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
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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
Access: Quobba Station campground. Unsealed road from highway. Keyhole reef entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Red Bluff?
Red Bluff is a reef break in Quobba, Australia, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Red Bluff?
Red Bluff picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.5m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2.4m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s 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 Red Bluff?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Red Bluff, and anything from the E round to the SSE 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 Red Bluff?
Red Bluff is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Red Bluff?
The most reliable run of swell at Red Bluff comes May to Aug. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. Winter SW groundswell season. Consistent swell exposure.
How cold is the water at Red Bluff?
The water at Red Bluff averages around 22°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Red Bluff good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Very remote. Keyhole entry over sharp reef. Great white territory.
How do I get to Red Bluff?
The nearest airport on our list is CVQ, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive. Quobba Station campground. Unsealed road from highway. Keyhole reef entry.
What other surf spots are near Red Bluff?
The closest breaks we track are Tombstones (23 km), handy when Red Bluff isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Aug
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter SW groundswell season. Consistent swell exposure.