Georges Bay (Stieglitz)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freestyle, Freeride
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, Shallow, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Georges Bay (Stieglitz) is a small, clean, sandy lagoon on Tasmania’s northeast coast, with largely shallow flat water that can include some chop. The launch is described as an easy operation with small rigging areas along the Stieglitz foreshore (often near the boat ramp or the sandspit). Depending on tide, many areas can be waist-deep, and deeper channels may be required—especially for wingfoiling. Wind is best when it’s coming from the southeast, with the commonly listed best months being January through April and also December. Conditions are often enhanced in summer by a sea-breeze pattern that builds through the afternoon, with light gustiness reported. Typical wind ranges are described as around 15–25 knots (and in summer sometimes higher), supporting flat-water kitesurfing and wind-driven progression. Safety planning is critical due to ships moving through the bay. Riders are advised to stay clear of the main shipping channel and give way to commercial and large fishing vessels, and to avoid offshore wind (aiming for sideshore or cross-onshore). Shallow sandbars can be exposed at low tide, and moored boats and shipping traffic add to the need for careful route selection—especially if you need to move through the shallows to reposition. Gear planning follows the seasonal water temperatures: spring suits are recommended for summer, and a 4/3 steamer for winter. Local services such as lifeguards are not indicated; in emergencies, dial 000, and St Helens District Hospital is identified as the nearest major medical facility. The spot is generally described as low-profile for international coverage, while still being well known locally among flat-water riders in Tasmania.

  • Clean, shallow flat-water riding in a small lagoon.
  • Reliable summer sea-breeze build through the afternoon.
  • SE winds align with the spot’s best months (December to April).
  • Shipping-channel awareness is essential due to vessel traffic.
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing foilWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing slalomWindsurfing foilWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Clean water and a shallow, flat-water lagoon character.
  • Strong progression potential for flat-water freestyle/freeride and learning due to shallows.
  • Summer sea breezes commonly build in the afternoon, improving ride conditions.
Heads up
  • Shipping/boating traffic requires extra vigilance—stay clear of the main channel.
  • Shallow areas and sandbars can shift with tide; plan launch/ride routes accordingly.
  • Winter wind and temperatures are weaker/cooler than summer.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SE
Offshore directions
N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
Wind Range
7–30 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Predominantly SE winds in the spot’s best window; summer conditions can be reinforced by sea-breeze patterns.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Sources indicate light gustiness in typical conditions.
Best Months
January, February, March, April, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Shallow, Chop
Beach
Sand — Sand beach composition reported.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Flat — Kite/water sources describe flat-water conditions; chop can occur.
Chop Level
Light chop — Occasional chop reported.
Launch
Small — Small lagoon with shallow water; small sandy/grassy rigging areas along the foreshore near the boat ramp or sandspit.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
11–20 °C
Water Temperature
5–24 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 4/3mmSep, Oct, Nov: 4/3mmDec–May: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet, but can become busier during school holidays and summer weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

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

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Shallow, flat-water lagoon with occasional chop; extensive shallow areas can suit freeride and progression, while deeper channels are important for avoiding sandbars depending on tide.

FreestyleFreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Reported as suitable for freeride and slalom in consistent sea breezes.

FreerideSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable for wingfoiling, but riders must manage depth (stay in deeper channels at low tide to avoid sandbars).

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly reported.
Min Depth
Variable; check tide levels for clearance over sandspits.
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Georges Bay (Stieglitz) in the full forecast view.

Georges Bay (Stieglitz) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–11 ktsGusts 25 kts
Direction
WNW286°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2811 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–1.4 m8s period
Temperature
5–22 °C

Over the next 7 days, Georges Bay (Stieglitz) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.5–1.4 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

  • ships
  • commercial shipping traffic
  • moored boats
  • strong tidal currents in channels
  • shallow sandbars exposed at low tide
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestWetsuitHarness

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards indicated.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Marine Rescue St Helens provides volunteer marine search and rescue via VHF channels 16 and 82 (regional cluster information).
Emergency Info
For all life-threatening emergencies, dial 000; the nearest major medical facility is St Helens District Hospital.
Localism / Vibe
None — No specific localism noted in sources.

Rules of the spot

Stay clear of the main shipping channel; avoid offshore wind (aim for side-onshore or cross-onshore). Give way to commercial vessels and large fishing vessels.

Restrictions
  • Avoid offshore wind.
Local Tips
  • Check tide charts because the spot can change significantly from low to high tide.
  • The spit offers the flattest water, but you may need a short walk or tack depending on tide.
  • Be aware of main channels and keep clear of the active shipping lanes.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
St Helens
Nearest Town
Stieglitz
Nearest Airport
Launceston Airport (LST), approximately 160km (about 2 hours) away
Parking
Parking is available near the Stieglitz boat ramp and various points along the foreshore.
Public Transport
Limited regional bus services operate between Launceston and St Helens; a private vehicle is highly recommended
Access
The lagoon is east of St Helens on Tasmania. Access via Stieglitz road and public foreshore areas or the boat ramp.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation options include holiday rentals in Stieglitz and caravan parks and motels in St Helens.
Food & Drink
Various cafes and restaurants are located in the main township of St Helens.
Equipment Rental:
No dedicated rental shops on-site; bring your own gear.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A premier outdoor destination in Tasmania’s northeast coast with a laid-back coastal atmosphere, strong seafood culture, and access to outdoor activities.

Best time to visit: Summer (December to February) offers the best overall weather for water sports and tourism.
Bay of Fires10km

Famed coastline known for its turquoise water, white sand, and orange lichen-covered granite boulders.

St Helens History Room5km

Local museum detailing the area's maritime, mining, and pioneering history.

St Helens Mountain Bike Trails8km

World-class network of mountain bike trails including the scenic 'Bay of Fires' descent.

St Helens Oyster Bar4km

Local seafood venue specializing in freshly harvested oysters from the bay.

Parkside Bar & Kitchen Playground2km

Family-friendly dining area with proximity to public park facilities.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Georges Bay (Stieglitz)?

The best overall months at Georges Bay (Stieglitz) are December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, December.

Which wind directions work at Georges Bay (Stieglitz)?

Georges Bay (Stieglitz) works with SE winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Georges Bay (Stieglitz)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Georges Bay (Stieglitz): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 7–30 kts.

What skill level is Georges Bay (Stieglitz) suitable for?

Georges Bay (Stieglitz) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.