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.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (240°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 290°
- Size range
- 4m - 18m
- Ideal size
- 10.4m
- 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
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?
Cow Bombie handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Cow Bombie?
Offshore wind at Cow Bombie blows from the E (100°). Anything in the 70° to 135° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Cow Bombie?
Cow Bombie wants WSW swell (190° to 290°) between 4m and 18m, with a period of 20s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into PER, then allow about 175 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $600 USD). ~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