Port Latta
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Port Latta is a sheltered crescent-shaped sandy bay on Tasmania’s northwest coast, backed by headlands and incorporating a shallow lagoon system that can offer calmer water. Conditions are described as crystal clear, with small to medium wave activity depending on swell and wind strength. Wind is most consistently northerly to north-northeasterly/ northeast in the summer season, with a sea-breeze pattern favoring afternoon riding on sunny days. While typical wind figures vary by source, conditions are generally described as light to moderate at times and seasonal overall, meaning sessions can be dependent on the day’s weather and timing rather than being reliably strong every visit. For kitesurfing, the bay is commonly framed as suitable for intermediate riders due to the combination of protected areas and nearby areas that can get more complex near port infrastructure. The wind direction window is generally stated as N to NE, with sources also highlighting NW winds (around 315°) as capable of producing true side-shore alignment. Safety at Port Latta centers on the industrial port environment: hazards include the mole/jetty used for iron ore loading, rocky outcrops near the entrance points, and ship/port infrastructure. Keep well clear of the immediate vicinity of the ship loading area and any exclusion zones, and maintain a safe distance from the jetty to avoid turbulence and wind-shadow effects. Bring appropriate thermal protection throughout the year due to consistently cold water temperatures, and note that there is no dedicated lifeguard or beach rescue base—plan for self-sufficiency and emergency access.
- Sheltered sandy bay with clear water
- Summer afternoon northerly sea breezes can be the most consistent wind pattern
- Industrial jetty/mole is the key hazard—keep clear of port exclusion zones
- Cold water year-round—thermal protection is essential
- Clear water and protected, crescent-shaped sandy bay
- Northerly sea breezes in summer can provide consistent side-on conditions
- Shallow lagoon areas can offer calmer water between gustier/turbulent sections
- Low wind reliability makes it a weather-dependent, seasonal spot
- Industrial port setting with important exclusion zones and turbulence risk near the jetty/ship-loading area
- Cold water year-round requiring strong thermal protection
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE
- Wind Range
- 9.1–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Northerly sea breezes in summer afternoons; also strong NW winds mentioned for side-shore conditions.
- Reliability
- Low
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach with shallow lagoon area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Small to medium conditions reported depending on swell and wind strength.
- Launch
- Medium — Crescent-shaped sandy beach backed by forested headlands with shallow lagoon system; also described as a sandy beach area adjacent to industrial port infrastructure.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Generally quiet; mostly local riders.
Winter months (June to August) are wetter and cooler.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Sheltered crescent-shaped sandy bay on Tasmania’s northwest coast with clear water and side-on/northerly winds suitable for intermediate kitesurfers; small to medium waves depending on swell and wind.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable in northerly wind conditions, though less frequented than kitesurfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
The depth and consistent wind can support foiling, but riders must watch for the jetty structure.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly per source; maintain distance from the jetty.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Port Latta in the full forecast view.
Port Latta wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–16 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- WSW256°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2816 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.8 m4s period
- Temperature
- 7–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Port Latta is forecast for daytime winds of 4–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.2–0.8 m with a period of about 4s. 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
- mole
- rocky outcrops framing both entrance points
- industrial jetty and port infrastructure
- large shipping vessels
- cold water temperatures
- iron ore dust from facility
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated rescue base at the beach; emergency services are dispatched from nearby towns.
- Emergency Info
- In an emergency, dial 000. No dedicated rescue base is available on the beach.
Rules of the spot
Avoid the immediate vicinity of the ship loading/industrial port exclusion zones and keep distance from the jetty structure.
- National Park Pass required (purchased in Hobart or Launceston to access the area)
- Restricted access near port infrastructure
- The shallow lagoon area can be calmer, but tidal movements create visible current patterns.
- Keep a safe distance from the jetty to avoid turbulent water and wind shadows.
- Expect cold water year-round—use appropriate thermal protection.
- A National Park Pass is required to access the area.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Burnie
- Nearest Town
- Smithton
- Nearest Airport
- Burnie Wynyard Airport (BWT)
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the beach access.
- Public Transport
- Extremely limited; a private vehicle is required to reach the area and transport equipment.
- Access
- A National Park Pass must be purchased in Hobart or Launceston to access the area. Public access near the port area; parking is limited.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels, cottages, and campsites are available in nearby Stanley and Smithton.
- Food & Drink
- Nearest options in Rocky Cape or Smithton.
- Equipment Rental:
- No equipment rental is available locally; visitors must bring their own gear.
- Gear Storage
- No public gear storage facilities available.
- Gear Repair
- None in the immediate vicinity; limited services may be found in larger cities such as Launceston.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged Northwest Tasmania coastline with strong weather exposure, plus heritage and nature experiences centered around Stanley and the wider Tarkine region.
An iconic 143-meter high volcanic plug offering panoramic views of the coastline.
A historic 1830s homestead offering insight into the early European settlement of the region.
Explore one of the world’s largest cool temperate rainforests via walking tracks and river cruises.
A historic pub known for local Tasmanian beef and seafood.
A large coastal reserve suitable for camping, birdwatching, and family walks.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Port Latta?
The best overall months at Port Latta are December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Port Latta?
Port Latta works with N, NNE, NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Port Latta?
Recommended equipment sizes at Port Latta: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 9.1–25 kts.
What skill level is Port Latta suitable for?
Port Latta suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.