Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Yanerbie is a fairly exposed reef break on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula that only works occasionally, most consistently in May. It’s remote and access is via Yanerbie Road followed by a track through sand dunes, with limited parking near the dunes. Surf works best at low tide, and it typically requires the right southwest swell to wrap in. The break is reef-based with underwater hazards, so waves can be inconsistent and the wave quality depends heavily on conditions lining up. Wind is generally tied to regional weather patterns (summer sea-breeze influence and winter frontal systems). East and Southeast winds are typically offshore for surf quality, and the spot is exposed—meaning you should be prepared for changing conditions and full use of wind and swell monitoring. Safety planning matters: hazards include rocks and sharks, along with the possibility of rip currents and the challenges of a remote location. There are no lifeguards on site and no confirmed on-site rescue services; Streaky Bay Hospital is the nearest medical facility. Visitors should carry a first aid kit, check the tide before paddling out, and ensure their vehicle is suitable for sand-dune driving.
- Low-tide focused reef break (best at low tide)
- Most consistent month: May
- Offshore tendency in East/Southeast winds
- Remote, preservation-focused feel with limited access and low crowding
- High-visibility, crystal-clear water
- Exposed reef break that can deliver uncrowded waves when conditions align
- Generally unlikely to be crowded even when surf is up
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, E, NE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Wind influenced by frontal/groundswell systems; summer sea-breeze influence is noted regionally.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- December, January, February
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · +0 kts · Months: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar · Dir: E, ESE, SE · More reliable afternoon sea-breeze window in warmer months (about 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access through sand dunes.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Rarely crowded due to its remote location.
Winter months see more frequent storms and rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed, reef-bottom surf break that is inconsistent but can be rewarding when the right swell lines up (typically requiring a solid SW swell).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East and Southeast winds are offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but may close out if too big or too west.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula) in the full forecast view.
Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–15 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- SSE168°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.4 m11s period
- Temperature
- 9–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 1.1–2.4 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
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No services confirmed by Surf Life Saving Australia; no lifeguards on site.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-site rescue services confirmed; the area is remote and emergency response is remote.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facility: Streaky Bay Hospital. In emergencies call 000.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies.
- Check the tide as the break works best at low tide.
- Carry a first aid kit as the location is remote.
- Ensure your vehicle is capable if driving through sand dunes.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Streaky Bay
- Nearest Town
- Streaky Bay
- Parking
- Limited parking at the end of the access track near the dunes.
- Access
- Accessible via Yanerbie Road, followed by a track through the sand dunes.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Camping and holiday rentals are available in Streaky Bay.
- Food & Drink
- None at the spot; nearest supplies in Streaky Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Rugged and scenic Eyre Peninsula coast with towering sand dunes and turquoise waters, known for isolation and wildlife.
Ancient pink granite wind-worn boulders located on a hilltop.
The only place on mainland Australia where Australian sea lions can be seen in the wild.
Eco-tours offering the opportunity to swim with sea lions and dolphins.
The massive coastal dunes in the Yanerbie area are popular for sandboarding.
Historic hotel offering local seafood and classic pub meals.
A popular spot for fishing, walking, and swimming in the shark-netted enclosure.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula)?
The best overall months at Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula) are May. The best wind months are December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula)?
Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula) works with ESE, E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SE.
What skill level is Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula) suitable for?
Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.