Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Hazards Beach (Glamorgan–Spring Bay) is a remote, wide sandy beach offering choppy conditions and crystal-clear water that can work well for kitesurfing, especially when strong westerly fronts move through. The best wind window is centered on June to August, with a typical wind band around 15–25 knots and the wind generally coming from the west (with additional W/SW/NW components). For riders, the water is described as chop with small waves, which tends to make it a freeride-friendly setup that can also suit wave-oriented sessions depending on conditions. The spot is typically best for intermediate riders, and winter water temperatures are commonly around the low teens °C, making thermal protection a key part of planning. Access is a major part of the experience: it’s reachable via about 10 km south of Cole’s Bay on a dirt road, but practical gear movement is commonly done by boat from Coles Bay or via a dedicated hike along the Isthmus Track (with parking available at the Freycinet National Park car park area). Amenities are limited at the beach itself, so expect to be self-sufficient and plan for the return trip before conditions change. Safety planning matters here. The area is inside Freycinet National Park (a park pass is required), the beach is remote with limited mobile reception, and there is no lifeguard presence. In colder months and during frontal weather, treat the trip as wilderness riding: keep within park rules (including no camping on the beach), bring the right wetsuit/foot protection for the water temperature, and ensure you have a clear emergency plan (emergency services via 000).
- Low-profile, forecast-driven kitesurfing in a national-park setting
- Crystal-clear water with chop and small waves
- Strong westerly-front months: June, July, August
- Remote access that keeps crowd levels low
- Strong westerly wind windows in winter
- Crystal-clear water and a wide sandy beach
- Typically very quiet sessions due to remote access
- Within Freycinet National Park with pristine scenery
- Remote location with limited mobile reception
- Cold water in winter
- Limited/ no dedicated rescue availability
- Choppy water; small-wave surf quality is generally poor
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal westerlies are noted as the best wind for the spot.
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small waves; overall conditions described as chop.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Choppy water is a defining characteristic.
- Launch
- Big — Large, wide sandy beach stretching several kilometers along the western side of the Freycinet Isthmus.
Through the year
Winter months see more frequent frontal systems and rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Choppy conditions with small waves over crystal-clear water. Best suited for freeride with occasional wave/strapless/foil options depending on wind strength; remote wilderness access contributes to low crowding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for freeride and slalom, though the walk-in access makes transporting gear difficult without a boat.
Sandy bottom and clear water are foil-friendly, provided you can transport the gear to the beach.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Rarely a primary surf destination; mostly sheltered from major swells, though small clean waves can appear during large southwesterly swell events.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Mostly sheltered from major swells; occasional small waves with large southwesterly swell.
- Wind Effect
- West winds are onshore; east winds are offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can occasionally see small, clean waves during large southwesterly swell events.
- Wave Quality
- Poor
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Short
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay) in the full forecast view.
Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- WSW239°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.4 m7s period
- Temperature
- 9–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.7–1.4 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Remote location
- Cold water
- No vehicle access
- Limited mobile reception
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated kite/windsurf rescue service is available.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Swansea or Bicheno. In an emergency, contact Tasmania Police or SES. Emergency number: 000.
Rules of the spot
Located within Freycinet National Park; a valid park pass is required. Follow all park regulations regarding wildlife and waste.
- National Park entry fee applies
- No camping on the beach (designated campsites only)
- Access is about 10 km south of Cole’s Bay on a dirt road.
- The easiest way to access with gear is by boat from Coles Bay; if walking, use the Isthmus Track from the Wineglass Bay car park.
- A valid park pass is required and there is no camping on the beach (use designated campsites only).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hobart
- Nearest Town
- Coles Bay
- Nearest Airport
- Hobart International Airport (HBA) — approximately 160 km.
- Parking
- Parking available at the main Freycinet National Park walker's car park at the end of Freycinet Drive.
- Public Transport
- Limited bus services (Tassielink) connect to Coles Bay, but a private car is necessary for transporting equipment.
- Access
- About 10 km south of Cole’s Bay on a dirt road. Access also requires either boat from Coles Bay or a 30–45 minute hike (approx. 3 km) via the Isthmus Track from the Freycinet National Park car park.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is available at nearby Hazards Beach campsite (bookings required); various lodges and rentals are available in Coles Bay.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on the beach; shops and restaurants are located in Coles Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available at the beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A famous scenic viewpoint offering views over the crescent-shaped bay.
Guided sea kayaking tours exploring the coastline of the peninsula.
Popular swimming and beach-walking area near the Coles Bay township.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay)?
The best overall months at Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay) are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay)?
Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay) works with W, SW, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay) suitable for?
Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.