The Surf Window

Eaglehawk Neck

Tasmania, Australia

Reef breakAdvanced

On Tasmania's Tasman Peninsula, Eaglehawk Neck is a narrow isthmus (once guarded by dogs to prevent convict escapes) flanked by extraordinary geological formations, the Tessellated Pavement, the Blowhole, and the Tasman Arch, where Tasman Sea swells create surf in one of Australia's most dramatic landscapes.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

NW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Oct

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach and reef break

Bottom

Sand and rock

Shape

Peaks in the bay and reef sections off the headlands

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Cold water and rock/reef bottom require experience

Hazards

  • •Cold water, 10–14°C
  • •Rocks throughout the area
  • •The Tessellated Pavement is slippery when wet, dangerous for spectators

Local Tips

  • •The geological formations here are extraordinary, budget time to explore before surfing
  • •Port Arthur (10 minutes) is Australia's most significant convict history site, profound and haunting
  • •The Tasman National Park coastline south of here has some of Australia's most dramatic sea cliffs

Location

Map showing the location of Eaglehawk Neck in Tasmania, Australia

-43.0171, 147.9254