in a strong Northerly or a Westerly (NW being best). N & S is cross-shore; add a bit of W and you get a nice cross-on-shore.

When the wind blows from the north, the water is protected by a large sandbar near the shipping channel. This means dead-flat water in the sailing area.

In southerlies, the wind chop can be a little sloppy but not that big (max 1 m) as the depth of the water is only 1 to 2 m in the sailing area.

It is suited to both windsurfing and kitesurfing (but definitely better for kites) from beginners through to experts.

The water is only waist-deep for a long-way out so beginners will feel very safe here.

Whilst foiling would be possible further out, the amount of weed collection might be an issue with a foil.

The spot offers good flat water sailable from almost every direction and is a great spot for kiters looking to learn new tricks and windsurfers learning to gybe.

It is recommended you wear booties so as not to cut your feet on sea urchins.

Access, Rigging & Launching

There are 2 launching/rigging areas:

Southern Car Park – there is a track that turns left as you are passing the old Alcoa site just before you go around the right bend at the water. Follow the track to the end and there is a car park on the waters edge. From here you can access the southern part of Stingaree Bay. It is a bit of a walk out at low tide but a good place to sail.

Northern Carpark – this car park is at the northern end of the point. It is more popular for kiters as there is more room for rigging & launching. The point can be weedy and collect on windsurfer fins at low tide so a weed fin is recommended here.

The bottom is more muddy than the southern car park however there are fewer (to no) sea urchins.

Sailing is generally on the western side of the point however when the wind is blowing from the NW to N, the water can be super flat on the east side of the point.

The northern car park has public toilets and dogs are allowed off-lead. There is also some nice trees for shading.

Hazards

The only real hazard here is Sea Urchins which reside in the weeds. However locals say that they are more likely to be found at the southern carpark. They are not poisonous however their barbs can stick into you feet. Whilst booties are recommended I was told the barbs can actually go through booties as well.

Also watch out for broken glass, sharp rocks and the unlikely stingray.