Martha Lavinia
Martha Lavinia is the remote beach break on King Island that Tracks magazine rated as Australia's best. Sitting in Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria, the west-facing beach catches every Southern Ocean swell that rolls through, delivering powerful, hollow beach break peaks with nobody around. The island's small population means you'll likely surf alone, accompanied only by the kelp forests, Cape Barren geese, and the occasional seal. Getting here requires a flight to the tiny King Island Airport, but the reward is pristine, uncrowded waves in one of Australia's wildest settings.
Martha Lavinia surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 260°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (240°)
- Offshore range
- 210° - 280°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.3m
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
1/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: King Island Airport (KNS). Short drive to west coast beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Martha Lavinia?
The Martha Lavinia profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.3m 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 Martha Lavinia?
The Martha Lavinia profile uses wind from WSW (240°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 210° to 280°. 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 Martha Lavinia?
The Martha Lavinia scoring profile favors swell from SW (200° to 260°), a swell-height range of 1m 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 Martha Lavinia?
The main season at Martha Lavinia is Jan-Dec. Year-round. Consistent swell from Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.
How do I get to Martha Lavinia?
The spot profile lists KNS as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 20 minutes. King Island Airport (KNS). Short drive to west coast beach.
What kind of wave is Martha Lavinia?
Martha Lavinia is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Dec
Year-round. Consistent swell from Southern Ocean and Bass Strait.
Getting There
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