Long Reef Bombora
Long Reef Bombora is Sydney's big wave playground—an offshore reef break that lurks beyond the Long Reef headland on the Northern Beaches. When solid SE-E groundswells push through, the bombie comes alive with powerful A-frame peaks that can hold 4m+ faces. The long paddle from shore or jet ski tow out separates the committed from the curious. While it's within sight of Sydney's suburban beaches, the bombie delivers a genuine big wave experience with serious consequences if things go wrong.
Long Reef Bombora surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Direction range
- 80° - 160°
- Size range
- 2m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.9m - 3.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 15s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 230° - 310°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
19°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
2/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Long paddle from Long Reef headland. Some use jet skis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Long Reef Bombora?
The Long Reef Bombora 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 Long Reef Bombora?
The Long Reef Bombora profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 230° to 310°. 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 Long Reef Bombora?
The Long Reef Bombora scoring profile favors swell from ESE (80° to 160°), a swell-height range of 2m to 4m, and a reference period of 15s. 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 Long Reef Bombora?
The main season at Long Reef Bombora is Apr-Aug. A secondary window runs Mar, Sep. Autumn-winter. Needs solid swell to break on the outer reef.
How do I get to Long Reef Bombora?
The spot profile lists SYD as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 30 minutes. Long paddle from Long Reef headland. Some use jet skis.
What kind of wave is Long Reef Bombora?
Long Reef Bombora is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Sep
Autumn-winter. Needs solid swell to break on the outer reef.
Getting There
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