Grab your wetsuit and prepare to surf some of the most secluded and pristine beaches of your life. Tasmania suits all difficulty levels, from the awe-inspiring swells of Shipstern Bluffs, to the beginner-friendly Clifton Beach where you can take lessons at a local surfing school. Image thanks to Adam Gibson.
Many of the most popular sites can only be reached through trekking through World Heritage areas, adding to the adventure of the experience. Be ready to enjoy beautiful waves that were generated thousands of kilometres away in the Southern Ocean.
Tasmania lies in the path of The Roaring Forties, strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere between the latitudes of 40 and 50 degrees. Due to this intense placement, many good surf options exist across the island, but conditions depend highly on the swell, wind, and tidal conditions. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & O'Neill Coldwater Classic.Late summer offers the warmest and most pleasing time of year to surf in Tasmania. However, the best conditions and biggest swells are to be found in autumn and winter.
Northeast coast
Featuring plenty of great surf spots, this area of Tasmania is popular for holiday-goers and is known for milder weather. Secluded surf spots are not hard to come by and you’ll find yourself basking in paradise at coastal surf towns such as Bicheno and Scamander. The best waves on this coast are in the north due to the shelter provided by Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula, although some good waves can be found in Marion Bay, just a 40 min drive east of Hobart. The town of St. Helens has some good spots, as does Eaglehawk Neck. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & O'Neill Coldwater Classic.Southeast Coast
The best spots in the south are plentiful and easily reachable from Hobart. This area is the most heavily surfed in Tasmania and provides the most options. Clifton Beach is a 45-minute drive south-east of Hobart where beginners can take lessons at surf school. Eaglehawk Neck, just 15 minutes further, has superb waves when the swell is south-easterly and the wind westerly. Another option to consider is Bruny Island’s east and south coasts which receive cold, Antarctic swells. Bruny can be reached by ferry from Kettering, which is 40 minutes drive south of Hobart. If you’d like to hit Australia’s southernmost surf beach, then swing by Cloudy Bay and surf it in a southerly swell and a northerly wind. It can be reached via a 7-kilometre walk through World Heritage wilderness. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.
Not to be forgotten, however, is the one and only Shipstern Bluff. This spot has well-earned its reputation for dangerous, heart-pumping conditions. With gigantic swells, sharks circulating, and a shallow reef, this site is for professionals only and is visited by the world’s best big-wave surfers. Monster waves require a strong south-westerly swell. It is a trek to get to but can be worth it just for the views and photographs, if not for daring the waves. Drive to the Cape Raoul walking track car park in Tasman National Park. Follow the trail for 2 hours through thick bush to Raoul Bay; Shipstern Bluff is below the cliff to the right.
The Southern coast is also the location of one of the big-wave surfer spots, Eddystone Rock, but it remains primarily a secret due to its remote location and difficulty level.
West Coast
Being the least explored coastal area of Tasmania, there are still several known sites in this region which draw surfers from around the world. The 2 most popular sites find themselves at opposite ends. South Cape Bay to the far south, and Marrawah in the far northwest. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & O'Neill Coldwater Classic.
Marrawah is home to Tasmania's premier surf event, the West Coast Classic. The 3 beaches - Ann Bay, Mawson Bay, and Green Point - have long rides when the swell is westerly and the wind offshore. The local surf community is friendly and can help point you in the right direction. Take note that some of the best surf is on private land and take care to leave the beach as pristine as you found it. Marrawah is a 3.5-hour drive north-west of Launceston.
In the far south, South Cape Bay can only be reached via a 5 hour hike from Cockle Creek, which is a 2 hr drive southwest of Hobart. It’s a gorgeous beach that gets massive waves on a southerly swell.
North
Although the waves here are generally not as big as other areas of the island, exceptions such as the mouth of the Mersey River in Devonport do exist and are worth exploring.
However, the north’s best surf isn’t to be found on mainland Tasmania, but rather on King Island. With diverse coastline there’s often great conditions somewhere, and on the east coast you can find Martha Lavinia, ranked by Tracks magazine as Australia’s best beach break. Depending on the swell and the wind you may find a unique wave there that breaks both left and right. On the island’s west coast look for British Admiral beach or Fitzmaurice Bay. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & O'Neill Coldwater Classic.
North Coast Surf Spots
- Fairlands Beach: This North Coast spot offers fun, consistent waves for all levels, with a friendly, scenic vibe.
- Boat Harbour Beach: Crystal-clear waters and small, reliable waves make Boat Harbour Beach a beginner-friendly favorite.
- East Devonport Beach: Smooth, mellow waves make East Devonport Beach ideal for a relaxing surf session.
- Robbos Point: Steady, clean waves make Robbos Point a favorite for intermediate surfers looking to catch consistent breaks.
- Tam O'Shanter Bay: Reliable breaks and a peaceful setting make Tam O'Shanter Bay a hidden gem for intermediate surfers.
North East Coast Surf Spots
- Bicheno Beach: Consistent, mellow waves and scenic surroundings make Bicheno Beach a go-to for a relaxed yet rewarding surf.
- Redbill Beach: Known for its punchy breaks, Redbill Beach delivers waves perfect for dynamic sessions.
- Steels Beach: Steels Beach offers fast, challenging waves that thrill experienced surfers.
- Scamander Beach: Smooth, clean swells make Scamander Beach ideal for surfers of all levels looking to unwind.
- Friendly Beaches: With soft, peeling waves and pristine waters, Friendly Beaches are perfect for soaking in Tasmania’s natural beauty.
- Four Mile Beach: Remote and wild, Four Mile Beach is a haven for adventurous surfers seeking open waters.
Hobart Surf Spots
- Short Beach: A small, mellow break just minutes from the city, perfect for a laid-back surf in Hobart.
- Lords Beach: This Hobart spot offers easygoing waves close to the action, ideal for a quick session.
Southeast Coast Surf Spots
- Clifton Beach: A local favorite, Clifton Beach offers steady, reliable waves that suit all skill levels.
- Marion Beach: Stronger swells and a peaceful setting make Marion Beach a great spot for intermediate surfers.
- Shipstern Bluff Beach: Shipstern Bluff is legendary for its monstrous waves and epic “steps,” making it a bucket-list break for big-wave surfers.
- Cloudy Beach: Rolling swells and breathtaking scenery make Cloudy Beach on Bruny Island a must-visit for a memorable session.
- Eaglehawk Neck Beach: Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, Eaglehawk Neck offers powerful waves and a stunning backdrop.
South Coast Surf Spots
- Eddystone Rock: A remote break with serious swells, Eddystone Rock is perfect for thrill-seekers craving a wild, isolated surf.
- Pedra Branca: Known for massive waves, Pedra Branca is a challenging spot for expert surfers seeking adrenaline.
- Lions Rock Beach: Offering left and right breaks, Lions Rock is ideal for those seeking variety in a beautiful setting.
- South Cape Bay: With powerful waves and rugged scenery, South Cape Bay is the ultimate adventure for seasoned surfers.
Southwest Coast Surf Spots
- Cape Sorell: Known for powerful, heavy waves, Cape Sorell is a challenging spot for advanced surfers seeking a thrill.
- Ocean Beach: This long, scenic beach offers approachable waves for beginners and intermediate surfers, with bigger swells on challenging days.
West Coast Surf Spots
- Green Point Beach: Consistent waves and a relaxed vibe make Green Point Beach a favorite for intermediate surfers.
- Ann Bay: Fast, powerful waves and a remote vibe make Ann Bay a hidden gem for experienced surfers.
- Mawson Bay: Known for big, untamed waves, Mawson Bay is a challenging destination for those seeking a raw surf experience.
King Island Surf Spots
- Martha Lavinia: Famed for its clean, hollow waves, Martha Lavinia Beach is a paradise for advanced surfers.
- British Admiral Beach: Consistent, gentle swells make British Admiral Beach perfect for surfers looking to relax.
- Phoques Bay: Gentle, scenic waves at Phoques Bay offer a mellow ride in a secluded setting.
- Fitzmaurice Bay: With both beach and reef breaks, Fitzmaurice Bay provides variety in a stunning, peaceful spot.
