Clifton Beach is Hobart's most accessible surf spot—a crescent-shaped beach on the South Arm peninsula that catches SE swells from the Southern Ocean. The beach offers multiple peaks and is sheltered from the prevailing westerlies by the peninsula. When solid S-SE swells hit, Clifton produces punchy beach break waves that can get surprisingly good. The water is cold year-round, requiring a thick wetsuit even in summer. The proximity to Hobart makes it the go-to spot for the Tasmanian capital's small but dedicated surf community.
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Easy access from Hobart. Beach carpark.
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Winter swells from the Southern Ocean. Cold water year-round.
Verified by Surfline, Tasmanian surf reports
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions