Surf spot
cheese graters
Forecast conditions and map view for cheese graters in Australia, NSW, Lord Howe Island. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.
- Country
- Australia, NSW, Lord Howe Island
- Coordinates
- -31.5251, 159.0756
Cheese Graters is a remote, high-quality surf spot on Lord Howe Island, NSW, Australia, known for its dramatic setting and serious, reef-break waves. It sits in the South Pacific, far off the New South Wales mainland, and is one of Australia’s most unique surf destinations.
What it’s like
- Wave type: Fast, powerful reef break
- Best for: Experienced to expert surfers only
- Conditions: Can deliver long, clean, hollow waves when the island gets the right swell and wind
- Hazards: Very shallow reef, sharp coral/reef, powerful takeoffs, and a remote location with limited rescue options
Why it’s called Cheese Graters
The name comes from the sharp, abrasive reef beneath the wave. A fall here can be especially unforgiving, which is why the spot has a reputation for being beautiful but brutal.
Setting
Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage-listed volcanic island with lush mountains, clear water, and dramatic coastline. The surf at Cheese Graters is part of what makes the island legendary among adventurous surfers, but access is tightly tied to local conditions and island logistics.
Overall vibe
Cheese Graters is the kind of wave that’s rarely surfed casually. It’s for surfers chasing a remote, heavy, and rewarding reef break in one of the most stunning places in Australia.