Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach) is a very sheltered point break on Tasmania’s South Arm Peninsula near Hobart. It’s known for consistent surf, and it typically works across all tides, making it a dependable option when conditions are otherwise chaotic along the more exposed coastline. The takeoff and along-point area are rocky, so attention to footing and takeoff positioning matters. The best surfing is driven by swell direction and size: the spot is most likely to come together with south to southwest swell, and it tends to need a larger South swell to wrap properly. When it does connect, riders can get long, mellow right-hand point rides with a peeling wave shape. For smaller surf, it remains sheltered and consistent, but the long-ride potential is more tied to stronger swell windows. Wind-wise, working directions are in the west sector (SW to W). Offshore conditions are reported when winds run from west to northwest, while the sheltered headland reduces the impact of some southwesterly flows. Even with generally favorable wind directions, wind reliability is noted as low and gustiness can occur, so it’s important to reassess in real time. Safety priorities are the rocky bottom and submerged hazards (including kelp) along the point, combined with cold water and limited rescue coverage. Locals recommend watching the takeoff zone closely and waiting for the right swell—especially a larger South swell—so the point starts working properly.
- Very sheltered point break on a rocky bottom
- Often consistent small surf with long rides on larger swell
- Best month: May
- Working winds: west sector (SW/W)
- Sheltered point break with fairly consistent conditions
- Works on all tides
- Can produce long, peeling rides when a solid swell connects
- Rocky/kelp hazards near takeoff and along the point
- Wind reliability can be low; gusts occur
- Cold water and limited rescue availability increase risk
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W
- Offshore directions
- W, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Wind can be gusty at times (moderate-gusts reported).
- Best Months
- May
- Shadow Zones
- The point offers some shelter from prevailing westerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand is reported with rocky elements (and a rocky bottom).
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Smaller working conditions are common; another source describes the typical wave as medium when the swell is up.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky entry near the point or paddle out from the sandy beach section.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Spot guides rate launch difficulty as easy; other notes indicate moderate difficulty due to rocky entry/conditions.
Through the year
Can get crowded when swell is large and nearby beaches are maxed out.
Winter months (June to August) see more frequent frontal systems and storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Very sheltered right-hand point break with fairly consistent small surf. Often a good option on all tides, but for the best working conditions it tends to need a larger swell to wrap and produce a longer ride.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides reported as workable.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered point break.
- Wind Effect
- Reported as offshore in west to northwest winds; sheltered from southwesterlies by the headland.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size and becomes more rideable as other nearby local breaks max out; not suited to very large-swell behavior for the smaller, sheltered setup.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Soft wave power reported for the main working/smaller conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling wave shape.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Very long rides are possible when a larger swell connects sections along the point.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer very long rides when a large swell connects sections along the point (otherwise generally small and mellow).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach) in the full forecast view.
Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–17 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- W259°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2817 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.7 m4s period
- Temperature
- 8–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.2–0.7 m with a period of about 4s. 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
- Kelp
- Cold water
- Sharks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported for this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional baseline notes limited rescue availability (seasonal patrols are typically at Clifton Beach; emergency services via 000).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Hobart.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Heed rocky hazards at the takeoff zone and watch for submerged rocks/kelp near the point.
- Wait for a large South swell for the point to start working properly.
- Watch for submerged rocks near the takeoff zone.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hobart
- Nearest Town
- South Arm
- Parking
- Limited parking near the end of residential streets in Cremorne (spot-specific note).
- Access
- Accessible via road to Clifton Beach with likely beachside parking; also reachable via Cremorne town or a long walk along the beach from Clifton Beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and holiday rentals available in the South Arm and Clifton Beach areas.
- Food & Drink
- Local shops in Cremorne; more options in Lauderdale.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through local surf schools and Hobart-based retailers.
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited to local schools; no public storage facilities noted.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Scenic reserve offering walking tracks and views of the Derwent River.
World-renowned contemporary art museum located in nearby Hobart.
Extensive network of trails for hiking and horse riding across the peninsula.
Local hub for dining and socializing.
Recreational area suitable for families near the beach.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach)?
The best overall months at Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach) are May.
Which wind directions work at Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach)?
Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach) works with SW, W winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.
What skill level is Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach) suitable for?
Cremorne Point (Clifton Beach) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.