Clifton Beach
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.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (170°)
- Direction range
- 140° - 200°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 270° - 360°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.4m
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Easy access from Hobart. Beach carpark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Clifton Beach?
Clifton Beach works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.4m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Clifton Beach?
Offshore wind at Clifton Beach blows from the NW (315°). Anything in the 270° to 360° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Clifton Beach?
Clifton Beach wants S swell (140° to 200°) between 1m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Clifton Beach?
The main season at Clifton Beach is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Winter swells from the Southern Ocean. Cold water year-round.
How do I get to Clifton Beach?
Fly into HBA, then allow about 30 minutes by road. Easy access from Hobart. Beach carpark.
What kind of wave is Clifton Beach?
Clifton Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Winter swells from the Southern Ocean. Cold water year-round.
Getting There
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