Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania) is a remote, exposed surfing beach break on South Bruny’s east coast, where the Southern Ocean drives cold but clean water conditions. The coastline setup can produce powerful waves, and the spot is typically most reliable in winter—particularly around July—with a northwest wind pattern that often supports cleaner surf. Surf is mainly left-hand at the beach-break, with the best results reported at high tide. It’s described as a cobble-and-sandy setup with submerged hazards near headlands, and the surf zone can be limited—so while rides may be short to medium, there can be decent wall sections when conditions aren’t overpowered. Safety is a major factor here: rocks and strong rip currents are key hazards, and sharks are also listed as a risk. The area has no lifeguard/patrol coverage, and rescue availability is effectively not present on-beach—so self-rescue capability, careful positioning away from hazards, and practical preparation (first aid and communication) are essential. For staying comfortable and safe, thick wetsuits with boots are strongly recommended due to cold water temperatures. Wind and swell are highly weather-driven in this wilderness setting, with winter fronts bringing the most consistent surf windows and the potential for disorganized, heavy conditions on the largest days.

  • Exposed Southern Ocean beach-break with winter reliability (best month: July)
  • Northwest winds often provide clean/offshore conditions
  • Remote wilderness setting near Cape Bruny Lighthouse
  • Cold water year-round—thick wetsuit and footwear recommended
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed Southern Ocean beach-break surf with generally consistent conditions in winter
  • Offshore northwest winds can help keep conditions clean
  • Relatively few surfers even on good days
Heads up
  • Exposed coastline with cold water year-round
  • Remote access and limited/no on-site services
  • Rocks and strong rip currents increase risk
  • Can close out on very large swells
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW
Offshore directions
NW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Northwest winds associated with Southern Ocean frontal systems.
Reliability
Moderate; highly dependent on Southern Ocean frontal systems.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
Best Months
July
Shadow Zones
Cliffs near the lighthouse can create turbulence in certain wind directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Concrete — Beach composition reported as concrete by one source; other sources describe cobble/cobble-and-sandy conditions, especially near the high-tide cobble beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Big — Reported from medium up to huge depending on conditions.
Launch
Medium — Crenulate ~150m long high-tide cobble beach in the northeastern corner; main beach curves roughly 1km west to southwest.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty reported.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
11–18 °C
Water Temperature
9–22 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mm or 5/4mm
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet year-round due to the remote location.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see frequent cold fronts and storm activity.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed cobble-and-sandy beach break on South Bruny’s east coast with consistent Southern Ocean energy, mainly left-hand waves in many sets. Best at high tide; surf can close out when swell gets very large.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
High — Works at all tides, but high tide is optimal.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed to the Southern Ocean; open coastal exposure with minimal protection.
Wind Effect
Northwest winds are described as providing clean, offshore conditions for the surf.
Bigger Swell
With very large Southern Ocean swells, waves can become heavy and disorganized and prone to closing out.
Wave Quality
Average — Reported as average overall; can be good when conditions line up.
Wave Power
Powerful — Can become heavy/disorganized when swell is very large; otherwise moderate power at times.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Mixed wave shapes reported.
Peel Speed
Medium — Reported as medium peel speed.
Ride Length
Short — One source describes short rides; another notes decent sections but with closing-out as swell grows.
Ride Length Details
Roughly 80m wide surf zone; generally short rides.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania) in the full forecast view.

Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–19 ktsGusts 33 kts
Direction
W262°
Strongest day
Wed, Oct 2819 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
1.2–3.4 m10s period
Temperature
8–16 °C

Over the next 7 days, Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 1.2–3.4 m with a period of about 10s. 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

  • Rips/strong rip currents
  • Rocks
  • Sharks
  • Kelp
  • Remote location
  • Strong rip against the eastern headland
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestHelmetLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard or surf life saving patrols reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated on-beach rescue service; remote access and self-rescue planning required.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Alonnah; for major emergencies, transport to Hobart is required.

Rules of the spot

Park entry fees and regulations apply; no services provided by surf life saving.

Restrictions
  • No camping on the beach
  • National Park regulations
Local Tips
  • No surf life saving patrols—plan for self-rescue.
  • Use caution around the eastern headland due to strong rip currents.
  • Rocks extend about 100m offshore to the west.
  • Bring a very thick wetsuit and communication/first aid for a remote beach.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Hobart
Nearest Town
Alonnah
Nearest Airport
Hobart International Airport (HBA)
Parking
Parking is available at the Cape Bruny Lighthouse area or designated trailheads within the National Park.
Public Transport
Extremely limited; a vehicle is required to board the Bruny Island ferry from Kettering, with no public transit on the island itself.
Access
Accessible via a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle through South Bruny National Park, followed by a walk to the beach. Parking is available at the Cape Bruny Lighthouse area or designated trailheads within the National Park.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping is available at Jetty Beach nearby; various holiday rentals are located in Alonnah and Lunawanna.
Food & Drink
No facilities at the beach; nearest supplies are in Lunawanna or Alonnah.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available locally; bring all gear from Hobart.
Gear Storage
No public gear storage facilities available in the national park area.
Gear Repair
No repair services on the island; nearest services are located in greater Hobart.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Cape Bruny’s area is known for rugged southern coastline scenery, nature viewing, and lighthouse history.

Best time to visit: December to February for best weather and access to outdoor activities.
Cape Bruny Lighthouse2 km

Historic 1836 lighthouse with panoramic views of the rugged southern coastline.

South Bruny National Park Hiking0 km

Coastal tracks including the Labillardiere Peninsula circuit.

Bruny Island Premium Wines22 km

Local produce and dining.

Jetty Beach Camping and Swimming3 km

Sheltered beach suitable for families and swimming within the national park.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania)?

The best overall months at Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania) are March, April, May, June, July, August. The best wind months are July.

Which wind directions work at Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania)?

Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania) works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.

What skill level is Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania) suitable for?

Lighthouse Bay (Tasmania) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.