Coles Bay (Tasmania)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Coles Bay (Tasmania) is a low-profile but well-working kitesurfing shoreline on Tasmania’s east coast, centered around a sandy beach area just north of the town. Riders generally come for the combination of clear water, small-wave/choppy conditions, and a winter wind pattern dominated by westerlies. The spot’s core season is June through August, when westerly winds are strongest. Typical conditions are described as choppy with small waves, and wind can strengthen further during winter frontal systems. Directionally, W is the most consistently highlighted, with the broader usable range including NW and SW. Water remains cold across the year, so thermal protection is a priority for comfort and session length. Winter kiting often pairs with a thicker steamer, while summer sessions are commonly done with a lighter springsuit (still requiring cold-water readiness). The bay has sandy bottom and is described as having no notable shore break, with minimal tidal currents within the sheltered area. Safety planning matters: there are rocks at the ends of the beach and there is also boat traffic. The site is remote, so bring reliable communication (mobile/VHF) and be mindful of swimmers and boat ramps during busier summer periods. No lifeguards are indicated, and there is no dedicated on-water wind-sports rescue service.
- Crystal-clear water over a sandy beach
- Strong westerly season in June–August
- Choppy, manageable small-wave conditions for freeride and progression
- Consistently clear water
- Good winter wind window with westerlies
- Sand beach supports easier launches and general independence
- Cold water year-round
- Rocks at the northern and southern ends of the beach
- Remote area—no dedicated wind-sports rescue coverage
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W, NW, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Predominantly westerly-leaning gradient winds in the cooler season.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on westerly frontal systems common in winter and spring.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — NW can be a bit gusty.
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small waves; winter can see noticeably larger conditions.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Choppy conditions are typical.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with sufficient space for setup and launching near the town entrance area (Muirs Beach).
Through the year
Very quiet for sports; beach can be busy with tourists in December and January.
Winter (June to August) sees more frequent frontal systems and higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Best in winter with high westerly winds. Expect choppy water and small waves; wave conditions can become larger in winter.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for freeride and slalom in westerly winds, though it’s less frequently visited for windsurfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Sandy bottom and no noted shore break make it friendly for wingfoiling, particularly in steady westerlies.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Coles Bay (Tasmania) in the full forecast view.
Coles Bay (Tasmania) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–14 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- SW236°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2814 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.5 m8s period
- Temperature
- 8–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Coles Bay (Tasmania) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.8–1.5 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- cold water
- rocks at beach ends
- boat traffic
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-water rescue services for wind sports; emergency response is handled by local authorities.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical services are in Bicheno or Swansea; call 000 for emergencies.
Rules of the spot
Be aware of the designated swimming areas and boat ramps during peak summer periods.
- Western directions are the most consistent for clean air.
- Muirs Beach is the main spot; it works in NW, W, and SW (NW can be a bit gusty).
- The spot is remote—carry a mobile phone or VHF radio.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Coles Bay
- Nearest Town
- Coles Bay
- Parking
- Parking available in public lots adjacent to Muirs Beach.
- Access
- Just north of Coles Bay.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various options from campgrounds to luxury lodges in Coles Bay.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes, a convenience store, and restaurants are available in the Coles Bay township.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated kitesurfing or windsurfing rentals are found in the immediate region.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Tourism centers around the national park, with a wilderness-focused vibe and panoramic viewpoints.
An iconic hike offering panoramic views of one of the world’s most photographed beaches.
Guided sea kayaking tours exploring the coastline of the Freycinet Peninsula.
Known for fresh local oysters and mussels harvested from nearby waters.
Sheltered sandy beach in Coles Bay ideal for swimming and family outings.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Coles Bay (Tasmania)?
The best overall months at Coles Bay (Tasmania) are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Coles Bay (Tasmania)?
Coles Bay (Tasmania) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W, NW, SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Coles Bay (Tasmania)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Coles Bay (Tasmania): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Coles Bay (Tasmania) suitable for?
Coles Bay (Tasmania) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.