Marion Bay
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Marion Bay is an exposed sandy beach break on Tasmania’s east coast known for fairly consistent surf and multiple wave-catching areas along the long shoreline. Surf quality is generally best when a clean southern swell lines up with offshore winds from the West or Northwest. Conditions are described as exposed, and the water is cold year-round—so cold-water readiness (wetsuit and thermal protection) is a core part of going out. The southern end is associated with the Boneyard right-hand break when conditions are working, while the main beach can be quieter at times and still offers minor surf. Several peaks along the beach make it easier to spread out and find your own line near the access points. Safety-wise, rip currents are a key hazard across the beach peaks, and the location is isolated with no reported lifeguards. If swell is very large, the southern end may offer a bit more protection, but larger sets can still close out after roughly the 3-meter scale.
- 8.2 km long exposed sandy beach with multiple peaks
- Boneyard right-hand break at the southern end
- Offshore West/Northwest winds improve surf cleanliness
- Cold-water surfing environment
- Exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf
- Multiple peaks along a long sandy stretch help find less crowded waves
- Offshore West/Northwest winds support cleaner surf
- Exposed conditions and cold water
- Rip currents are common across the beach peaks
- No lifeguards on site
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind dominated by westerly flow/frontal systems.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- High dunes can provide minor shelter from very low-angle winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach occupying most of the western shore of Marion Bay area.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Also described as having medium waves depending on swell conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Long, open sandy beach along much of the coast.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Long slightly curving beach; easy access from the parking area.
Through the year
Generally quiet, but can get busier during summer holidays or when a major festival is in town.
Rain is possible year-round, with more frequent frontal systems in winter.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed sandy beach break with fairly consistent surf and several peaks along the coastline; the southern end includes Boneyard, known for a right-hand point break when conditions are working.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from West or Northwest are best; easterly winds create heavier chop. Generally works with offshore winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells up to around 3 meters before closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can produce relatively long rides on well-formed sandbanks, especially with a clean southern swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Marion Bay in the full forecast view.
Marion Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–15 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- WSW258°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2915 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 6–18 °C
Over the next 7 days, Marion Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 6–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.6–1.3 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
- Rip currents
- Cold water
- Isolated location
- Moderate hazard rating (5/10)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-water rescue services reported; area monitored by Tasmania Police and the State Emergency Service (SES).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Hobart; emergency services reachable via 000.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local environment.
- Spring wetsuit and neoprene boots recommended; the water is cold.
- Boneyard is the main surf break; the main beach can have minor surf.
- Multiple peaks mean you can usually find space near the access points.
- The southern end can offer a bit more protection if the swell is very large.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hobart
- Nearest Town
- Sorell
- Parking
- Parking available; 100–200m walk from car park to the beach (also parking near main beach access points).
- Public Transport
- Very limited; a personal vehicle is required to access the region's coastline and sports launches.
- Access
- Accessible by road via Arthur Highway and Marion Bay Road.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Marion Bay Caravan Park plus local holiday rentals.
- Food & Drink
- General store and a few local cafes in the nearby town area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is limited on-site; visitors are generally advised to bring their own gear or rent from shops in Hobart.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Wildlife viewing (wombats) and historic ruins; short drive and ferry ride to the terminal.
Unique geological formation and tunnel through sandstone cliffs.
World-class multi-day coastal hiking trail on the Tasman Peninsula.
Winery and restaurant overlooking the bay and local farmland.
Naturally occurring geological formation that looks like a man-made tiled floor.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Marion Bay?
The best overall months at Marion Bay are July. The best wind months are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Marion Bay?
Marion Bay works with W, WNW winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW.
What skill level is Marion Bay suitable for?
Marion Bay suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.