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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Location & Conditions
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Spot Details
Swell 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.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Winter swells from the Southern Ocean. Cold water year-round.
Getting There
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