Binalong Beach
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
Highest during school holidays and summer weekends; also can get crowded when it’s working.
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.
A less common spot for kiters; long sandy beach offers room for launching, suited to quieter sessions in North or Northeast winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
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
Exposed beach-and-river-mouth break with fairly consistent surf overall; summer can be mostly flat.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
World-renowned stretch of coastline famous for crystal-clear water, white sand, and orange lichen-covered rocks.
Network of mountain bike trails including the iconic 'Bay of Fires' descent.
Modern Australian cuisine and fresh local seafood.
Educational center showcasing local marine life and the history of the regional fishing industry.
From riders who've been here
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.