Let’s enjoy a surf experience in Tasmania! Until April 2001 the waves of Tasmania, the sixth state of Australia, 300 km of long and triangular island, were not so known. Most of surfers are looking for less dangerous spots, and Hobart is the one of these. 9 ferries a day take about 20min from Hobart to Bruny Island, home to some big waves more consistent than most of the Tasmanian breaks. In the West we find the Lagoons spot in the mouth of the river, which offers long rights during conditions of large western and northwestern swells at high tide. With medium-sized swells the scenic Cloudy Bay can produce good waves in its beachbreaks. In this area there is also the Billardire State Reserve, which has some excellent reefs and Australia’s most southerly lighthouses. If the swell is powerful, stop at Coal Point, which is the best pointbreak of Bruny. Other spots like The Neck are less consistent but, since this one is on an island, waves are easy to find. There are many places to stay, but the majority of surfers prefer to camp near the spots.
A funny exposed beach is Goats, but Clifton Beach is the most popular spot of Hobart, just a 30-minute drive from the city center. When the swell gets bigger, other E-side breaks create small, classic right points such as at Seven Mile, Cremorne or Lauderdale Point. Outside the Tasman Peninsula, the main town of Nubeena has access to Roaring Beach with its beachbreaks and Kelpies, a long and steep left point.
Shiptern Bluff is hardly ridden as the swells abruptly hit the rocks, a few meters off the promontory, making it difficult to surf (which only a few have tried). South of Port Arthur, Remakable Caves is not a tourist spot as it works during the low tide peaks and you need to take a scary rowing to reach this place. An hour’s drive is Eaglehawk Neck which hosts a powerful left in special conditions including northeastern swells, western winds and high tides. Next door is Tossos, a quality hewn right on covered rocks. This spot needs big Southeastern swells to start working but it can handle all kinds of wind and works at high tide.
Tariff per person, starting from:
| Departure | Waterfront Lodge Motel | Parson Bay Retreat | Bruny Island Escape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | Double | Double | |
| From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 | € 263 | € 336 | € 347 |
Notes
At the same latitude as New Zealand, Tasmania receives the impact of the winter waves of the Roaring Forties. Most of the waves are large. The north coast is fickle and it should only be controlled with high tides as well as the east coast, which is uncostant too but the shoreline offers some great spots like Bicheno or Scamandel, and the weather is drier. This means that the South coast has the better conditions for surfing in the southern winter, even if the water is cold (11 ° C). Normally the perfect classic conditions for the southern and southeastern spots are: southwestern waves with north and northwestern winds (these conditions usually occur from May to June).
How to get there : A visa is required for everyone except New Zealand. Qantas, Regional Express and Virgin Blu offer frequent direct flights. The Melbourne-Hobart ticket costs $ 250 return. From Sydney it costs $ 360 and from Brisbane $ 500 (rarely direct). Launceston is the main entrance to the coast: cross the Bass Strait with the Spirit of Tasman ship (15h of night sailing, from $ 50 per person + $ 15 for 1 car).
Getting around : The road system is dense around Hobart and topographically it is wild with islands and peninsulas. Changing coastlines, taking the ferry and reaching the spots takes time. Car rental costs up to $ 30.
Accommodation and food : Staying in Hobart is an option but the time it takes more time to drive. Favor Taranna (Norkfolk Bayview B&B, $ 35 / double) or Port Arthur (Sea Change Safety Cove, $ 78 / double) or Eagleneck (Wannamurra Watefront B&B, $ 67). Enjoy the wide range of apples, berry fruits, amazing beers and wines and savory cheeses.
Climate : The Apple Aye enjoys a temperate maritime climate, this means 4 seasons in one day. It is located on the north side of the Roaring Forties: in this area the mountainous terrain produces marked variations in climate and rainfall levels (here the highest average rainfall in Australia is recorded). In winter it may even snow. Tassie is Australia’s most mountainous state. Due to gusty winds and rather low temperatures in winter, you have to bring a 5mm wetsuit, thick gloves and boots. A 3/2 is enough in summer.
Nature and Culture : 40% of Tasmania is a natural park, so there is very little pollution. Climb Mt Wellington and visit Porth Arthur Prison.
Dangers and annoyances: Cold temperatures will be annoying compared to other hot regions of Australia. Crowds are rare and many spots are wind sensitive, be respectful to the locals. Watch out for currents as you approach the mouths of rivers. The weather is very unstable and unpredictable. Bring lots of clothes.
Tips: Buy the equipment at the South Arm Surf Shop. Book a surf mission with Tassiesurf.com: the day package costs $ 85, the day package which includes camping costs $ 100, while renting a charter boat will cost $ 260 (divided by the number of surfers).
Exchange rate variations (more than 3%) will lead to an adjustment of costs. They will be communicated within 20 days of departure.
The tariff does not include
Duration: 9 days / 6 nights
from € 263 - Excluding flights
Duration: 8 days / 6 nights
from € 242 - Excluding flights
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