Binalong Beach

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Bodyboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat, Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Binalong Beach is an exposed beach-and-river-mouth surf spot on Tasmania’s east coast, with surf that’s generally fairly consistent—though summer can often be mostly flat. The break is associated with rip currents, so conditions can change quickly and the water requires extra caution, especially around the river mouth area. For wave performance, the spot is commonly described as working best with southeast groundswells, and when offshore winds align (noted offshore-from-southwest). One source also reports that the tide does not meaningfully affect the surf quality, while another indicates mid tide can be optimal. When the swell gets too large, the wave can close out once it exceeds the more typical working range. The beach itself is sandy with a wide launch/setup area, and the southern end is described as being more sheltered by the local headland. Reported wave conditions are often soft and mushy, making it more approachable for those who prefer forgiving, longboard-friendly surf—while still demanding respect for current hazards. Beyond surfing, the long sand beach and clear water make the area interesting for wind-driven water sports when the wind direction suits. Kitesurfing is described as less common but feasible with plenty of launch room; wingfoiling is also reported as pleasant with sandy bottom and generally good foiling friendliness, though weed can be an issue at times of year.

  • Dangerous rips/rip currents—requires careful management.
  • Exposed river-mouth surfing with fairly consistent conditions.
  • Large sandy beach with ample space for setup.
  • Offshore-from-southwest winds can improve surf.
Great for
Surfing bodyboardSurfing longboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Generally consistent surf for a river-mouth setup.
  • Exceptional clarity reported for the broader area.
  • Large sandy beach provides space for launches and gear setup.
Heads up
  • Dangerous rips/rip currents are a key hazard.
  • Waves can be small and summer conditions may be mostly flat.
  • Limited rescue/on-site supervision reported.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, WSW, N, NE
Offshore directions
SW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Offshore wind tendency (winds commonly blow offshore); summer can feature a northeasterly sea-breeze influence.
Reliability
Moderate; frontal systems passing through the Tasman Sea can affect conditions.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
Best Months
January, February, March, December
Shadow Zones
The southern corner can be sheltered from South and Southwest winds by the headland.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Often small; winter described as more consistent for surf.
Launch
Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for equipment setup.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch/setup described as easy due to wide sandy space.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–19 °C
Water Temperature
9–23 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 3/2mmApr–Dec: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Highest during school holidays and summer weekends; also can get crowded when it’s working.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter brings more frequent and more intense frontal systems; rain can occur year-round with slightly higher frequency in winter months.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

A less common spot for kiters; long sandy beach offers room for launching, suited to quieter sessions in North or Northeast winds.

FreerideFoilWave
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Clear water and sandy bottom can make it pleasant for foiling; can be prone to weed at certain times of the year.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach-and-river-mouth break with fairly consistent surf overall; summer can be mostly flat.

River mouth
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SSE
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — One source reports mid tide as optimal; another indicates tide does not significantly affect quality.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed to swell/wind; the southern end can be more sheltered.
Wind Effect
Westerly and southwesterly winds provide cleaner, more groomed conditions; offshore-from-southwest winds are noted for surf.
Bigger Swell
Can close out when swells exceed about 2.5 meters.
Wave Quality
Average — Average wave quality; at times can be clean when offshore winds align with the right swell.
Wave Power
Soft — Reported as soft waves; commonly small.
Wave Shape
Mushy
Peel Speed
Slow — Often described as slow/soft peeling rides when it’s clean.
Ride Length
Short — Short, fun rides.
Typical Ride Length
30–50 m
Ride Length Details
Short fun rides; described as best when a clean East swell meets offshore Westerly winds.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Binalong Beach in the full forecast view.

Binalong Beach wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–12 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
W279°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 2712 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–1.7 m7s period
Temperature
5–23 °C

Over the next 7 days, Binalong Beach is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.7–1.7 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • dangerous rips
  • rip currents
  • Rocks at southern end
  • Changing sandbars near the lagoon mouth
  • Granite rock formations at the southern end
  • Submerged rocks near the headlands
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported for the spot.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated on-site beach patrol for wind sports; regional volunteer marine rescue operates in surrounding waters.
Emergency Info
For life-threatening emergencies call 000; nearby medical care is the St Helens District Hospital.

Rules of the spot

General Tasmanian maritime and beach safety regulations apply.

Local Tips
  • Watch out for dangerous rips.
  • Check for rips near the orange-lichen rocks.
  • Summer can be very flat, so check swell forecasts before travelling.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Launceston
Nearest Town
Binalong Bay
Nearest Airport
Launceston Airport (LST)
Parking
Public car park available at the southern end of the beach near the main access point.
Public Transport
Public transport is extremely limited; a private vehicle or rental car is essential for access and equipment transport.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
Playground
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous holiday rentals and boutique accommodation options within the Binalong Bay / St Helens area.
Food & Drink
A popular restaurant is located near the main beach car park.
Equipment Rental:
No dedicated rental shops directly on the beach; basic surfing/SUP equipment can be rented in St Helens.
Gear Storage
Dedicated gear storage facilities are not available; visitors use accommodation or private vehicles.
Gear Repair
Basic surf hardware available in St Helens.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Gateway to the Bay of Fires area, known for bright coastal scenery, exceptional water clarity, and outdoor activities supported by nearby services.

Best time to visit: December to February for the best weather and water activities.
Bay of Fires Conservation Area2 km

World-renowned stretch of coastline famous for crystal-clear water, white sand, and orange lichen-covered rocks.

St Helens Mountain Bike Trails10 km

Network of mountain bike trails including the iconic 'Bay of Fires' descent.

Raida St Helens11 km

Modern Australian cuisine and fresh local seafood.

St Helens Marine Discovery Centre11 km

Educational center showcasing local marine life and the history of the regional fishing industry.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Binalong Beach?

The best overall months at Binalong Beach are June. The best wind months are January, February, March, December.

Which wind directions work at Binalong Beach?

Binalong Beach works with W, WSW, N, NE winds. Offshore directions are SW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Binalong Beach?

Recommended equipment sizes at Binalong Beach: Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.

What skill level is Binalong Beach suitable for?

Binalong Beach suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.