Yanerbie (Eyre Peninsula)

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–21 °C
Water Temperature
13–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Mar: 3/2mm steamerApr–Sep: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded due to its remote location.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see more frequent storms and rain.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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).

Reef break
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
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Rugged and scenic Eyre Peninsula coast with towering sand dunes and turquoise waters, known for isolation and wildlife.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for the best weather and most reliable wind conditions.
Murphy's Haystacks25 km

Ancient pink granite wind-worn boulders located on a hilltop.

Point Labatt Sea Lion Colony55 km

The only place on mainland Australia where Australian sea lions can be seen in the wild.

Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience50 km

Eco-tours offering the opportunity to swim with sea lions and dolphins.

Sandboarding0 km

The massive coastal dunes in the Yanerbie area are popular for sandboarding.

Streaky Bay Hotel20 km

Historic hotel offering local seafood and classic pub meals.

Streaky Bay Jetty20 km

A popular spot for fishing, walking, and swimming in the shark-netted enclosure.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.