Red Bluff
Red Bluff is one of Western Australia's most iconic left-handers—a remote reef break on the Quobba coast that delivers hollow, mechanical barrels when SW groundswell lights up the lineup. The wave peels over a shallow limestone ledge with precision, offering rides up to 150 metres on clean days. Getting here requires a long drive from Carnarvon followed by an unsealed road to the basic camping facilities at Quobba Station. The keyhole entry over sharp reef adds to the adventure. For decades, Red Bluff has drawn committed surfers willing to rough it for world-class waves in complete isolation.
Red Bluff surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 80° - 150°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
2/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Quobba Station campground. Unsealed road from highway. Keyhole reef entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Red Bluff?
The Red Bluff profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m 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 Red Bluff?
The Red Bluff profile uses wind from ESE (110°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 80° to 150°. 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 Red Bluff?
The Red Bluff scoring profile favors swell from SW (180° to 270°), a swell-height range of 0.5m 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 Red Bluff?
The main season at Red Bluff is May-Aug. A secondary window runs Apr, Sep. Winter SW groundswell season. Consistent swell exposure.
How do I get to Red Bluff?
The spot profile lists CVQ as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 120 minutes. Quobba Station campground. Unsealed road from highway. Keyhole reef entry.
What kind of wave is Red Bluff?
Red Bluff is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Aug
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter SW groundswell season. Consistent swell exposure.