Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Twelve Mile Beach is an exposed beach break on the south coast near Ravensthorpe/Hopetoun that rarely produces consistent rideable conditions. Surf is described as highly alignment-dependent: the cleaner, more surfable setup is typically when south (or southwest) swells meet north offshore winds. When the wind shifts away from offshore, the spot can quickly blow out. Winter is the standout season, with June singled out as the best month for surf. In June, guidance indicates roughly a split between clean and blown-out conditions, reinforcing that even in the best month, the spot remains temperamental rather than consistently rideable. Even on good days, crowding is expected to be unlikely. The environment is rugged and risk levels need to be taken seriously. Hazards reported include submerged rocks and shark presence, and strong rip currents are possible due to the exposed nature of the beach. There are no lifeguards, and the coast is remote—so riders should plan for self-rescue and carry sufficient supplies. For planning, the spot is generally considered best when conditions match the intended swell/wind window, and rides are typically short and fast for an exposed beach break. Water temperatures are cool to mild through the year, with winter months commonly in the mid-to-high teens, so cold-water surf preparation is important.
- Best surfing tends to be in winter, especially June
- North offshore winds are key for cleaner surf
- Typically uncrowded
- Hazards include rocks and sharks
- Typically uncrowded conditions.
- Best winter surfing aligns south swells with north offshore winds for cleaner waves.
- Basic amenities are available (toilets and picnic area).
- The break is exposed and does not work very often.
- Highly dependent on swell direction and north offshore winds for clean surf.
- Shark presence and submerged rocks are reported hazards.
- Remote access and limited rescue coverage increase risk.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider indicates frontal systems; regional winter pattern described as powerful frontal weather.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- June
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Big — Long sandy beach with ample space.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Winter months (June to August) see higher rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed beach break that does not work very often and is highly dependent on swell direction and wind. Best conditions typically occur in winter when south swells meet north offshore winds.
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, exposed beach break with conditions strongly shaped by wind.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the north provide the cleanest conditions; southerly winds blow the spot out quickly.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Fast, short rides typical of an exposed beach break.
- Ride Length Details
- Fast, short rides typical of an exposed beach break.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe) in the full forecast view.
Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–20 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- SE145°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2420 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.8 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.1–2.8 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
- strong rip currents possible
- remote location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level data indicates rescue availability as none; regional context indicates limited remote coast coverage.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Hopetoun (details indicate Hopetoun services; regional baseline also references Ravensthorpe District Hospital inland).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Reported as no localism.
Rules of the spot
- June is often the best month for clean surf, but the break is highly dependent on swell and wind alignment.
- Check local swell and wind forecasts carefully since the spot often does not work.
- Carry plenty of water and supplies; nearby services are in Hopetoun.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hopetoun
- Nearest Town
- Ravensthorpe
- Parking
- Parking area available at the end of Twelve Mile Beach Road.
- Access
- Accessible via Twelve Mile Beach Road, described as gravel/unsealed from Hopetoun.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping options are available in nearby Fitzgerald River National Park; motels and holiday houses in Hopetoun.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; food and drink available in Hopetoun.
- Equipment Rental:
- No equipment rental facilities in the immediate area—visitors must bring all their own gear.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Remote, wilderness-style coastal scenery with nearby protected landscapes and seasonal wildlife viewing.
One of the most biodiverse regions in the world, offering incredible hiking trails and dramatic coastal vistas.
Showcases the region's rich mining and agricultural history.
Southern Right Whales can be spotted from the cliffs during their migration season between July and October.
A local hub for meals and drinks with views of the Southern Ocean.
Features a playground, BBQ facilities, and a safe swimming area near the groyne.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe)?
The best overall months at Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe) are June, July, August. The best wind months are June.
Which wind directions work at Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe)?
Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe) works with N winds. Offshore directions are N.
What skill level is Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe) suitable for?
Twelve Mile Beach (Ravensthorpe) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.