Sandy Point (Shallow Inlet)
Also known as: Shallow Inlet, Waratah Bay
Glassy clear inlet, sand dunes, Wilsons Prom backdrop, unspoiled Gippsland coast
Wind & season
Wind, water and season at this VIC, South Gippsland (Wilsons Prom), Australia spot - what to expect and when to come.
Oct-Mar thermal sea breezes; winter southerly storms also sailable
Best directions SW around to E, NW works further upstream; thermal sea breeze in warm months, can be gusty crossing the dunes
Good in season; note gustier now due to enlarged sand dunes
Oct to Mar warm-season thermals; winter southerly storms also deliver but cold
Tidal inlet, tide-dependent; move vehicle toward dunes as tide rises, high-tide car park at end of bitumen road
Gusty wind off dunes, arctic southerly storms in winter, strong tidal current
The water
Mixed (flat inlet + wave)
Very shallow inlet; sand banks exposed at low tide, wide flat water over sand at high tide
Cool; South Gippsland/Bass Strait, chilly year-round (est)
Full steamer 4-3 most of year; thicker in winter
Skill & group fit
All levels in inlet flat-water and speed; advanced wave sailing at ocean beach
3 (Intermediate)
Inlet flat-water for windsurf/kite/wing; wave sailors at Sandy Point ocean beach
Suits keen groups; remote with few services; wave and flat options for mixed crews
Getting there & schools
Drive beach to no-entry sign, park by dunes; windsurfers rig at car, kiters walk ~500 m
~2.5 hours drive from Melbourne; own vehicle essential; no public transport
No on-site school, rental or storage; bring-your-own remote spot, minimal nearest services
Minimal; drop-toilet, BBQ area, car park; town has general store and weekend cafe
Surfing, fishing, tennis courts, Wilsons Promontory NP and Waratah Bay nearby
Quiet, visited when wind is on; relaxed with nostalgic speed-sailing heritage
Permits & safety
No kiting permit, free beach and car-park access; dogs on-leash on inlet beaches, banned on ocean beach 9am-6pm in summer
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Sandbars just below clear surface come up fast at speed, weed further upstream, strong tidal current near inlet entrance at peak tide change
None; remote self-rescue. VERIFY
Remote; nearest hospital Foster ~30 km; Wonthaggi/Leongatha larger. VERIFY
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand wind-sport spot report. Coordinates are approximate.