The Bombie and Boat Ramp
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
The Bombie and Boat Ramp is an exposed reef break at Gnarabup, known for consistent surf and a two-part setup: an inner reef (Boat Ramp) and a heavier outer peak (Bombie). It’s an energetic, reef-dominated lineup with left-hand performance commonly highlighted, while a right-hand option is also available. Autumn is the standout season for reliable conditions, with May listed as the best month. Wind direction strongly affects wave quality: east-northeast to east winds tend to be offshore and groom the face, while onshore directions can make the surf messy. Conditions are also strongly tied to swell size—working ranges are typically associated with solid southwest/west swell. Safety considerations are central here. The spot is surrounded by sharp reef and rocks, with long paddles and strong currents reported, especially during big swell periods. Shark risk is a major warning for the area, and activity is described as particularly notable during salmon runs. Crowd levels are generally low due to the difficulty and power of the wave, though the Boat Ramp can still attract locals when conditions look good. Access and logistics require preparation: the outer Bombie often involves a long paddle and can be a tow-in situation on extreme swells, so watch boat traffic and local priority near the ramp.
- Consistent exposed reef surf
- Left-hand reef performance with a right-hand option
- Mid-tide commonly best
- Autumn peak with May as best month
- Exposed reef break with generally consistent surf
- Classic left-hand reef option with a right-hand alternative
- Works best around mid tide and is most consistently surfable during autumn (peak in May)
- Expert-level heavy surf potential with reef hazards
- Strong currents and powerful rip effects common during large swells
- Shark activity is a notable risk, particularly during salmon runs
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, SE, NNE
- Offshore directions
- E, NNE
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Spot wind conditions can depend on frontal systems (winter) and higher-pressure patterns.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on frontal systems and high-pressure ridges.
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Close to the cliffs at Gnarabup, wind can be slightly shadowed or turbulent.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Reef
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Big — Outer Bombie can become extremely large on bigger swells.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Onshore wind can create messier conditions; east winds typically groom the face.
- Launch
- Medium — Launch is typically from the Gnarabup boat ramp or the adjacent sandy beach.
Through the year
Rarely crowded overall; the Boat Ramp can be busier with locals on good days.
Winter (June to August) brings frequent storms and onshore winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Primarily a surfing destination; advanced windsurfers may ride the Boat Ramp on high-wind days with moderate swells.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Exposed reef break with consistent surf, combining an inner reef break (Boat Ramp) and a heavy outer peak (Bombie). The best option is typically left-hand reef, with a right-hand option also present.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- WSW, W
- Swell Height
- 2–8 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, exposed reef coastline.
- Wind Effect
- East/Northeast winds are typically offshore and groom the face; West/Northwest winds are typically onshore and messy.
- Bigger Swell
- The outer Bombie holds massive sizes; it generally begins working properly as swell exceeds double overhead.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent
- Wave Power
- Very powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Outer Bombie offers long, high-speed drops; the Boat Ramp is shorter and more intense.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported as 100–300 meters depending on which section of the reef is working.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for The Bombie and Boat Ramp in the full forecast view.
The Bombie and Boat Ramp wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–14 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- S188°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2414 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–3.8 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, The Bombie and Boat Ramp is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.0–3.8 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Long paddle
- Strong currents
- Heavy swell
- Active boat traffic at the ramp
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards indicated at the spot itself; regional patrols may operate at major nearby beaches.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No spot-specific rescue service indicated.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 000. Margaret River Hospital is the nearest medical facility.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Offshore winds from the east northeast tend to produce best conditions. Respect local priority at the Boat Ramp; watch for boat traffic and be aware the Bombie may be accessed by tow-in during extreme swells.
- Be extra cautious of shark activity during salmon runs.
- Do not underestimate the difficulty of reef entries and long paddles; strong currents are common during large swells.
- Rarely crowded, but conditions are powerful—use caution around rocks and sharks.
- The Bombie can require a very long paddle; many surfers use a boat or jet ski for outer access.
- Shark activity is particularly notable during salmon runs.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Busselton
- Nearest Town
- Margaret River
- Nearest Airport
- Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB) (~55 km) and Perth Airport (PER) (~285 km).
- Parking
- Large paved parking area at Gnarabup Beach and the Boat Ramp.
- Public Transport
- Limited; a private vehicle or rental car is essential for reaching most coastal launches and moving gear between towns.
- Access
- Accessible via Wallcliffe Road to the Gnarabup Beach parking area.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation across Gnarabup, Prevelly, and Margaret River.
- Food & Drink
- A cafe and a beach bar/restaurant are located directly at the Gnarabup parking area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available in the town of Margaret River, roughly 10 minutes away.
- Gear Repair
- Available in Margaret River town.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Prevelly Coast is a globally recognized surf destination on Western Australia’s southwest coast with nearby hiking and cave experiences, plus strong regional tourism infrastructure.
World-famous vantage point offering panoramic views of the Main Break and the Indian Ocean coastline.
Spectacular coastal cliffs and hiking connected to the Cape to Cape route.
Renowned wine region with cellar doors and vineyards.
Traditional land of the Wardandi people with several sites along the coast holding significant cultural and spiritual heritage.
First Nations cultural sites and heritage across the region.
Historic coastal town with maritime heritage.
135 km hiking trail running along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, passing directly through the Prevelly coast.
Large, easily accessible limestone cave system south of the main surf breaks.
Caves and underground tours in the limestone karri forest.
Popular beachfront cafe in Gnarabup serving breakfast and lunch with ocean views.
Seafood and wine-focused dining.
Casual spot for drinks and light bites near the main breaks.
Safe beach swimming and playgrounds.
Giant hedge maze, mini-golf, and landscaped gardens suitable for all ages.
Cave tours and nature walks.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at The Bombie and Boat Ramp?
The best overall months at The Bombie and Boat Ramp are March, April, May. The best wind months are March, April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at The Bombie and Boat Ramp?
The Bombie and Boat Ramp works with E, SE, NNE winds. Offshore directions are E, NNE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at The Bombie and Boat Ramp?
Recommended equipment sizes at The Bombie and Boat Ramp: Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is The Bombie and Boat Ramp suitable for?
The Bombie and Boat Ramp suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Expert · Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.