3rd Groyne

3rd Groyne is a well-known surf spot on the Perth metro coastline in Western Australia, near Perth City. It’s part of a stretch of urban beach breaks and groyne-built sandbanks that can produce fun waves, especially when the swell lines up.

Quick description

• Type: Beach break / groyne-influenced sandbar wave
• Location: Perth, Western Australia
• Best for: Intermediate surfers and locals who know the area
• Wave character: Can be fast, punchy, and hollow on the right swell, but often more mellow and crumbly on smaller days
• Conditions: Works best with a clean swell, light offshore winds, and good sand movement

What it’s like

3rd Groyne is typically a changing sandbank setup, so the quality depends a lot on recent sand placement and swell direction. When it’s good, the groyne helps shape the banks into organized peaks, creating lefts and rights that can be fun and occasionally powerful. Because it’s close to the city, it can get busy, especially when conditions improve.

Things to know

• Crowds: Often crowded due to its Perth location
• Consistency: Variable; depends heavily on sand and swell
• Hazards: Groynes, rocks, and strong currents can be present near the structure
• Atmosphere: Urban, accessible, and popular with locals

Best time to surf

• Swell: Moderate southwest swell or any swell that wraps in cleanly
• Wind: Light east or northeast offshore winds are often ideal
• Tide: Depends on bank shape, but many groyne spots prefer a mid to low tide for shape