Tasmania
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
14
Coastline
2,833 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Hobart
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Roaring forties exposure
- Beaches and points
- Peninsulas and indented coast
- Uncrowded and mountainous
Negatives
- Windy and chilly winter surf
- Occasionally flat SE coast
- Slow access
- Expensive
Where to surf in Tasmania
South Coast
Tassie is an Aussie backwater when it comes to attracting inter-state or international surfers, unless of course you are one of the very few who are interested in taking on the ledge launch at the Apple Isle's most famous wave, Shipstern Bluff. Fortunately, there's much more to ride than death-defying super-slabs, on this most beautiful island, where the national parks dominate the southwest, but Hobart surfers have spots facing all directions to choose from, along with the summer potential along the north coast.
East Coast
The east coast of the Apple Isle is far less exposed to swell and is often small, but clean. North from Eaglehawk Neck requires some kind of E swell to get into the deep bays, where some fickle and locally sensitive spots work a few times a year. Little Swanport and Swansea’s handful of right points awaken in big S-SE swells. North of the Freycinet Peninsula, stop in at Friendly Beach, Bicheno, 4 Mile, Scamander, Beer Barrel Beach, Binalong or any of the pristine beaches up through the Bay of Fires for some quality beach peaks. Eddystone Rock broods offshore, calling to the tow crews and big wave hellmen.
North Coast
The north coast is inconsistent, relying on W-NW or NE swells which means summertime and lots of flat spells. Old Pier Beach in Bridport will be offshore in W winds and pick up NE swells, while the lusted over lefts of Tam O’Shanter need the much rarer NW pulses. Devonport Rivermouth is the most popular spot on the north coast, running long lefts when a W-NW hits. Wynyard has a number of reefs including Scuba Centre, Nurses and Golf Course, making them all easy to find. The best bet for west coast surf is to head to Marrawah where Anne Bay, Green Point and Lighthouse Beach receive consistent swell from the W, often accompanied by strong onshores.
West Coast
The wild west coast is a 4WD or hiking adventure with long, windswept beaches and some heavy, big wave reefbreaks at Trial Harbour or Granville Harbour, and beyond is the great wilderness of the Southwest National Park, where plenty of waves lurk for the real hardcore surfer.
Surf spots in Tasmania
Research the 14 surf breaks in Tasmania and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in Tasmania.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Tasmania
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Tasmania.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,260,000
- Population
- 515,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar operate frequent direct flights. Melbourne/Hobart starts around AU$115 r/t, Sydney from AU$300 and Brisbane from $420 (rarely direct). Launceston is the main north coast entry: cross the Bass Straight with Spirit of Tasmania ship (9-11h, overnight crossing, AU$150min/p + $99 car).
Getting Around
The road system is dense around Hobart (like the Derwent 5-lane concrete-arch Tasman Bridge) and topography gets wild with islands and peninsulas. Change coasts, catching ferries (Bruny) & hiking to spots takes time. Car rental starts at AU$35/d. Renting a campervan is a great shout for seeing the island.
Accommodation
Staying in Hobart is an option but driving times increase considerably. Favour Taranna (Masons cottages AU$100/n), or Port Arthur (Sea Change Safety Cove, AU$55/single, $127/dble). Enjoy a wide spectrum of berry fruits and apples, world-beating ales and wines or full flavoured cheeses.
Activities
40% of Tassie is National Parks, making an outdoor playground free of pollution. Ski and surf on the same day (Ben Lomond resort). Climb Mt Wellington or visit Port Arthur's penal settlement. Keep your eyes peeled for Tasmanian devils or the presumed extinct Tasmanian tigers!
Hazards & hassles
Although crowds are rare, some spots are very sensitive, so be very respectful to locals. Mind the nasty rips when close to rivermouths. Be ready to walk and get wet if camping.
Handy Hints
Plenty of well stocked surf shops in and around Hobart including RHS in town. Based at Clifton Beach Coastrider Surf Academy offer a big range of surf lessons and equipment hire. Check out tassiesurf.coms youtube page for lots of local vids.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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