Georges Bay (Stieglitz)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
Generally quiet, but can become busier during school holidays and summer weekends.
Winter months (June to August) see more frequent frontal systems and rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Reported as suitable for freeride and slalom in consistent sea breezes.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
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
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.
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
- ships
- commercial shipping traffic
- moored boats
- strong tidal currents in channels
- shallow sandbars exposed at low tide
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.
- Avoid offshore wind.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
Famed coastline known for its turquoise water, white sand, and orange lichen-covered granite boulders.
Local museum detailing the area's maritime, mining, and pioneering history.
World-class network of mountain bike trails including the scenic 'Bay of Fires' descent.
Local seafood venue specializing in freshly harvested oysters from the bay.
Family-friendly dining area with proximity to public park facilities.
From riders who've been here
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.