Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast)

Surfing
Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Clovelly Bombie is an exposed reef break on the Sydney South Coast that is known for being selective and inconsistent unless the swell is sufficiently large. The spot sits over a rocky reef with rips and rocks/submerged sections, and conditions can quickly become hazardous when surf is building. When it comes alive, it’s primarily described as a powerful, hollow right-hand reef wave. Spot-level descriptions emphasize that substantial winter swell is required before the reef starts breaking properly, and that the wave can hold serious size in bigger conditions. Offshore west to northwest winds are generally associated with cleaner surf quality when the swell is in the right range. The best month for the break is June, and spot-level conditions are most associated with heavy winter swell periods. Wind sources indicate offshore influence from west (and west/northwest), while wind reliability is described as low/variable; the spot therefore benefits from careful timing with both swell and wind. Safety-wise, expect rocky hazards, strong currents, and rips; entry and exit via the rocks can be extremely dangerous in high surf. Even though this area is monitored across the wider region, spot-level guidance here indicates no rescue availability at the break—so advanced surfers should plan conservatively and only go when conditions are within their comfort and control.

  • Offshore west to northwest winds can clean up conditions.
  • June is the key month for the swell needed to start breaking properly.
  • Hollow, powerful right-hand reef waves when it fires.
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Offshore west to northwest winds can produce cleaner conditions.
  • Best month centers on June, aligning with larger swell periods.
  • Powerful, hollow right-hand reef waves when it fires.
Heads up
  • Extremely exposed rocky reef setup with rips and shallow sections.
  • Only works reliably on substantial swells (selective/variable).
  • Advanced skill required for entry/exit and for handling big, hollow waves.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, NW
Offshore directions
W, NW
Wind Type
Frontal — West to northwest winds; sources describe offshore conditions and a frontal pattern.
Reliability
low
Best Months
June, July, August

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Reef — Reef/rocky composition at the launch and break area.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Spot-level sources also describe big, storm-driven surf behavior when it properly fires.
Launch
Medium — Rock entry from the southern headland or a long paddle from the beach.
Launch Difficulty
Expert only — Rocky/reef access and hazardous entry/exit.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
16–25 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun–Nov: 3/2mm full suitDec–May: Spring suit or boardshorts/bikini
Crowds by Season

Sometimes crowded; often rarely crowded outside prime days due to difficulty/size requirements.

Storm/Rain Season

Major storms are most likely when East Coast Lows move through between May and July.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break ("bombie") that only comes alive during substantial swells; requires hefty winter swell to break properly and is hazardous due to rocks and rips.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S, SE
Swell Height
2–4 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide is commonly preferred.
Shelter
Exposed — Open/exposed reef headland setup.
Wind Effect
West or northwest winds provide clean, offshore conditions.
Bigger Swell
Holds massive size; begins breaking properly when other nearby areas are closing out.
Wave Quality
Good — Can be inconsistent; works best when swell is large enough.
Wave Power
Very powerful — Known to require substantial winter swell to start breaking properly.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Hollow right-hand reef wave when it fires.
Peel Speed
Fast — Fast section over the reef after takeoff.
Ride Length
Medium — Short, intense takeoff followed by a fast section.
Ride Length Details
Provides a short, intense takeoff followed by a fast section over the reef.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast) in the full forecast view.

Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–16 ktsGusts 28 kts
Direction
E80°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 2616 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–2.2 m8s period
Temperature
13–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.8–2.2 m with a period of about 8s. 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

  • rips
  • rocks
  • strong currents
  • shallow reef sections
  • large wave impact
  • sharks
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards at this spot per spot-level sources.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Spot-level sources indicate no rescue availability.
Emergency Info
Emergency services via 000; nearest major hospital: Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Highly skilled local chargers expected on prime days.

Rules of the spot

Surf priority and etiquette apply. Conditions at this exposed reef can require advanced judgment for entry/exit and timing.

Local Tips
  • Beware of rips and rocks.
  • Spot is selective and demands a solid wave.
  • Wait for a large south swell with light west winds for the spot to work.
  • Entry and exit via the rocks can be extremely dangerous in high surf.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Sydney
Nearest Town
Clovelly
Parking
Limited street parking available near the residential area and near the Clovelly beach car park.
Access
Access is via the southern headland of Clovelly Bay or by paddling out from the beach area. Directions: In Clovelly, go south on Arden St, left at Arcadia St to Dunningham Reserve, then track to the bottom.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation available in nearby Coogee and Bondi.
Food & Drink
Several cafes and a hotel within walking distance.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals at the reef; surfboard rentals available nearby in Coogee or Bondi.
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 Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast)?

The best overall months at Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast) are June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast)?

Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast) works with W, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.

What skill level is Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast) suitable for?

Clovelly Bombie (NSW Sydney South Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.