Cloudy Bay
Cloudy Bay is Bruny Island's premier surf break—a long, powerful beach exposed to the full force of the Southern Ocean. Located on the south coast of South Bruny, the beach catches S-SW groundswells that generate punchy peaks along the 4km stretch of sand. The bay hosts the annual Bruny Island Classic competition, drawing Tasmania's best surfers. Getting here requires a ferry crossing from Kettering followed by a drive through pristine Tasmanian bush. The reward is raw, uncrowded waves in one of Australia's most beautiful coastal settings.
Cloudy Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 165° - 215°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (340°)
- Offshore range
- 300° - 20°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
1/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Ferry from Kettering (30min south of Hobart), then drive to south Bruny. ~2hr total from Hobart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cloudy Bay?
The Cloudy Bay profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m 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 Cloudy Bay?
The Cloudy Bay profile uses wind from NNW (340°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 300° to 20°. 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 Cloudy Bay?
The Cloudy Bay scoring profile favors swell from SSW (165° to 215°), a swell-height range of 0.5m to 3m, 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 Cloudy Bay?
The main season at Cloudy Bay is Apr-Aug. A secondary window runs Mar, Sep, Oct. Autumn-winter for biggest swells. Can fire year-round.
How do I get to Cloudy Bay?
The spot profile lists HBA as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 120 minutes. Ferry from Kettering (30min south of Hobart), then drive to south Bruny. ~2hr total from Hobart.
What kind of wave is Cloudy Bay?
Cloudy Bay is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Sep, Oct
Autumn-winter for biggest swells. Can fire year-round.
Getting There
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