Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Lighthouse Bombie is an exposed offshore reef break near Exmouth, known for heavy, powerful swell and hollow, fast-peeling peaks when a proper southwest swell lines up. The spot is tied to a remote launch/outboard context where conditions can change quickly, and it is generally suited to advanced surfers. Wind and swell don’t always line up perfectly, but the break is typically best with south-east wind and works with south-west (SW) swells. Guides also emphasize that a big swell is needed to start the spot working properly, and that it can hold very large swells and stay rideable when other breaks close out. Safety is a major theme for this location: it’s an offshore reef with rocks, sharp reef sections, strong currents/ocean sweeps, and shark presence, along with distance from shore. Advice is to use a boat for access due to the remoteness and to surf with a partner. Seasonally, July is highlighted as the best month, with winter generally being the optimal period for consistent swell. Water temperatures are typically cool in winter (low 20s °C in June/July/August), and conditions are often described as excellent for clarity thanks to the Ningaloo Marine Park context.
- Exposed offshore reef with powerful, hollow peaks on suitable SW swells
- Winter-focused window (best month: July) with cooler water
- Very clear water within Ningaloo Marine Park
- Exceptionally clear water (Ningaloo Marine Park) with ocean-swell conditions.
- Southwest swells can produce powerful, hollow peaks with rideable large-swell behavior.
- Best conditions are concentrated in winter months.
- Exposed offshore reef with heavy, powerful waves that can be difficult to access and surf safely.
- Hazards include rocks and sharks, plus strong currents and submerged reef areas.
- Low public rating/documentation and remote conditions reduce margin for error.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, SE
- Offshore directions
- SE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds with strong sea-breeze influence in afternoons.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Dir: S, SW · Strong thermal reinforcement/sea-breeze winds build through the afternoon (spring–summer pattern in the region).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Reef
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Big — Holds large swells; requires a big swell to work properly.
- Launch
- Big — Accessible by boat or an extremely long paddle from nearby mainland beaches near Vlamingh Head.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult
Through the year
Generally low profile, but can get busy when swell is large.
January to March (cyclone season).
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed offshore reef break (bombora) near Exmouth. It tends to hold heavy swell and works best with a southwest swell, typically requiring a big swell to start properly.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Surf-forecast guidance also notes suitability across low/mid/high tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East winds are offshore and groom the face; best with south-east wind.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds very large swells and remains rideable when other spots close out.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer longer rides/walls on larger swells.
- Ride Length Details
- Long walls on larger swells; ride length described as medium overall.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth) in the full forecast view.
Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–22 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- SSW206°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2522 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 17–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–22 kts, peaking around 22 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.7–2.3 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- Sharks
- Sharp reef
- Strong currents
- Distance from shore
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue availability for the spot described; the remote area generally requires self-sufficiency.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facility is Exmouth Health Service in Exmouth township; national emergency number is 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies.
- Access by boat is highly recommended due to the distance from shore.
- Always surf with a partner due to the remote nature and shark presence.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Exmouth
- Nearest Town
- Exmouth
- Nearest Airport
- Learmonth Airport (LEA)
- Parking
- Parking on Marine Drive; also parking at the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse or nearby boat ramps.
- Access
- Parking available on Marine Drive; spot itself is located offshore from the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and generally requires a boat or an extremely long paddle.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Caravan parks and hotels in Exmouth.
- Food & Drink
- Available in Exmouth town.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through specialized shops in Exmouth town centre.
- Gear Storage
- Storage facilities are limited; most visitors store gear at their accommodation or in their vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- Gear repair available in Exmouth town (basic repairs facilitated locally; major repairs may require shipping).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged, remote coastline linked to the Ningaloo Marine Park with dramatic reef-influenced breaks and strong seasonal nature tourism.
An iconic historic lighthouse with panoramic views of the Ningaloo Reef and seasonal whale watching.
Seasonal tours to swim with whale sharks along the Ningaloo Reef.
A local microbrewery and eatery in Exmouth.
A calm, shallow bay suitable for family snorkeling and swimming in pristine waters.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth)?
The best overall months at Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth) are May, June, July, August. The best wind months are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth)?
Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth) works with E, SE winds. Offshore directions are SE.
What skill level is Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth) suitable for?
Lighthouse Bombie (Exmouth) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.