Red Bluff 2
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Red Bluff 2 is a remote, exposed left-hand reef surf break on the rugged Gascoyne/Ningaloo coastline. It’s known for hollow, mechanical barrels forming over an urchin-infested reef, with the kind of performance that attracts only experienced-to-expert wave riders. The break is described as reef-break with excellent wave quality when conditions line up. It works best at mid tide and is optimized for south-west groundswells in winter, with multiple sources emphasizing winter (especially May to June) as the key period for strong, consistent surf. One provider also notes the spot can hold very large surf (up to around 10 feet) and that big swell tends to make the waves very heavy and hollow. Wind at this location is typically east to south-east in winter conditions, with one guide reporting a relatively high proportion of “clean” wind days (71% clean) though a meaningful “blown” portion (28%). Providers describe east winds as cleaner offshore, while south-east can be more cross-offshore, so checking real-time wind is critical before committing. Safety is the overriding constraint: the reef is sharp and urchin-infested, with sharks reported as an additional hazard. The nearest medical facilities are in Carnarvon (hours away), and there are no lifeguards; riders should expect self-rescue and be fully self-sufficient with water, fuel, and appropriate protective gear.
- Iconic left-hand reef break with hollow, mechanical barrels
- Winter surf window (May–June emphasized by multiple sources)
- Remote, off-grid camping access centered around Quobba area
- Iconic, high-performance left-hand reef break.
- Hollow, mechanical barrels with very strong potential on the right swell.
- Water quality described as pristine/crystal-clear (remote Ningaloo fringe conditions).
- Extremely remote; help can be hours away.
- Sharp reef and urchins make falls and wipeouts high-risk.
- No lifeguards; rescue is not assured.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — A mix of offshore/easterly airflow and exposed coastal wind conditions in winter.
- Reliability
- 28% blown, 71% clean (surf-forecast guide).
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Providers indicate light gusting conditions at times; wind can still vary significantly due to exposure.
- Best Months
- May, June
- Shadow Zones
- The bluff itself provides some protection from southerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/rocky coast with reef bottom.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Huge — Providers describe from big to huge, with very large potential depending on swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky entry/exit points across the reef flat; launch approach is difficult.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Rocky entry/exit points across reef flat; sharp/urchin hazards make it difficult.
Through the year
Low to moderate; limited by the remote nature and camping capacity.
Cyclone season can occur between November and April.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed left-hand reef break delivering hollow, mechanical barrels over an urchin-infested reef. Capable of very large surf and holding significant size on big swell.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best on mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open and exposed coastline exposure.
- Wind Effect
- East winds are clean offshore; south-east can be cross-offshore. One provider notes east-southeast is best.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size; becomes very heavy and hollow; can hold size up to 10 feet.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Often described as delivering excellent quality barrels/lines.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Very-powerful to powerful depending on swell connection.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow, mechanical sections; can hold up to very large surf.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Providers disagree slightly: one says medium, the other says fast.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides can range widely; one provider cites 100–200 m depending on swell connection.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer rides between 100 and 200 meters depending on swell connection.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Red Bluff 2 in the full forecast view.
Red Bluff 2 wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–23 ktsGusts 36 kts
- Direction
- S189°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2423 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.6 m8s period
- Temperature
- 15–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Red Bluff 2 is forecast for daytime winds of 7–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 36 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.8–2.6 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
- Sharp reef
- Rocks
- Urchins
- Urchin-infested reef
- Sharks
- Strong rip currents possible during large swells
- Remote location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — One provider indicates no rescue availability; group context describes rescue as limited (no formal rescue/lifeguards).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical support is Carnarvon Hospital; emergency contacts can include the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Dial 000, though mobile reception can be limited.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism noted by one provider; another lists localism as none.
Rules of the spot
Respect local rules at Quobba Station and stick to established tracks.
- No dogs allowed on Quobba Station (per provider info).
- Remote camping regulations apply.
- Experienced surfers only; the spot is remote and requires self-rescue capability.
- Carry plenty of fresh water and fuel as the site is extremely remote.
- A 4WD is highly recommended for access.
- Nearest medical facilities are in Carnarvon (over 100 km away).
- Respect local camping rules at Quobba Station and use established tracks.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Carnarvon
- Nearest Town
- Carnarvon
- Nearest Airport
- Carnarvon Airport (CVQ)
- Parking
- Limited parking available is mentioned, but one provider also notes basic parking near campsites/launch points.
- Access
- Drive north from Perth for over 14 hours to Carnarvon, then proceed into the Gnaraloo region; branch off at Gnaraloo Station sign and follow a dusty 4X4-only track. Providers also describe access via unsealed roads from Quobba Station with high clearance/4WD.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is available in the Quobba area (including Red Bluff/Quobba camping).
- Food & Drink
- None available on-site; visitors must bring all their own supplies.
- Equipment Rental:
- None available on-site.
- Gear Storage
- None available.
- Gear Repair
- None available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Rugged, nature-focused coastline with off-grid camping and adventure activities centered on surf and marine life.
Powerful ocean swells force water through sea caves, creating spectacular jets of water.
The region holds significant cultural importance for the local Baiyungu and Yinidbarndi people.
World-class left-hand reef breaks and vibrant snorkeling in the Ningaloo fringe reef.
A very basic outpost selling essentials, coffee, and occasional snacks.
Explore diverse marine life in low-tide rock pools along the coast.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Red Bluff 2?
The best overall months at Red Bluff 2 are May, June.
Which wind directions work at Red Bluff 2?
Red Bluff 2 works with E, ESE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SE.
What skill level is Red Bluff 2 suitable for?
Red Bluff 2 suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.