Cloudy Bay (South Bruny)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Cloudy Bay (South Bruny) is an exposed, sandy beach break on South Bruny Island, known for consistent Southern Ocean energy and multiple surf peaks along a long stretch of beach. Surf is described as both lefts and rights, with options at all tide stages, and the eastern end of the bay (“the Corner”) often offering a more organized and sheltered take when wind/surf conditions are less favorable. Autumn—especially March—is the most reliable period for the cleanest surfing conditions, when south swells and north offshore wind align. Reported wave guidance includes working south/southwest swell direction and a generally powerful, peeling wave character, with typical ride distances around 50 to 150 meters. Bigger swells can hold size but are also described as tending to close out beyond roughly 3.5 meters. Safety is a primary concern. Rips (including strong rip currents that become more common as swell size increases) and sharks are both flagged hazards. The spot is remote and lifeguards are not reported; mobile reception can be very limited on the beach, and rescue availability is described as limited/no dedicated on-site service. Visitors are advised to monitor tides because the beach can become impassable at high tide, and to check sandbanks first before committing to a line. The water is cool year-round and conditions call for prepared cold-water kit. There are no food/drink services at the beach and no local equipment rental or repair—so the expectation is to bring gear from Hobart and plan for self-sufficiency. Despite the challenging environment, the lineup is described as rarely crowded due to access and location.

  • Consistent exposed beach break with multiple peaks
  • Autumn (especially March) for clean surfing conditions
  • Offshore-north wind can keep waves cleaner
  • Remote, uncrowded sessions
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Exposed beach break with consistent surf and multiple peaks
  • Autumn conditions can combine clean south swells with offshore north winds
  • Rarely crowded due to remoteness
  • Very clear water conditions are reported
Heads up
  • Remote location and lack of on-site rescue support
  • Strong rip currents; risk increases as swell size grows
  • Cold water year-round
  • No food or gear services at the beach
  • Access can be difficult and may be impacted by tide and 4WD requirements
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NW, NE
Offshore directions
N
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Wind is described as frontal-driven in the broader pattern, and the spot is exposed to Southern Ocean systems.
Reliability
Moderate; exposed to Southern Ocean weather systems.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Described as moderate gusts.
Best Months
March, April, September, October
Recommended Kite Sizes
8–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Surf size guidance varies: small in one summary, but also described as capable of being powerful and big enough to close out on larger sets.
Launch
Big — Vast sandy beach with space at the road end/Cloudy Corner; 4WD access toward Cloudy Corner.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Requires 4WD to drive onto the beach toward Cloudy Corner.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
11–18 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun–Nov: 5/4mm or 4/3mm + Boots, HoodJul–Oct: 4/3mm + BootsJun–Nov: 5/4mm or 4/3mm with hood and gloves + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded due to remote location even during summer holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see frequent cold fronts and high rainfall.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Advanced wave kiting spot; best in North or North-West winds for cross-offshore riding on swells.

WaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
8–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for wave windsurfing in similar conditions to kitesurfing, but remoteness and heavy swell make it challenging.

Wave
Sail Sizes
4.5–5.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible but difficult due to powerful shore break and consistent swell. The Corner offers the most manageable entry.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foil friendly described as limited.
Min Depth
2.0 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed beach break with consistent surf and multiple peaks over a long beach. Lefts and rights with good options at all tide stages; the eastern end ('The Corner') can be more organized and slightly sheltered from some westerly winds.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
1–3 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Good at all tide stages.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Generally exposed; the eastern end ('The Corner') is often more sheltered/organized compared with the road-end peaks.
Wind Effect
Offshore with north winds; N to NE airflow described as staying clean.
Bigger Swell
Holds significant size, but starts to close out over 3.5 meters.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality described as good.
Wave Power
Powerful — Powerful and consistent surf described; summer often flatter.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Described as peeling; also noted as organized at the eastern end ('The Corner') in windier conditions.
Peel Speed
Medium — Fast peeling waves are described; peeling speed given as medium.
Ride Length
Medium — Typical ride length described as 50–150 m (medium).
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Fast peeling waves can offer short tube sections on the right sandbanks.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cloudy Bay (South Bruny) in the full forecast view.

Cloudy Bay (South Bruny) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
6–19 ktsGusts 34 kts
Direction
W260°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2819 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
1.2–3.4 m10s period
Temperature
8–16 °C

Over the next 7 days, Cloudy Bay (South Bruny) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 34 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 1.2–3.4 m with a period of about 10s. 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

  • Sharks
  • Rip currents
  • Rip-currents increase with swell size
  • Remote location
  • Cold water
  • Mobile reception is very limited or non-existent on the beach
  • No dedicated on-site rescue confirmed
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsGlovesHoodWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated on-site rescue confirmed.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical services are in Alonnah; emergency response is coordinated via Tasmania Police, with a Hobart-based rescue helicopter.
Localism / Vibe
None — Sources indicate it is not known for localism.

Rules of the spot

National Park regulations apply; a valid pass is required for entry.

Restrictions
  • National-park fees
  • No dogs
Local Tips
  • Watch the tide—beach access can become impassable at high tide.
  • Check the sandbanks at the road end first; if conditions are too messy, the eastern corner usually offers more protection.
  • Bring a heavy-duty wetsuit even in summer.
  • Check the beach for rip currents before committing to a session.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Kingborough
Nearest Town
Kingborough
Parking
Limited parking at the end of Cloudy Bay Road; additional access possible for 4WD vehicles via the beach.
Public Transport
Extremely limited; a private vehicle and ferry crossing from Kettering are required to access the region.
Access
Accessible via a long gravel road through South Bruny National Park; 4WD is required to drive onto the beach toward Cloudy Corner. Limited parking at the end of Cloudy Bay Road; more access available for 4WD vehicles via the beach.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Camping
Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping available at Cloudy Bay and Cloudy Corner; holiday rentals available in nearby Lunawanna and Alonnah.
Food & Drink
None at the beach; nearest supplies are in Lunawanna.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available locally; bring all gear from Hobart.
Gear Storage
None reported.
Gear Repair
None reported locally.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A wilderness-first destination shaped by South Bruny National Park, combining remote outdoor adventures with limited but notable local food options in nearby towns.

Best time to visit: December to March for warmer conditions and generally best family conditions.
Cape Bruny Lighthouse5-10km

Historic 1836 lighthouse offering panoramic views of the rugged southern coastline.

South Bruny National Park0km

Area of significant Aboriginal heritage and pristine wilderness protecting local flora and fauna.

Bruny Island Cruises15km

Eco-cruises exploring sea caves, rock stacks, and seals along the high cliffs.

Bruny Island Cheese Co.25km

Famous local producer of artisan cheeses and craft beer.

Hotel Bruny20km

Classic island pub serving local seafood and pub favorites in Alonnah.

The Neck Lookout30km

Timber stairs leading to a view of the narrow isthmus; great for spotting fairy penguins at dusk.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Cloudy Bay (South Bruny)?

The best overall months at Cloudy Bay (South Bruny) are March, April, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Cloudy Bay (South Bruny)?

Cloudy Bay (South Bruny) works with N, NW, NE winds. Offshore directions are N.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Cloudy Bay (South Bruny)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Cloudy Bay (South Bruny): Kitesurfing: 8–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Cloudy Bay (South Bruny) suitable for?

Cloudy Bay (South Bruny) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.