Hazards Beach (Glamorgan-Spring Bay)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing straplessKitesurfing foilKitesurfing freestyle
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • Remote location with limited mobile reception
  • Cold water in winter
  • Limited/ no dedicated rescue availability
  • Choppy water; small-wave surf quality is generally poor
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–20 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Aug: 3/2mm steamer / spring suitJun, Jul: 4/3mm or 5/4mm steamer with boots + Boots
Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see more frequent frontal systems and rainfall.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

FreerideWaveStraplessFoil
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for freeride and slalom, though the walk-in access makes transporting gear difficult without a boat.

FreerideSlalom
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingSkill Level

Rarely a primary surf destination; mostly sheltered from major swells, though small clean waves can appear during large southwesterly swell events.

Beach break
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
Forecast

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.

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

  • Remote location
  • Cold water
  • No vehicle access
  • Limited mobile reception
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • National Park entry fee applies
  • No camping on the beach (designated campsites only)
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Picnic area
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Wineglass Bay Lookout5km

A famous scenic viewpoint offering views over the crescent-shaped bay.

Freycinet Adventures4km

Guided sea kayaking tours exploring the coastline of the peninsula.

Muirs Beach4km

Popular swimming and beach-walking area near the Coles Bay township.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.