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 long hike through rugged national park or a boat or jet-ski ride of around 30 km 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.
Shipstern Bluff surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 4.1m - 5.8m
- 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 kind of wave is Shipstern Bluff?
Shipstern Bluff is a big-wave spot in Tasmania, Australia, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What's the story behind Shipstern Bluff?
It's also known as Devil's Point, or just Shippies, and sits near Cape Raoul at the southern tip of the Tasman Peninsula.
What swell works best at Shipstern Bluff?
Shipstern Bluff picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 2.5m and keeps going up to about 8m, with the sweet spot around 4.1 to 5.8m. Period matters too: aim for 20s or longer, as anything under 14s 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 Shipstern Bluff?
A N wind is dead offshore at Shipstern Bluff, and anything from the WNW round to the NE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Shipstern Bluff?
Shipstern Bluff is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.5m to 2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Shipstern Bluff?
The most reliable run of swell at Shipstern Bluff comes Jun to Aug, through the southern winter. There's a second window in Mar to May and Sep too. Winter big wave season. Antarctic storm swells.
How cold is the water at Shipstern Bluff?
The water at Shipstern Bluff averages around 12°C, so you'll want a 5/4mm with boots. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Shipstern Bluff good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). One of the most dangerous waves on Earth. Great white sharks prevalent. 2hr hike or jet ski access only.
How do I get to Shipstern Bluff?
The nearest airport on our list is HBA, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $300 USD, but confirm with an operator). 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 other surf spots are near Shipstern Bluff?
The closest breaks we track are Eaglehawk Neck (19 km), Clifton Beach (35 km) and Cloudy Bay (59 km), handy when Shipstern Bluff isn't working. Fun fact: it's the third most southerly break we track in Australia.
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
Plan a trip around Shipstern Bluff
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