Cunns is a surf spot that offers a bit of a break from the crowds you might find at Cactus. It's a mid tide left that can be inconsistent at times, but if you're looking to escape the locals and enjoy a surf session in a more laid-back vibe, Cunns is worth checking out. It's positioned closer to the cliffs of the southern headland, which gives it some better protection from south winds. However, you’ll need some decent swell size for it to really work well compared to Cactus.
The waves here can be a mixed bag. When conditions are right, Cunns can handle swell sizes around 4ft (about 1.2 meters) and prefers a southwest swell direction. The best swell directions to catch are from the southeast and southwest. The breaks occur over uneven reef, which can create some sectiony walls, and the left-hand waves can sometimes close out rapidly at the end. For a good session, you’re looking at low, mid, or even high tides, with east winds being the most favorable.
This spot is definitely better suited for intermediate surfers, especially when the waves are on the smaller side. It can feel a bit more isolated and less intense than some other spots, which makes it a great place to avoid the local gaze while still getting your surf fix. Just keep in mind that when the swell picks up, it can become quite heavy, so be prepared if you decide to paddle out on bigger days.