Shipstern Bluff
Shipstern Bluff is one of the most terrifying waves on the planet—a Tasmanian slab famous for its mutant "steps" that form mid-face as the wave throws over a shallow reef ledge. Located at the end of a remote Tasman Peninsula, Shipstern requires either a 2-hour hike through rugged national park or a long jet-ski ride through great white shark territory. The wave is cold, isolated, unpredictable, and thoroughly hostile to human beings. Yet the barrels are other-worldly. This is big wave surfing at its most raw and unforgiving.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 220°
- Size range
- 2.5m - 8m
- Ideal size
- 5.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 300° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: No road access. ~90min drive from Hobart to the Stormlea trailhead, then a 2hr hike each way through Tasman National Park — or a 30km jet ski/boat ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Shipstern Bluff?
Shipstern Bluff works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Shipstern Bluff?
Offshore wind at Shipstern Bluff blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 300° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Shipstern Bluff?
Shipstern Bluff wants SSW swell (170° to 220°) between 2.5m and 8m, with a period of 20s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Shipstern Bluff?
The main season at Shipstern Bluff is Jun-Aug. A secondary window runs Mar, Apr, May, Sep. Winter big wave season. Antarctic storm swells.
How do I get to Shipstern Bluff?
Fly into HBA, then allow about 90 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $300 USD). No road access. ~90min drive from Hobart to the Stormlea trailhead, then a 2hr hike each way through Tasman National Park — or a 30km jet ski/boat ride.
What kind of wave is Shipstern Bluff?
Shipstern Bluff is a big wave break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Apr, May, Sep
Winter big wave season. Antarctic storm swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Eaglehawk Neck
🏔️ Tasman Peninsula power • Near Shipstern • Dramatic cliffs
Clifton Beach
🥶 Hobart's home break • Cold water culture • Southern Ocean accessible
Cloudy Bay
🌊 Southern Ocean power • Bruny Island wilderness • Tassie's hidden gem
Pedra Branca
🇦🇶 Facing Antarctica • Great white territory • Final frontier