The Surf Window

Clifton Beach Tasmania

Tasmania, Australia

Beach breakIntermediate

Just south of Hobart, Clifton Beach is the Tasmanian capital's most accessible surf beach, a beautiful crescent bay where Southern Ocean swells deliver consistent beach break in a cold, pristine environment with views of the Wellington mountain range.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)
Size–SE 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

NW

Light to N under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Oct

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the crescent beach

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent Southern Ocean beach break with cold water requiring full wetsuit year-round

Hazards

  • •Cold water, 10–16°C year-round
  • •Rip currents in bigger swells
  • •Weather changes rapidly, the Southern Ocean is unpredictable

Local Tips

  • •Hobart is 30 minutes away, one of Australia's most extraordinary cities for food, art, and culture
  • •MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is Australia's most controversial and extraordinary private museum, essential visit
  • •A 4/3mm wetsuit minimum year-round, 5/4mm in winter

Location

Map showing the location of Clifton Beach Tasmania in Tasmania, Australia

-42.8833, 147.5000