Jawbones (South Bruny)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Jawbones (South Bruny) is an exposed right-hand point break on Tasmania’s East Coast that’s known for fairly consistent surf—most notably in autumn, and especially April. The wave is right-handed and typically requires a solid south (or south/southwest) swell to wrap around the rugged coastal cliffs, shaping into a peeling right over a rocky base. Wind can strongly influence usability: April has a split between clean, surfable conditions and blown-out periods, with winds often trending offshore when northwest winds line up. When winds shift, the spot can turn cross-shore, and gustier or turbulent conditions are possible near the cliffs. Overall, it’s a spot for prepared surfers rather than a forgiving beginner location. Hazards are a core part of the picture. Expect rocks/submerged rocks, strong currents with potential rip currents along the point, and shark activity noted for the area. Water is cold year-round (low-to-mid teens Celsius across most months), and heavier kelp coverage and steep rocky entry mean you should plan for a high-commitment session and only go when conditions are clearly within your comfort and skill range. Because access is remote and rescue/lifeguards are not available on site, safety planning matters: go with a partner when possible, bring the right cold-water gear, and make sure your plan accounts for unreliable mobile reception and limited on-site rescue capability. The spot is rarely crowded, but that solitude comes from the effort required to reach it (often by hike or boat).
- Consistent exposed point-break surf, especially in autumn
- Good waves across all tide stages
- Offshore northwest winds can improve shape
- Rarely crowded
- Exposed point break with fairly consistent surf, especially in April
- Good surf across all tide stages
- Rarely crowded due to access difficulty
- Clear, high-quality wave potential when south swells meet offshore winds
- Remote and isolated access with difficult entry
- Rocks and strong currents/rips increase risk
- Very cold water year-round (advanced cold-water readiness required)
- Spot can become blown out at times and can get very heavy on bigger swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW, W
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Reliability
- Moderate (spot-level), with April showing a mix of clean and blown-out conditions.
- Gust Factor
- April often trends blown out rather than clean (about 28% blown out vs 50% clean).
- Best Months
- April
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs can cause local turbulence or wind shadows close to shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy with rocks reported alongside rocky hazards.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Heavier right-hander that can hold significant size on the right swell.
- Launch
- Small — Difficult rocky entry; many surfers use a nearby cove or boat access.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Difficult rocky entry and remote access.
Through the year
Rarely crowded; difficult access keeps visitor numbers low year-round.
Winter months can see frequent southern ocean fronts and storm activity.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed right-hand point break with fairly consistent surf. Requires a significant swell to wrap into the coast and forms a heavy right-hander over a rocky base.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works across tide stages (spot guide notes good surf at all stages of the tide).
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open and fully exposed point; surrounded by cliffs and rocky sections with limited shelter.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore in northwest winds; cross-shore in west winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size but becomes very heavy and dangerous; needs solid swell to wrap the rugged cliffs.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Generally good quality, best when south swells combine with northwest offshore winds.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Heavy right-hander that can become very heavy and dangerous on larger swells.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Longer sections possible when swell is large enough to connect around the point.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides can offer long sections when the swell is large enough to connect the point.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jawbones (South Bruny) in the full forecast view.
Jawbones (South Bruny) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–18 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- WSW253°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2818 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–3.5 m10s period
- Temperature
- 8–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Jawbones (South Bruny) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 1.2–3.5 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- rocks
- rip currents
- sharks
- submerged rocks
- heavy kelp
- steep cliffs
- remote location
- extreme cold water
- strong currents
- thick kelp beds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards confirmed on site.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site rescue is confirmed; emergency response is coordinated via Tasmania Police and Hobart-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Alonnah or Hobart; mobile reception is unreliable. Emergency number: 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues reported for this spot.
Rules of the spot
Follow standard surf etiquette (spot is remote and access-limited).
- Access limited by South Bruny National Park regulations.
- Spot is often reached by boat to avoid the arduous overland trek.
- Best to surf with a partner due to isolation and shark risk.
- Plan for offshore wind when available, but expect cross-shore conditions when winds shift.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kingborough
- Nearest Town
- South Bruny
- Nearest Airport
- Hobart International Airport (HBA)
- Parking
- Limited parking at national park trailheads far from the actual spot.
- Public Transport
- Extremely limited; a private vehicle and ferry crossing from Kettering are required to access the region.
- Access
- Located on South Bruny Island, East Coast of Tasmania; requires drive to Bruny Island then local access to Jawbones point.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping within South Bruny National Park or holiday rentals in Alonnah.
- Food & Drink
- None at the spot; basic supplies available in Adventure Bay or Alonnah.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available on Bruny Island; gear must be brought from Hobart.
- Gear Storage
- Not available; riders typically store gear in personal vehicles or local accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- No professional repair services on the island; nearest specialized services are in Hobart.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A wilderness-first destination where visitors pair outdoor adventures with local food and drink.
Historic 1836 lighthouse offering panoramic views of the rugged southern coastline.
Area of significant Aboriginal heritage and pristine wilderness protecting local flora and fauna.
Eco-cruises exploring sea caves, rock stacks, and seals along the high cliffs.
Famous local producer of artisan cheeses and craft beer.
Classic island pub serving local seafood and pub favorites in Alonnah.
Timber stairs leading to a view of the narrow isthmus; great for spotting fairy penguins at dusk.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Jawbones (South Bruny)?
The best overall months at Jawbones (South Bruny) are March, April, May. The best wind months are April.
Which wind directions work at Jawbones (South Bruny)?
Jawbones (South Bruny) works with N, NW, W winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What skill level is Jawbones (South Bruny) suitable for?
Jawbones (South Bruny) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.