Cow Bombie
Cow Bombie (Cowaramup Bombora) is Australia's premier big wave break—an open-ocean reef that lurks 2 kilometres offshore from Gracetown in the Margaret River region. When massive Indian Ocean storm swells push through, the bombie comes alive with waves that have been ridden at 40+ feet, making it the biggest wave ever surfed in Australia. The break was pioneered by local big wave chargers and has since attracted international big wave surfers. Only accessible by jet ski, Cow Bombie represents the absolute pinnacle of Australian big wave surfing.
Cow Bombie surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (240°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 290°
- Size range
- 4m - 18m
- Ideal size
- 6.9m - 11.1m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (100°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
1/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: ~2hr45 drive south from Perth to Gracetown, then jet-ski launch and a 2km ride out to the break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cow Bombie?
The Cow Bombie profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Cow Bombie?
The Cow Bombie profile uses wind from E (100°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 70° to 135°. 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 Cow Bombie?
The Cow Bombie scoring profile favors swell from WSW (190° to 290°), a swell-height range of 4m to 18m, and a reference period of 20s. 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 Cow Bombie?
The main season at Cow Bombie is Jun-Aug. A secondary window runs May, Sep. Winter only. Needs massive swell to break on the outer reef.
How do I get to Cow Bombie?
The spot profile lists PER as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 175 minutes. A boat transfer is also required. The profile estimates $600 USD; confirm the current price and departure point with an operator. ~2hr45 drive south from Perth to Gracetown, then jet-ski launch and a 2km ride out to the break.
What kind of wave is Cow Bombie?
Cow Bombie is a big wave break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Aug
Secondary: May, Sep
Winter only. Needs massive swell to break on the outer reef.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
South Point
🌿 Gracetown left • Beginner friendly • Works in onshore
Lefthanders
🦈 Gracetown quality • Workable walls • Shark country awareness
The Guillotine
🔪 Gracetown reef • Very consistent • Uncrowded
The Box
⚠️ Australia's heaviest slab • Square barrels of doom • Helmets mandatory
Margaret River
🦈 Indian Ocean power • Multiple world-class breaks • Bring your shark shields
Surfers Point
🍷 Margaret River's left • Wine country waves • Less crowds than Margs
Plan a trip around Cow Bombie
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.