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
Access: Long paddle from Long Reef headland. Some use jet skis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Long Reef Bombora?
Long Reef Bombora is a reef break in Northern Beaches Sydney, Australia, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Long Reef Bombora?
Long Reef Bombora picks up swell from the E round to the SSE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the ESE. It starts working at around 2m and handles up to about 4m, with the sweet spot around 2.9 to 3.5m. Period matters too: aim for 15s or longer, as anything under 12s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Long Reef Bombora?
A W wind is dead offshore at Long Reef Bombora, and anything from the SW round to the NW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Long Reef Bombora?
Long Reef Bombora isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Long Reef Bombora?
The most reliable run of swell at Long Reef Bombora comes Apr to Aug. There's a second window in Mar and Sep too. Autumn-winter. Needs solid swell to break on the outer reef.
How cold is the water at Long Reef Bombora?
The water at Long Reef Bombora averages around 19°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Long Reef Bombora good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Offshore big wave spot. Long paddle or jet ski access. Serious consequences.
How do I get to Long Reef Bombora?
The nearest airport on our list is SYD, then it's roughly a 30-minute drive. Long paddle from Long Reef headland. Some use jet skis.
What other surf spots are near Long Reef Bombora?
The closest breaks we track are Long Reef (south side) (1.6 km), Dee Why Point (3.0 km) and North Narrabeen (3.7 km), handy when Long Reef Bombora isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Sep
Autumn-winter. Needs solid swell to break on the outer reef.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Long Reef (south side)
🌊 Lefts and rights • Reef • SE swell, Northern Beaches
Dee Why Point
➡️ Sydney's quality right • SE swell magnet • Local point break
North Narrabeen
🌊 Sydney's best beachie • Sandbar roulette • Where pros are made
Queenscliff
🏄 Where Australian surfing began • NE swell magnet • Manly's northern end
Fairy Bower
🌊 Right-hand point • SE swell magnet • Northern Beaches
Winkipop
🌊 Right-hand reef • ESE swell magnet • Northern Beaches