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.
Clifton Beach surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- 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
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Easy access from Hobart. Beach carpark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Clifton Beach?
The Clifton Beach profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.3m and 1.4m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Clifton Beach?
The Clifton Beach profile uses wind from NW (315°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 270° to 360°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Clifton Beach?
The Clifton Beach scoring profile favors swell from S (140° to 200°), a swell-height range of 1m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists HBA as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 30 minutes. 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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