Turns out, the rumours are true: Tasmania might just be Australia’s most underrated surfing paradise. And this time, it’s not just gung-ho locals saying so – there's solid science to back it up.
Talking to ABC News, Tasmanian meteorologist Luke Johnston from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) broke down exactly why the island state is a wave-chaser’s dream. He said Tassie’s appeal comes down to a mix of factors that read like a surfer’s wish list: consistent offshore winds, powerful Southern Ocean swells, warm(ish) currents and short distances between surf spots.
Let's break it down. In Tasmania, the prevailing westerly and north-westerly winds often mean the east and south-east coasts get the smoothest, most surfable faces. “Little to no wind can create glassy waves," Johnston told the ABC. "Too strong and it can push surfers out to sea.”
Then there’s the swell. BoM data shows that wave heights often hit between four and eight metres off Tassie's west and south coasts, with occasional monsters reaching ten metres or higher. The east coast is gentler, with regular one- to two-metre sets – ideal for beginners or longboarders chasing something cruisy.
As for water temps? Don’t let the island’s chilly reputation scare you off. Thanks to the East Australian Current, the east coast can reach a balmy 20 degrees in summer, dropping only to the low teens in winter. That’s practically tropical by Bells Beach standards.
Where are the best places to go surfing in Tasmania?
For big-wave daredevils, there’s the legendary Shipstern Bluff on the Tasman Peninsula, where walls of water can tower more than five metres high. That being said, Tassie’s magic isn’t reserved for the pros. When speaking to the ABC, Johnston pointed to mellow breaks on the south coast near Hobart and easygoing east coast gems like Scamander, Bicheno and Four Mile Creek. Up for a challenge? Heading west will take you to wilder breaks, with Marrawah serving up powerful surf and rugged beauty in equal measure.
Even the north gets a look-in, with the Mersey River mouth and King Island drawing their own cult followings. Bruny Island, too, offers stellar breaks – if you’re happy to trek a little off the beaten track.
Johnston’s advice for would-be Tassie surfers: pack your wetsuit, check the BoM Weather app and always “know your weather, know your risk.”