Salmon Hole
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Salmon Hole is a fairly exposed, right-hand point break on Yorke Peninsula with very reliable surf over a rocky reef bottom. Reports emphasize steep, challenging waves with a hollow/sucky character, and conditions are described as good when the swell and offshore wind align. The spot is best in offshore east-southeast winds, with a west–southwest groundswelI direction noted as ideal. It’s described as working across all tide stages, though some sources highlight that summer can trend mostly flat, making it more dependable in cooler months—particularly around February. Hazards are a key consideration: the wave breaks over rock with exposed rocks and submerged reef sections, and shark presence is specifically flagged. The area is also remote, with no lifeguard coverage and emergency/medical access being far from the beach, so self-sufficiency and careful planning are strongly advised. Crowds tend to be low: it’s described as rarely crowded, which matches the remote access and limited on-spot amenities. Practical guidance includes checking swell charts carefully, and—given the remote nature—surfing with a friend.
- Very reliable surf for a right-hand point break on rocky reef
- Offshore east-southeast wind alignment
- All-tide-stage waves when swell connects
- Low crowding due to remote access
- Very reliable surf with good wave quality for a right-hand point break.
- Rarely crowded due to the effort required to reach it.
- Works at all tide stages when swell and offshore wind line up.
- Rocky reef bottom and exposed rocks; hazards include sharks.
- Remote location with no lifeguards and limited rescue availability.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, SE
- Offshore directions
- ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- One source describes the best wind as offshore east-southeast; another characterizes wind as frontal. A single wind-type label could not be matched confidently to the schema enums.
- Reliability
- very-reliable
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- February
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs can cause turbulence or shadows depending on direction
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Beach composition conflict: one source describes rocks; another describes sand. The break/bottom is consistently described as rock/reef.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Huge — Wave size described as huge by one source; another describes it as medium depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy beach entry reported, but the spot involves a short walk from parking to access the launch/beach area.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty reported.
Through the year
Rarely crowded; more visitors during school holidays.
Winter months (June to August) are generally wetter and more prone to storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A fairly exposed right-hand point break on a rocky reef, producing hollow/steep and “sucky” waves. Significant swell is typically needed to wrap in and connect properly.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works at all tide stages.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open/exposed point break.
- Wind Effect
- East winds are reported to provide cleaner offshore conditions; west winds can be cross-shore and messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle significant size but may become heavy and prone to strong sweeps.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported as good.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Wave power described as powerful by one source; another describes it as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — One source describes hollow waves; another describes peeling waves. Combined as hollow/peeling nature.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Reported as medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides can be long depending on swell connection.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Reported ride spans include about 50 meters and can extend to roughly 50–150 meters depending on swell connection; one source gives 50 meters and another gives up to 150 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Salmon Hole in the full forecast view.
Salmon Hole wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–17 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- SSW207°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.4 m11s period
- Temperature
- 11–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Salmon Hole is forecast for daytime winds of 5–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.7–1.4 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- rip currents
- remote location
- submerged reef sections
- exposed rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as no (self-sufficient, remote location).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Yorketown or Minlaton (a significant drive away). Emergency calls via 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as mild; the spot is also described as rarely crowded.
Rules of the spot
Park entry fees and regulations apply. No camping on the beach; national park regulations apply.
- No camping on the beach
- National Park regulations apply
- Best to surf with a friend due to the remote nature and shark presence.
- Check swell conditions carefully as it can go flat in summer months.
- Hazards include rocks and sharks; conditions are rarely crowded so be self-reliant.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
- Nearest Town
- Yorke Peninsula
- Parking
- Dedicated gravel parking area near the Salmon Hole lookout
- Public Transport
- Non-existent in the immediate area; a private vehicle is essential for access.
- Access
- Access via unsealed roads within the National Park. A short walk from the car park to the beach is required.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and heritage lodges available within the National Park; motels in Marion Bay.
- Food & Drink
- None at the spot; basic supplies and fuel available in Marion Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available on-site.
- Gear Storage
- No public gear storage facilities in this remote region.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized gear repair services noted on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Tourism is focused on the rugged coastal environment, surfing, and outdoor activities in a largely undeveloped, remote setting.
Numerous trails along limestone cliffs offer views of the Southern Ocean and potential whale sightings.
Popular local dining spot serving wood-fired pizzas and fresh local seafood.
Low tide reveals rockpools along the coastline that are safe for children to explore under supervision.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Salmon Hole?
The best overall months at Salmon Hole are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, January. The best wind months are February.
Which wind directions work at Salmon Hole?
Salmon Hole works with ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are ESE, SE.
What skill level is Salmon Hole suitable for?
Salmon Hole suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.