Surfing in Tasmania: Best Surf Spots, Breaks, and Beaches

In this article, I will be highlighting surfing in Tasmania and overview of the best surf spots, breaks, and beaches. Alongside this, I will over some surf lessons and camps in Tasmania for beginners. 

This Article Will Cover:

1. What and where is Tasmania?
2. Best Surf Spots, Breaks, and Beaches
3. Our Recommendations for Surfing 
4. Best Surf Schools and Camps for Beginners.

Chapter 1:

What and where is Tasmania?

Tasmania is an island state of Australia. It is located south of mainland Australia.

It is quite easily reachable from mainland Australia and is only a 45-minute flight away from Melbourne.

From Melbourne, you can fly into either Hobart or Launceston. Both coastal airports make the nearby waves easily accessible.

The island is mainly covered with wilderness, making it an ideal location for nature lovers of all kinds.

Chapter 2: Best Surf Spots, Breaks, and Beaches

The general island of Tasmania is surrounded by world-class waves, so you will find waves on the north, east, south, and west sides of the island. 

Typically, Tasmanian waves can be separated between Southeast and Westnorth waves, as the island is not square, although I will try to keep them separated by their cardinal directions as best I can.

East Waves:

Shipsterns Bluff

The most famous Tasmanian wave, and potentially Australia itself, is Shipsterns Bluff. It is a southeastern Tasmanian wave that is known for being thick, heavy, and genuinely gnarly. 

This wave is designed by nature itself for only the most experienced surfers and is certainly not suitable for beginners. It breaks over a shallow, jagged reef that rises abruptly from deep water, causing massive swells to compress and jack up into heavy barrels that can reach heights of over ten meters.

Kipp Caddy, a professional surfer, released a video of the wave in action that you can find here;

Cloudy Bay

A wave found on the south-east tip of the island. Wave is a recommended wave for its easy waves, on smaller swells;

Blackmans Bay

Blackmans Bay is located in the southeastern part of the island. It typically features calm, low-energy conditions with wave heights averaging less than half a meter due to the protection offered from Flowerpot Point. 

The beach is primarily used for swimming and family activities, but a specialized break known as “Dumpies” can occur at the northern end during larger swells. Short, heavy, and hollow waves come through on these larger swells, making it exactly the waves exactly what the locals call it.

Check out this video of Blackmans Bay if you’re interested in seeing the wave in action;

Eaglehawk Neck

Eaglehawk Neck is home to Pirates Bay beach. As an exposed beach and reef break, you can find consistent surf conditions that cater to various skill levels.

A frame-peaks are accessible here, which make it quite enjoyable surf sessions. 

The locals are cautious about this zone due to all the pirate treasure dropped into the bay, making it a potentially dangerous location due to sharks.

Check out this video here to see some of the waves in action;

Bicheno

Not much information about this wave is available besides the many YouTube videos online that love to blow the spot up.

So I am including it, as it seems not to be very much of a secluded spot.

Scamander River

The Scamander wave is located on the Scamander River mouth. On the Northeastern side of the island, it isa  highly reliable exposed beach. It is considered one of the main surfing spots of the region.

The waves consist of left and right-hand peaks that break over sandbars formed by the river’s outflow, often creating high-quality, smooth swells suitable for all experience levels. I

f you get the opportunity, you can score this wave when the river forms perfect hollow tubes.

Here is a good video of Scamander posted by, Gerome Bramich on YouTube;

South Waves

Remarkable Caves

Remarkable Caves is named after its fantastic caves, which make the spectacle of waves quite interesting. Beyond the cave functions as an exposed beach break that offers both left and right-hand waves with a combination of sand and rock bottoms.

Check out this video by YouTuber, Tassie Watersports, about Remarkable Caves;

North Side Waves:

Martha Lavinia Beach, King Island

Not much more needs to be said about this one.

West Waves:

Green Point Beach, Marrawah

Chapter 3: Our Recommendations for Surfing

Are recommendations for surfing is to stick to the Scamander River or Clifton Beach. Both of these locations will provide excellent waves for beginners.

Any of the other waves are precarious and potentially dangerous for newcomers to try.

Stick to these waves and potentially go to one of the local surf schools if you’re interested in trying to surf there.

Chapter 4: Best Surf Schools and Camps for Beginners.

Surf School #1: 42 South Surf School

The first surf school recommended is located at the home break of Scamander.

You can check out their surf school with this link.

Surf School #2: Coastrider Surf Academy

The second recommended surf school with a great reputation is one located on the Clifton break.

Feel free to check their website linked here

Surf Adventure: King Island Surf Safaris

If you are more of an intermediate to advanced surfer, then this can be an option for you all.

This crew offers to travel with you and show you the popular King Island and all that it has to offer.

If you’re interested in seeing the Safaris that they provide check them out here.

Chapter 5: Concluding Thoughts on Surfing in Tasmania

Tasmania has a lot of variety to provide for surfing.

It’s a beautiful island with some fantastic breaks that the world knows over.

For beginners, there are a handful of waves, although the negatives of the cold waters may be a disuading factor.

Either way, I hope you sooner or later travel to Tasmania, and surf while you are there.

Catch a Session there.