Godfreys Beach (Circular Head)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Wave, Freeride
Best for
Intermediate to Advanced
Skill Level
Medium waves, Ocean
Spot Type
15–25 kts
Wind Range

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Godfreys Beach (Circular Head) is a small, sand-bottom beach beneath The Nut near Stanley, known for crystal-clear water and medium-wave conditions. The shore break is described as moderate, and the water can deepen quickly, so sessions suit riders who can manage changing conditions close to shore. For wind sports, the best alignment is north to north-easterly winds (roughly N, NNE, and NE). During the summer months, sea-breeze/thermal effects are common and the effective wind often builds in the afternoon, with typical strong sessions in the 15–25 knots range. Kite riding is generally aimed at intermediate to advanced participants because of the combination of medium-wave energy and rocks. Safety-wise, rocks are the main on-site hazard, with additional submerged rocks noted near the base of The Nut and rocks at both ends of the beach. Rip currents can also occur—especially near rocky headlands—so plan your entry/exit carefully and keep situational awareness high around other beach users and swimmers. Water temperatures are consistently cool to cold (about 13–18°C through the year, depending on month), so a wetsuit such as a 4/3mm is recommended for most days, with boots commonly needed in colder months. Lifeguards are reported as seasonal, and rescue availability is limited, with emergency care reachable via services in Stanley and a hospital around 20 minutes away.

  • Crystal-clear water
  • North/North-Easterly wind alignment for kitesurfing
  • Scenic backdrop under The Nut
  • Medium-wave conditions for wave and freeride riding
  • Shallow-to-quick-deepening beach profile with moderate shore break
Great for
Kitesurfing waveKitesurfing freeride
What's great
  • Crystal-clear water
  • Strong north to north-easterly wind alignment for kitesurfing
  • Scenic setting below The Nut
  • Medium-wave conditions suit wave/free-ride styles for kitesurfers
  • Facilities and beach access are available (showers/toilets and nearby parking)
Heads up
  • Cold water year-round
  • Rocks at both ends and some submerged rocks
  • Moderate rip currents can occur near rocky headlands
  • Wind can be turbulent near The Nut when winds have a westerly or southerly component
  • Space can be limited at high tide
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NNE, NE
Offshore directions
S, SSW, SW, SSE, WSW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Afternoon sea-breeze/thermal component reinforcing summer conditions.
Reliability
Moderate reliability during the summer season.
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
January, February, March, October, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Medium waves, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Medium-wave conditions for wind sports.
Launch
Small — Sandy beach launch below The Nut; easy self-launch but space can be limited at high tide.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Easy in general for self-launch, but limited space can occur at high tide and nearshore rocks require care.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–19 °C
Water Temperature
7–22 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 4/3mmMay–Nov: 5/4mm + Boots, Hood
Crowds by Season

Busy during school holidays and summer weekends; otherwise fairly quiet.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (June to August) are typically wet and dominated by strong westerly fronts.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Medium-wave kitesurfing spot with clear water; works best on north to north-easterly winds. Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders due to rocks and wave conditions.

WaveFreeride
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Good for wave sailing when swell is up and wind is from the north or north-east.

WaveFreeride
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible, but shore break and wave energy can make launching challenging; best for experienced foilers who can handle some swell.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingSkill Level

Produces fun waves locally; best when swell/wrap aligns and winds blow offshore.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Launched/positioned below The Nut with some protection from the surrounding coastline shape versus fully exposed open coast.
Wind Effect
Clean with south or south-west winds offshore here.
Bigger Swell
Can close out when the swell exceeds 3 meters.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium — Fast, punchy peaks.
Ride Length
Short
Typical Ride Length
30–60 m
Ride Length Details
Fast, punchy peaks that can provide short barrels on the right days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Godfreys Beach (Circular Head) in the full forecast view.

Godfreys Beach (Circular Head) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–17 ktsGusts 29 kts
Direction
WSW251°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2817 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–1.0 m4s period
Temperature
7–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, Godfreys Beach (Circular Head) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.2–1.0 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
  • Rip currents
  • Cold water
  • The Nut (wind turbulence)
  • Submerged rocks near the base of The Nut
  • Rocks at both ends of the beach
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHelmetGloves

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Limited rescue availability reported via local volunteer services based in Stanley; no dedicated water rescue station on-site reported.
Emergency Info
Emergency services via 000; Smithton District Hospital is reported as about 20 minutes away. Rescue coverage is reported as limited (no dedicated water rescue station on-site).
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Be mindful of swimmers and other beach users (peak summer visitors). Check tide before heading out because the beach can get very narrow at high tide.

Restrictions
  • Kiting may be restricted in designated swimming areas during peak summer holidays.
Local Tips
  • Check the tide before kiting—space can be limited at high tide.
  • Watch for rocks at both ends of the beach.
  • Park at the northern end for best access to the surf club area.
  • The site’s cold-water conditions mean you should plan for appropriate thermal protection.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Burnie
Nearest Town
Stanley
Nearest Airport
Burnie Airport (BWT)
Parking
Dedicated parking lot near the playground and Godfreys Beach Surf Life Saving Club; parking available near the beach (no specific fees or restrictions mentioned).
Public Transport
Highly limited; private vehicle or rental car essential for accessing the region.
Access
Accessible by car with parking near the beach on the east side of the Stanley peninsula; several access paths from the main road and parking areas.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Picnic area
Playground
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous accommodation options in Stanley, including campsites, historic cottages, and motels.
Food & Drink
Several cafes and restaurants are within walking distance in Stanley.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available on-site; equipment rental not available locally.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A tranquil, scenic escape around Stanley with natural landmarks and historic sites, plus nearby wilderness for day trips.

Best time to visit: Summer (December to February) offers the most pleasant weather for both sightseeing and watersports.
The Nut0.5km

An iconic 143-meter high flat-topped volcanic plug offering panoramic views of the coast.

Highfield Historic Site2km

A preserved 1830s homestead offering insight into the early European settlement of the region.

Tarkine Wilderness Tours40km

Guided access to one of the world's largest cool-temperate rainforests nearby.

Stanley Hotel0.5km

A historic pub known for local Tasmanian seafood and grass-fed beef.

Penguin Observation1km

Evening viewing of Little Penguins returning to their burrows along the shoreline.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Godfreys Beach (Circular Head)?

The best overall months at Godfreys Beach (Circular Head) are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Godfreys Beach (Circular Head)?

Godfreys Beach (Circular Head) works with N, NNE, NE winds. Offshore directions are S, SSW, SW, SSE, WSW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Godfreys Beach (Circular Head)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Godfreys Beach (Circular Head): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Godfreys Beach (Circular Head) suitable for?

Godfreys Beach (Circular Head) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.