Rule
Dramatic Seascapes
Newcastle - Dramatic Seascapes - Australian Coast
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Dramatic coastal photography conditions - powerful waves combined with atmospheric drama and good visibility for seascape shots.
Currently
Real-time conditionsWave Height1.6m
Swell Height1.1m
Wind Speed2.4m/s (calm conditions)
Cloud Cover5%
Upcoming Opportunities
When all conditions match, PhotoWeather marks an opportunity window.
Times shown in Australia/Sydney
Next opportunity
Powerful Seascape at Sunrise
Newcastle
Wed, Apr 15 · 06:00–07:00 · 1h window
Medium confidence
43%
🌊Coastal Drama Score80%
Wave Height: 2.6m
Swell Height: 2.0m
Wind Speed: 2.8m/s (calm conditions)
Cloud Cover: 5%
What this forecast looks for
Plain-language explanation from the ruleThis forecast tracks the conditions that bring Australia's dramatic coastline to life—from Sydney Harbour's iconic landmarks to the towering limestone stacks of the Great Ocean Road. We monitor swell patterns, wind conditions, and tidal ranges to predict when the coast will deliver spectacular photography opportunities.
Australia's eastern coastline offers extraordinary variety over thousands of kilometers. The Twelve Apostles and Great Ocean Road showcase some of Earth's most dramatic coastal erosion, where Southern Ocean swells have carved towering limestone stacks. Sydney Harbour combines natural drama with iconic architecture. Further north, Byron Bay and the Sunshine Coast offer subtropical character with dramatic headlands and powerful surf.
What makes Australian coastal photography exceptional:
- Twelve Apostles - Massive limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, constantly reshaped by powerful swells
- Sydney Harbour icons - Opera House and Harbour Bridge frame natural harbor drama with world-famous architecture
- Rock platforms - Wollongong, Kiama, and countless beaches offer wave-washed platforms for long exposure photography
- Diverse conditions - From subtropical Byron Bay to temperate Melbourne coast, variety spans climate zones
Best dramatic conditions occur during and after low-pressure systems bringing large swells, typically April through September. The Southern Ocean generates powerful groundswells that create spectacular wave action on the Victorian and southern NSW coasts. Sydney Harbour catches dramatic light year-round. Always respect ocean conditions—rogue waves are deadly on exposed platforms.
Create your own Dramatic Seascapes alerts
Get notified when these conditions match at your own locations.
72-hour requirements breakdown
What passed or failed, hour by hour0matching hours in the next 95 hours
AND logic: all conditions required
Meets requirement
Misses requirement
Time Australia/Sydney | Coastal Drama Score ≥ 75.0% | Significant Wave Height ≥ 1.5m | Visibility ≥ 5000.0m | Wind Gusts ≤ 22.0m/s | Precipitation Chance ≤ 30.0% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, Apr 8 | |||||
| 11:00 | 26% | 1.6m | 24135m | 4.5m/s | 0% |
| 12:00 | 26% | 1.6m | 24134m | 4.1m/s | 0% |
| 13:00 | 24% | 1.6m | 24135m | 4.6m/s | 0% |
| 14:00 | 33% | 1.6m | 24134m | 4.5m/s | 0% |
| 15:00 | 26% | 1.6m | 24134m | 4.5m/s | 0% |
| 16:00 | 30% | 1.6m | 24135m | 5.3m/s | 0% |
| 17:00 | 36% | 1.6m | 24135m | 6.5m/s | 0% |
| 18:00 | 39% | 1.6m | 24134m | 7.3m/s | 0% |
| 19:00 | 12% | 1.6m | 24135m | 6.7m/s | 0% |
| 20:00 | 11% | 1.6m | 24134m | 2.9m/s | 7.4% |
| 21:00 | 10% | 1.6m | 24135m | 1.7m/s | 15% |
| 22:00 | 11% | 1.5m | 24134m | 1.5m/s | 22% |
| 23:00 | 11% | 1.5m | 24134m | 2.8m/s | 0% |
| Thu, Apr 9 | |||||
| 24:00 | 11% | 1.5m | 24134m | 1.7m/s | 0% |
| 01:00 | 11% | 1.5m | 24135m | 1.3m/s | 0% |
| 02:00 | 11% | 1.5m | 24135m | 1.7m/s | 0% |
| 03:00 | 12% | 1.6m | 24134m | 1.5m/s | 0% |
| 04:00 | 12% | 1.6m | 24135m | 1.7m/s | 0% |
| 05:00 | 12% | 1.6m | 24135m | 2m/s | 0% |
| 06:00 | 42% | 1.5m | 24134m | 2.4m/s | 0% |
| 07:00 | 33% | 1.5m | 24134m | 3m/s | 0% |
| 08:00 | 30% | 1.5m | 24135m | 3.4m/s | 0% |
| 09:00 | 25% | 1.5m | 24135m | 4.6m/s | 0% |
| 10:00 | 25% | 1.5m | 24135m | 3.2m/s | 0% |
| 11:00 | 23% | 1.6m | 24134m | 3.2m/s | 0% |
| 12:00 | 25% | 1.6m | 24135m | 3m/s | 0% |
| 13:00 | 25% | 1.6m | 24135m | 3.9m/s | 0% |
| 14:00 | 25% | 1.6m | 24135m | 4m/s | 0% |
| 15:00 | 23% | 1.6m | 24134m | 7.1m/s | 0% |
| 16:00 | 27% | 1.6m | 24134m | 9m/s | 0% |
| 17:00 | 37% | 1.7m | 24134m | 11m/s | 0% |
| 18:00 | 41% | 1.7m | 24135m | 12m/s | 0% |
| 19:00 | 12% | 1.7m | 24134m | 12m/s | 0% |
| 20:00 | 12% | 1.7m | 24135m | 12m/s | 0% |
| 21:00 | 12% | 1.7m | 24135m | 9.2m/s | 0% |
| 22:00 | 12% | 1.7m | 24135m | 7.3m/s | 0% |
| 23:00 | 13% | 1.7m | 24135m | 6.3m/s | 0% |
| Fri, Apr 10 | |||||
| 24:00 | 13% | 1.7m | 24134m | 6.1m/s | 0% |
| 01:00 | 13% | 1.6m | 24135m | 5.8m/s | 0% |
| 02:00 | 17% | 1.7m | 24134m | 5.2m/s | 0% |
| 03:00 | 12% | 1.7m | 24134m | 4.9m/s | 0% |
| 04:00 | 11% | 1.7m | 24135m | 5.3m/s | 0% |
| 05:00 | 15% | 1.7m | 24135m | 6.2m/s | 0% |
| 06:00 | 40% | 1.8m | 24134m | 6.8m/s | 0% |
| 07:00 | 37% | 1.8m | 24134m | 7m/s | 0% |
| 08:00 | 30% | 1.8m | 24135m | 7.5m/s | 0% |
| 09:00 | 26% | 1.8m | 24134m | 8.1m/s | 0% |
| 10:00 | 26% | 1.9m | 24135m | 7m/s | 0% |
| 11:00 | 26% | 1.9m | 24134m | 7.6m/s | 17% |
| 12:00 | 26% | 1.9m | 24134m | 7.7m/s | 33% |
| 13:00 | 26% | 1.9m | 24135m | 8.3m/s | 50% |
| 14:00 | 26% | 1.9m | 24134m | 9m/s | 50% |
| 15:00 | 30% | 1.9m | 24134m | 8.4m/s | 50% |
| 16:00 | 33% | 1.9m | 24135m | 8.6m/s | 50% |
| 17:00 | 39% | 1.9m | 24134m | 8.9m/s | 46% |
| 18:00 | 35% | 1.9m | 24134m | 8.3m/s | 43% |
| 19:00 | 12% | 1.9m | 24135m | 5.7m/s | 39% |
| 20:00 | 12% | 1.9m | 24135m | 8.5m/s | 39% |
| 21:00 | 13% | 2m | 23995m | 5.6m/s | 39% |
| 22:00 | 12% | 2m | 24134m | 8.5m/s | 39% |
| 23:00 | 11% | 2m | 24134m | 5.8m/s | 33% |
| Sat, Apr 11 | |||||
| 24:00 | 11% | 2m | 24134m | 2.8m/s | 28% |
| 01:00 | 10% | 2m | 24134m | 4m/s | 22% |
| 02:00 | 11% | 2m | 24134m | 4.1m/s | 22% |
| 03:00 | 10% | 2m | 24135m | 6.9m/s | 22% |
| 04:00 | 11% | 2m | 24135m | 6.4m/s | 22% |
| 05:00 | 12% | 2m | 24135m | 5.1m/s | 15% |
| 06:00 | 49% | 2.1m | 24134m | 3.4m/s | 7.4% |
| 07:00 | 37% | 2.2m | 24135m | 6.3m/s | 0% |
| 08:00 | 31% | 2.2m | 24134m | 6.6m/s | 0% |
| 09:00 | 27% | 2.2m | 24135m | 6.6m/s | 0% |
| 10:00 | 28% | 2.2m | 24134m | 5.4m/s | 0% |
| 11:00 | 25% | 2.2m | 24134m | 3.6m/s | 0% |
| 12:00 | 30% | 2.2m | 24134m | 3.1m/s | 0% |
| 13:00 | 30% | 2.2m | 24135m | 5.6m/s | 0% |
| 14:00 | 30% | 2.3m | 24135m | 5.5m/s | 7.4% |
| 15:00 | 35% | 2.3m | 24135m | 4.6m/s | 15% |
| 16:00 | 35% | 2.3m | 24135m | 4.3m/s | 22% |
| 17:00 | 39% | 2.3m | 24135m | 5.6m/s | 23% |
| 18:00 | 34% | 2.3m | 24135m | 7m/s | 25% |
| 19:00 | 13% | 2.4m | 24135m | 8.3m/s | 26% |
| 20:00 | 12% | 2.4m | 24135m | 7.9m/s | 23% |
| 21:00 | 12% | 2.5m | 24135m | 7.5m/s | 20% |
| 22:00 | 12% | 2.5m | 24135m | 7.1m/s | 17% |
| 23:00 | 12% | 2.5m | 24135m | 7.6m/s | 11% |
| Sun, Apr 12 | |||||
| 24:00 | 11% | 2.6m | 24135m | 8m/s | 5.6% |
| 01:00 | 11% | 2.6m | 24135m | 8.4m/s | 0% |
| 02:00 | 12% | 2.6m | 24135m | 8.9m/s | 0% |
| 03:00 | 12% | 2.6m | 24135m | 9.3m/s | 0% |
| 04:00 | 12% | 2.7m | 24135m | 9.8m/s | 0% |
| 05:00 | 12% | 2.7m | 24135m | 10m/s | 0% |
| 06:00 | 40% | 2.8m | 24135m | 11m/s | 0% |
| 07:00 | 37% | 2.8m | 24135m | 11m/s | 0% |
| 08:00 | 33% | 2.8m | 24135m | 11m/s | 0% |
| 09:00 | 27% | 2.8m | 24135m | 11m/s | 0% |
How to read: colored cells show whether each predicate requirement is met; highlighted rows mean the full rule matched (an opportunity).
What does Coastal Drama Score mean?
Inputs that drive the scoreThis derived score summarizes multiple raw weather signals. The table below shows the supporting inputs hour by hour, so you can see what's pushing the score up or down.
| Time Australia/Sydney | High Clouds % | Low Clouds % | Mid-Level Clouds % | Primary Swell Height m | Primary Wave Direction ° | Sea Salt AOD (550nm) | Solar Elevation ° | Total Cloud Coverage % | Wind Direction ° | Wind Speed m/s | Wind Wave Height m | Wind Wave Period s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Apr 9
Sunrise 06:10
Sunset 17:38 | ||||||||||||
| 11:00 ☾ | 0% | 5% | 5% | 1.1m | 43° | 0.006 | 48° | 5% | 45° | 2.4m/s | 1.1m | 10s |
| 12:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 5% | 1m | 43° | 0.005 | 50° | 5% | 82° | 3.4m/s | 1.2m | 9.9s |
| 13:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 5% | 1m | 43° | 0.005 | 47° | 5% | 79° | 5.3m/s | 1.2m | 9.9s |
| 14:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 4% | 1m | 43° | 0.005 | 40° | 4% | 73° | 6m/s | 1.2m | 9.9s |
| 15:00 ☾ | 5% | 0% | 3% | 1m | 42° | 0.006 | 30° | 5% | 67° | 7.2m/s | 1.3m | 9.9s |
| 16:00 ☾ | 3% | 0% | 0% | 1m | 42° | 0.006 | 19° | 3% | 60° | 7.6m/s | 1.3m | 9.9s |
| 17:00 ☾ | 3% | 0% | 0% | 1m | 145° | 0.006 | 7.2° | 3% | 54° | 7.7m/s | 1.3m | 8.9s |
| 18:00 ☾ | 5% | 0% | 0% | 1m | 248° | 0.006 | -5.2° | 5% | 48° | 7.9m/s | 1.3m | 7.9s |
| 19:00 ☾ | 5% | 0% | 0% | 1m | 351° | 0.006 | -18° | 5% | 41° | 7.6m/s | 1.4m | 6.9s |
| 20:00 ☾ | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0.99m | 351° | 0.006 | -30° | 5% | 35° | 6.5m/s | 1.4m | 6.9s |
| 21:00 ☾ | 4% | 0% | 0% | 0.99m | 350° | 0.006 | -42° | 4% | 27° | 4.7m/s | 1.4m | 7s |
| 22:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.98m | 350° | 0.005 | -53° | 0% | 30° | 3.7m/s | 1.4m | 7s |
| 23:00 ☾ | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0.97m | 246° | 0.005 | -62° | 5% | 25° | 3.7m/s | 1.4m | 8.1s |
| Fri, Apr 10
Sunrise 06:10
Sunset 17:38 | ||||||||||||
| 24:00 ☾ | 5% | 0% | 0% | 0.96m | 142° | 0.005 | -65° | 5% | 14° | 4m/s | 1.4m | 9.1s |
| 01:00 ☾ | 77% | 0% | 0% | 0.95m | 39° | 0.004 | -61° | 77% | 7° | 4.2m/s | 1.4m | 10s |
| 02:00 ☾ | 37% | 0% | 0% | 0.94m | 125° | 0.004 | -52° | 37% | 352° | 3.8m/s | 1.4m | 8.6s |
| 03:00 ☾ | 7% | 1% | 0% | 0.94m | 211° | 0.004 | -40° | 7% | 352° | 3.9m/s | 1.4m | 7s |
| 04:00 ☾ | 7% | 4% | 5% | 0.93m | 297° | 0.004 | -28° | 8% | 347° | 4m/s | 1.4m | 5.4s |
| 05:00 ☾ | 66% | 24% | 5% | 0.92m | 295° | 0.004 | -16° | 66% | 348° | 4.1m/s | 1.5m | 5.4s |
| 06:00 ☾ | 100% | 3% | 8% | 0.9m | 294° | 0.004 | -3° | 100% | 342° | 4.5m/s | 1.5m | 5.5s |
| 07:00 ☾ | 100% | 5% | 13% | 0.89m | 292° | 0.005 | 9.4° | 100% | 344° | 4.3m/s | 1.5m | 5.5s |
| 08:00 ☾ | 100% | 5% | 68% | 0.88m | 291° | 0.005 | 21° | 100% | 340° | 4.3m/s | 1.6m | 5.6s |
| 09:00 ☾ | 100% | 5% | 84% | 0.87m | 291° | 0.005 | 32° | 100% | 349° | 4.9m/s | 1.6m | 5.6s |
| 10:00 ☾ | 100% | 4% | 90% | 0.86m | 290° | 0.005 | 41° | 100% | 344° | 4.4m/s | 1.6m | 5.7s |
| 11:00 ☾ | 100% | 0% | 100% | 0.85m | 289° | 0.005 | 47° | 100% | 330° | 4.1m/s | 1.6m | 5.7s |
| 12:00 ☾ | 100% | 0% | 100% | 0.84m | 287° | 0.005 | 49° | 100% | 339° | 3.9m/s | 1.7m | 5.8s |
| 13:00 ☾ | 100% | 0% | 100% | 0.83m | 286° | 0.005 | 46° | 100% | 338° | 3.8m/s | 1.7m | 5.8s |
| 14:00 ☾ | 100% | 0% | 100% | 0.82m | 285° | 0.005 | 39° | 100% | 357° | 4.3m/s | 1.7m | 5.9s |
| 15:00 ☾ | 100% | 2% | 100% | 0.82m | 284° | 0.004 | 30° | 100% | 16° | 4.5m/s | 1.7m | 6s |
| 16:00 ☾ | 100% | 100% | 100% | 0.81m | 283° | 0.004 | 19° | 100% | 32° | 5m/s | 1.7m | 6s |
| 17:00 ☾ | 100% | 62% | 100% | 0.81m | 284° | 0.004 | 7° | 100% | 32° | 5.5m/s | 1.7m | 6s |
| 18:00 ☾ | 100% | 3% | 100% | 0.8m | 285° | 0.004 | -5.5° | 100% | 21° | 5.2m/s | 1.7m | 6s |
| 19:00 ☾ | 100% | 4% | 100% | 0.8m | 285° | 0.003 | -18° | 100% | 13° | 4.4m/s | 1.8m | 6.1s |
| 20:00 ☾ | 100% | 4% | 100% | 0.8m | 287° | 0.004 | -31° | 100% | 5° | 4.8m/s | 1.8m | 6.1s |
| 21:00 ☾ | 100% | 22% | 100% | 0.79m | 288° | 0.004 | -43° | 100% | 9° | 4.3m/s | 1.8m | 6.1s |
| 22:00 ☾ | 100% | 5% | 100% | 0.79m | 289° | 0.004 | -54° | 100% | 331° | 4.3m/s | 1.8m | 6.1s |
| 23:00 ☾ | 100% | 7% | 100% | 0.79m | 290° | - | -62° | 100% | 353° | 3.5m/s | 1.8m | 6.1s |
| Sat, Apr 11
Sunrise 06:11
Sunset 17:37 | ||||||||||||
| 24:00 ☾ | 100% | 66% | 100% | 0.79m | 291° | - | -65° | 100% | 353° | 2.9m/s | 1.8m | 6.1s |
| 01:00 ☾ | 100% | 49% | 100% | 0.79m | 292° | - | -61° | 100% | 313° | 2.8m/s | 1.8m | 6.2s |
| 02:00 ☾ | 100% | 22% | 100% | 0.79m | 291° | - | -52° | 100% | 253° | 2.9m/s | 1.8m | 6.2s |
| 03:00 ☾ | 100% | 6% | 100% | 0.79m | 290° | - | -40° | 100% | 194° | 5.1m/s | 1.8m | 6.2s |
| 04:00 ☾ | 100% | 24% | 75% | 0.79m | 289° | - | -28° | 100% | 215° | 4.7m/s | 1.8m | 6.3s |
| 05:00 ☾ | 83% | 60% | 100% | 0.79m | 290° | - | -16° | 100% | 207° | 3.8m/s | 1.9m | 6.3s |
| 06:00 ☾ | 5% | 23% | 42% | 0.78m | 291° | - | -3.1° | 45% | 236° | 2.5m/s | 1.9m | 6.3s |
| 07:00 ☾ | 0% | 38% | 100% | 0.78m | 291° | - | 9.2° | 100% | 255° | 4m/s | 2m | 6.4s |
| 08:00 ☾ | 0% | 98% | 100% | 0.78m | 291° | - | 21° | 100% | 245° | 4.1m/s | 2m | 6.4s |
| 09:00 ☾ | 0% | 100% | 100% | 0.77m | 292° | - | 32° | 100% | 233° | 4.2m/s | 2.1m | 6.5s |
| 10:00 ☾ | 0% | 92% | 56% | 0.77m | 292° | - | 41° | 93% | 231° | 4m/s | 2.1m | 6.6s |
| 11:00 ☾ | 0% | 2% | 0% | 0.78m | 291° | - | 47° | 2% | 204° | 2.1m/s | 2.1m | 6.6s |
| 12:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.78m | 290° | - | 49° | 0% | 139° | 3.4m/s | 2.1m | 6.7s |
| 13:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.79m | 289° | - | 46° | 0% | 125° | 5.8m/s | 2.1m | 6.7s |
| 14:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.8m | 289° | - | 39° | 0% | 133° | 6.7m/s | 2.1m | 6.7s |
| 15:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.8m | 289° | - | 30° | 0% | 122° | 6m/s | 2.1m | 6.7s |
| 16:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.81m | 289° | - | 19° | 0% | 122° | 5.3m/s | 2.2m | 6.7s |
| 17:00 ☾ | 0% | 1% | 0% | 0.81m | 290° | - | 6.7° | 1% | 162° | 6.2m/s | 2.2m | 6.8s |
| 18:00 ☾ | 0% | 3% | 0% | 0.8m | 290° | - | -5.7° | 3% | 203° | 7.2m/s | 2.2m | 6.8s |
| 19:00 ☾ | 0% | 4% | 0% | 0.8m | 291° | - | -18° | 4% | 243° | 8.2m/s | 2.2m | 6.8s |
| 20:00 ☾ | 0% | 3% | 0% | 0.8m | 291° | - | -31° | 3% | 244° | 7.9m/s | 2.3m | 6.9s |
| 21:00 ☾ | 0% | 1% | 0% | 0.79m | 292° | - | -43° | 1% | 244° | 7.5m/s | 2.3m | 6.9s |
| 22:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.79m | 292° | - | -54° | 0% | 245° | 7.2m/s | 2.4m | 7s |
| 23:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.79m | 291° | - | -63° | 0% | 255° | 7.4m/s | 2.4m | 7.1s |
| Sun, Apr 12
Sunrise 06:12
Sunset 17:35 | ||||||||||||
| 24:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.78m | 290° | - | -65° | 0% | 265° | 7.6m/s | 2.5m | 7.2s |
| 01:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.78m | 288° | - | -61° | 0% | 274° | 7.8m/s | 2.5m | 7.2s |
| 02:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.79m | 287° | - | -52° | 0% | 271° | 8m/s | 2.5m | 7.3s |
| 03:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.8m | 286° | - | -41° | 0% | 268° | 8.3m/s | 2.5m | 7.3s |
| 04:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.81m | 285° | - | -28° | 0% | 265° | 8.6m/s | 2.5m | 7.3s |
| 05:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.84m | 284° | - | -16° | 0% | 261° | 8.5m/s | 2.6m | 7.4s |
| 06:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.86m | 283° | - | -3.3° | 0% | 258° | 8.4m/s | 2.6m | 7.5s |
| 07:00 ☾ | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.89m | 282° | - | 9° | 0% | 254° | 8.3m/s | 2.7m | 7.5s |
| 08:00 ☾ | 0% | 1% | 0% | 0.92m | 281° | - | 21° | 1% | 247° | 8m/s | 2.7m | 7.6s |
| 09:00 ☾ | 0% | 3% | 0% | 0.95m | 279° | - | 31° | 3% | 239° | 7.8m/s | 2.7m | 7.7s |
| 10:00 ☾ | 0% | 4% | 0% | 0.98m | 278° | - | 40° | 4% | 232° | 7.5m/s | 2.7m | 7.7s |
How to read: these inputs help produce the derived score; they are not requirements by themselves.
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