Sumner Beach

This beach is well suited for families, the beach is patrolled by Surf Lifeguards during the summer months, make sure your family is prepared for the beach conditions.

Swimming is a popular activity at Sumner beach, particularly in the summer time. The sand is golden and slopes gently into the sea. Conditions are generally safe under 1 metre of surf. Sumner beach usually has two bars. Swimming is safest in front of the Surf Life Saving Club as the river mouth to the west and the rocky headland to the east produce consistent rip currents to be wary of. Particularly on the outgoing tide a channel tends to form to the north of the Surf club, and a north going rip travels along to the river mouth and out to sea. Also a current tends to take water out past Cave Rock Headland to the south.The beach is patrolled during the summer months by volunteer guards in the weekends and professional guards in the school holiday week period.

Sumner beach has a river bar break which is offshore in west to southest winds. The best tide to surf on varies due to the sandbars but is usually best on the half tide. The best swell is from the north and northeast. Consistently favourable conditions are not a feature.

Cave Rock Headland to the east is a popular spot for fishing as is the river mouth to the west. Surf casting is possible but due to the shallow nature of the ocean floor, offshore fishing is generally better.