Boneyards 3
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Boneyards 3 is a serious right-hand reef break with heavy, hollow waves breaking over boulders/pebbles on a jagged, shallow reef. It is characterized as high consequence: the reef is very shallow and jagged, and the wave can hold and escalate in size, so it is not for inexperienced surfers. Reports consistently describe expert-level conditions and emphasize the hazards (rocks, boulders, and sharp submerged reef shelves). Access is commonly described as requiring a trek—possibly through bush—and a steep descent from the track; the walk down can be slippery. Parking is reported as extremely limited near the cliff edge. Timing-wise, July is identified as the best month, with surfing quality tied closely to suitable swell (southwest) and the wind setup. Offshore North winds are described as producing the cleanest faces, while southerly winds can make the wave unrideable. Wind reliability is moderate, with conditions varying by winter storm/frontal systems. Safety planning is essential: no lifeguards or on-site rescue availability is reported, and the spot is described as very isolated. Warnings advise never surfing alone and carrying appropriate safety gear (including a leash and recommended protection such as a helmet).
- Powerful, hollow right-hand reef waves
- Best month: July
- Offshore North winds give the cleanest faces
- No lifeguards; isolated and hazardous terrain
- Powerful, hollow right-hand reef waves with high performance potential
- Best month indicated as July
- Cleanest faces expected with offshore North winds
- Expert-only, high-consequence reef with very shallow/jagged hazards
- Rocks/boulders and sharp reef shelves make wipeouts dangerous
- Extreme isolation; no on-site rescue/lifeguards reported
- Heavy and can become extremely dangerous with increasing swell
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NW
- Offshore directions
- N
- No-go directions
- S, SSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Monthly clean/blown stats are given; conditions vary with winter storm cycles and fronts.
- Reliability
- 53% blown, 43% clean (best month: July); reliability moderate and dependent on winter storm cycles and frontal systems
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- July
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs can create wind shadows or turbulence very close to shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Pebble — Pebbly/rocky character; additional descriptions mention rocky shoreline and reefs.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Some reports call it heavy and capable of larger size; spot guide lists medium wave size.
- Launch
- Small — Limited and difficult launch from a rocky shoreline; steep descent to water.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Steep, limited, and difficult launch/entry; not suitable for inexperienced surfers.
Through the year
Winter months (June to August) are often the wettest and most prone to Southern Ocean storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Heavy right-hand reef break producing powerful, hollow waves. Waves break over boulders/pebbles/jagged reef; shallow reef and boulder/rock hazards make it a serious, high-consequence surf.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Near a headland that protects from southerly winds (one report); however, other sources describe the coastline as exposed and serious.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the North provide the cleanest faces; southerly winds make it unrideable. Headland can protect from southerly winds at times, but heavy exposure remains.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size but becomes extremely dangerous and heavy as swell increases; heavy and hazardous on a jagged/shallow reef.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Reports describe intense, heavy reef waves that can hold significant size.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Fast, vertical sections; can offer long, intense walls on the right days.
- Ride Length Details
- Fast, vertical sections that can produce long, intense walls on the right days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Boneyards 3 in the full forecast view.
Boneyards 3 wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–14 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- WSW248°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2814 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.9–3.4 m11s period
- Temperature
- 9–18 °C
Over the next 7 days, Boneyards 3 is forecast for daytime winds of 6–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 1.9–3.4 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- Rocks
- boulders
- Sharp submerged rocks and jagged reef shelves
- Strong currents
- powerful rip tides
- Heavy waves
- Isolation
- Sharks
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-site rescue services reported; nearest rescue services are in Wye River, Lorne, and Apollo Bay (regional baseline).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Apollo Bay (about a 30–40 minute drive away). National emergency number 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism indicated; more critical than typical spots because of isolation and consequences.
Rules of the spot
Strict adherence to surf etiquette is expected given the high consequences of the wave.
- Expert-only launch/entry; do not attempt without proven reef-surf experience.
- Avoid surfing alone due to extreme isolation.
- Access involves a steep/possibly slippery walk down; trekking through bush may be required from the track.
- Never surf here alone due to extreme isolation.
- Bring a sturdy leash and a high-volume board for the heavy water.
- Not for the faint of heart: very shallow and jagged reef; wave can hold a lot of size.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kiama Downs
- Nearest Town
- Kiama
- Parking
- Extremely limited parking in small gravel pull-offs near the cliff edge.
- Access
- Located at the southern end of Cliff Dr in Kiama Downs, or accessed by foot from North Bombo (reports mention trekking through bush to reach the area).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and small guesthouses are available in Glenaire and Johanna (reports).
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; the nearest supplies are in Apollo Bay or Lavers Hill.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals nearby reported; bring all gear with you.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Rugged Great Ocean Road coastline with wildlife and outdoor access. The immediate spot area is remote and not commercial, so visits are generally nature-focused.
A famous stretch of road and trail known for frequent sightings of wild koalas and native birds.
Australia’s oldest working lighthouse, offering historical tours and coastal views.
Extensive hiking trails, waterfalls, and dense rainforest landscapes.
A popular pub with panoramic ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Renowned birdlife, including king parrots and kookaburras that interact with visitors.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Boneyards 3?
The best overall months at Boneyards 3 are July.
Which wind directions work at Boneyards 3?
Boneyards 3 works with N, NNE, NW winds. Offshore directions are N. No-go directions are S, SSW, SW.
What skill level is Boneyards 3 suitable for?
Boneyards 3 suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.