Buxton Point (Little Swanport)

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Buxton Point is an exposed point break on Tasmania’s East Coast near Little Swanport. It’s described as not working very often, meaning sessions depend heavily on getting the required swell-and-wind alignment. For surfing, the spot is most associated with east swell arriving to wrap around the point, producing right-hand waves. Westerly winds are important because they can act offshore and groom the wave faces. When the swell is large enough to connect sections along the point, rides can be decent, but the spot is also noted to be often too small for quality surfing. The hazards are the main constraint: rocks and submerged reef make the entry and exit unforgiving, and strong currents can occur around the headland. The spot is also described as isolated, so it’s important to plan conservative access, stay aware of conditions at low tide, and be prepared for limited immediate rescue response at the exact location. Timing-wise, the best surf window is consistently described as winter—most often May. When it’s on, conditions are usually very quiet and uncrowded, which suits intermediate surfers looking for a calmer, low-profile session rather than a crowded break.

  • Exposed, fickle point break—reliant on specific east swell + west wind alignment
  • Low-profile and usually uncrowded
  • Rocks and submerged reef make safety planning essential
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Exposed point break with right-hand potential when swell and wind align
  • Low likelihood of overcrowding
  • Offshore westerly winds can groom the face
Heads up
  • Works infrequently and is condition-dependent
  • Rocky hazards with difficult launch/entry
  • Can be very small when it’s on
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W
Offshore directions
W
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Gradient — Westerly-influenced systems; also described as gradient driven.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Described as moderate gusting.
Best Months
May
Shadow Zones
Likely under the lee of the point during westerly winds

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium
Launch
Small — Rocky entry at the point
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Rocky entry with hazards around the point

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
11–18 °C
Water Temperature
7–22 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec, Jan, Feb: 3/2mmApr–Nov: 4/3mm or thicker + Boots
Crowds by Season

Usually very quiet and uncrowded.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter can be cold and stormy.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed, generally fickle point break that does not work very often—requires specific east swell and west wind alignment. Primarily offers right-handers when the swell wraps around the point.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
E, ESE, SE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Low tide is favored to expose the point's shape.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed point break with little natural protection.
Wind Effect
Offshore in westerly winds, which grooms the wave faces.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells but may become washed out or heavy.
Wave Quality
Average — Quality is described as average; it can stay small for the best sessions.
Wave Power
Moderate — Described as moderate wave power when it works.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Can provide decent rides when the swell is large enough to connect sections along the point.
Ride Length Details
Decent rides when swell is large enough to connect sections along the point.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Buxton Point (Little Swanport) in the full forecast view.

Buxton Point (Little Swanport) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–16 ktsGusts 33 kts
Direction
WSW245°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2816 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–1.2 m7s period
Temperature
7–21 °C

Over the next 7 days, Buxton Point (Little Swanport) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.5–1.2 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

  • Rocks
  • Strong currents
  • Submerged reef
  • Isolated location
  • Sharks
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard presence reported for the spot.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated rescue reported for the immediate spot area; formal rescue is available via Volunteer Marine Rescue stations in nearby Swansea and Triabunna.
Emergency Info
In an emergency, dial 000. For minor issues, use local medical services in Swansea; for major emergencies, use Royal Hobart Hospital.
Localism / Vibe
None — Low-profile and unlikely to be too crowded; described as remote with limited likelihood of crowding.

Rules of the spot

Rocks and strong currents are the key hazards—approach only with proper leash/controlled entry and be ready for rough exits from the rocky point.

Restrictions
  • Avoid poor alignment: the spot is exposed and works infrequently, so plan around the required east swell + west wind combination.
Local Tips
  • Best surfed on a lower tide to expose the point's shape.
  • West winds are essential for clean faces.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Hobart
Nearest Town
Little Swanport
Nearest Airport
Hobart International Airport (HBA) (~95 km south).
Parking
Limited informal parking near access points.
Public Transport
Public transport is very limited; a private vehicle is essential for accessing the coastline and transporting gear.
Access
Remote access via local tracks near Buxton River; may require a short walk.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Limited options in Little Swanport; more available in Triabunna or Swansea.
Gear Storage
Storage facilities are generally not available at the beach; most riders store gear in vehicles or local accommodation.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Buxton Point (Little Swanport)?

The best overall months at Buxton Point (Little Swanport) are April, May, June. The best wind months are May.

Which wind directions work at Buxton Point (Little Swanport)?

Buxton Point (Little Swanport) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W.

What skill level is Buxton Point (Little Swanport) suitable for?

Buxton Point (Little Swanport) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.