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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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)
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Sheltered point break with fairly consistent conditions
  • Works on all tides
  • Can produce long, peeling rides when a solid swell connects
Heads up
  • Rocky/kelp hazards near takeoff and along the point
  • Wind reliability can be low; gusts occur
  • Cold water and limited rescue availability increase risk
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–18 °C
Water Temperature
5–22 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jul, Aug: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMar–Oct: 4/3mm + Boots, GlovesNov–Feb: 3/2mm or spring suit + Gloves
Crowds by Season

Can get crowded when swell is large and nearby beaches are maxed out.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (June to August) see more frequent frontal systems and storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point break
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).
Forecast

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.

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
  • Kelp
  • Cold water
  • Sharks
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetWetsuitBootsGlovesHoodHarnessKnife

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

South Arm Nature Recreation Area3km

Scenic reserve offering walking tracks and views of the Derwent River.

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)28km

World-renowned contemporary art museum located in nearby Hobart.

Tangara Trail2km

Extensive network of trails for hiking and horse riding across the peninsula.

South Arm RSL and Community Club5km

Local hub for dining and socializing.

Clifton Beach Playground1km

Recreational area suitable for families near the beach.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.