Dark Hollow (Beaumaris)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Dark Hollow (Beaumaris) is an exposed beach break on Tasmania’s east coast that’s best known for dependable surfing in winter. The break runs over a sandy bottom, but it’s still considered a hazardous shoreline due to rocks near the shore—particularly around the southern end and at low tide. Surf quality is strongly tied to the sandbank setup, and conditions can vary from short, punchy waves to less rideable surf if the banks don’t form well. It offers both lefts and rights, and is typically at its best with a southerly to southeast swell (often reported as ideal from the southeast). For wind, west to offshore-westerly conditions are described as the ticket for cleaner, groomed faces. June is the standout month for wind and overall surf readiness: one guide reports a relatively high clean rate in June (43% clean) with a notable blown-out risk (23% blown). At the same time, the spot is typically uncrowded, with reports saying it’s rarely crowded, though you should still expect a mix of surfers and locals on better days. Safety-wise, plan for the shoreline hazards (rocks) and the water hazards (rip currents), and account for cold water—winter conditions are described as very cold, with surf often occurring under winter frontal activity. If you’re heading out, check the lineup before paddling due to shifting banks, and treat the break as exposed even when it looks calm from shore.
- Exposed beach break with dependable winter surf
- Often uncrowded
- West offshore winds help produce cleaner waves
- Sandbanks shift frequently—conditions depend on the setup
- Dependable surfing in winter
- Often uncrowded
- Offshore west winds can produce cleaner, groomed surf
- Exposed conditions
- Rocks near the shore (especially at low tide/southern end)
- Rip currents reported as common
- Can be mostly flat in summer
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind described as frontal/large-scale gradient influence; best surfing wind is typically westerly offshore in winter.
- Reliability
- 23% blown out, 43% clean in June
- Best Months
- June
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium; winter swell can reach about 1.0–2.5 m.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access along sandy shoreline with some rocky outcrops
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty reported as easy
Through the year
Rarely crowded; most likely to see a few locals on weekends.
Winter months see more frequent frontal activity.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach break with dependable surf in winter. Works over sandy bottom but is highly dependent on sandbank formation; uncrowded with lefts and rights when conditions line up.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — No single tide preference reported.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed coastal break with limited shelter.
- Wind Effect
- Best conditions with offshore west winds give cleaner, groomed faces; easterly winds create messier conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold some size, but will close out if the swell is too large or too straight.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as average; rides depend on bank shape.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power overall.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Typically peeling over shifting sandbanks.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Described as having medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short rides are typical, with punchy sections possible depending on the sandbanks.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves are typically short but can offer punchy sections depending on the banks.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Dark Hollow (Beaumaris) in the full forecast view.
Dark Hollow (Beaumaris) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- WNW285°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2610 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 5–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Dark Hollow (Beaumaris) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.4–1.3 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
- Rocks
- Rip currents
- Cold water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported on-site for this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site rescue services reported for every beach; patrol coverage described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- In life-threatening emergencies in Australia, call 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism level reported as none.
Rules of the spot
Check the lineup for sandbank changes before paddling out (surf context: wave/bank setup can shift).
- Sandbanks shift frequently, so check the lineup before paddling out.
- The spot is often flat during the summer months.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Launceston
- Nearest Town
- Beaumaris
- Nearest Airport
- Launceston Airport (LST) about 150 km away
- Parking
- Limited informal parking available along the road and tracks
- Public Transport
- Access is primarily by private vehicle; limited bus services connect St Helens and Scamander to Launceston and Hobart
- Access
- Accessible via the Tasman Highway with short tracks leading to the beach
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and small holiday rentals available in Beaumaris and Scamander.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and shops in nearby Scamander
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfing and SUP equipment can be rented in Scamander; specialized kite/windsurfing gear rentals are generally unavailable locally.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated gear storage facilities not commonly available in the immediate area.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized kite or sail repair shops reported in Beaumaris; major repairs may require travel to Launceston or Hobart.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Break O’Day / Beaumaris area is an outdoor-focused destination with pristine coastline and nearby walking, mountain biking, and surf culture.
A stunning coastline known for its orange lichen-covered granite rocks and turquoise water.
A museum showcasing the maritime and tin-mining history of the Break O'Day region.
World-class mountain biking trails including the famous 'Bay of Fires' descent.
Local dining option offering views of the coastline and classic Australian pub fare.
One of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls, accessible via an easy walk through lush rainforest.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Dark Hollow (Beaumaris)?
The best overall months at Dark Hollow (Beaumaris) are June, July, August. The best wind months are June.
Which wind directions work at Dark Hollow (Beaumaris)?
Dark Hollow (Beaumaris) works with W, SW winds. Offshore directions are W.
What skill level is Dark Hollow (Beaumaris) suitable for?
Dark Hollow (Beaumaris) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.