The Surf Window

St Helens Tasmania

Tasmania, Australia

Beach breakIntermediate

In northeast Tasmania at the entrance to Georges Bay, St Helens is the region's largest town and gateway to quality Tasman Sea surf at nearby beaches, a base for exploring the wild northeast coast surf of Australia's island state.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Oct

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach and reef break

Bottom

Sand and granite

Shape

Multiple peaks at nearby beaches

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent east coast Tasman Sea swell in cold water

Hazards

  • •Cold water, 12–16°C year-round
  • •Remote, the northeast coast is one of Tasmania's most isolated areas
  • •Rocks and granite reef in the area

Local Tips

  • •Binalong Bay (Bay of Fires) is nearby, one of Australia's most beautiful beaches with orange lichen-covered granite
  • •The St Helens History Room has fascinating information on the region's maritime and tin-mining past
  • •Pyengana dairy makes an extraordinary aged cheddar, buy some for the road

Location

Map showing the location of St Helens Tasmania in Tasmania, Australia

-41.3236, 148.2494