Three Bears
Three Bears is a consistent left-hand reef break near Yallingup that offers a high-driving barrel after a peaky takeoff. The exposed reef picks up plenty of swell and works across most tidal stages. Named for the three distinct sections along the reef—Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear—each offering different wave characteristics. A reliable option when the bigger Margaret River breaks are too heavy.
Three Bears 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
- 195° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Access from Yallingup Beach carpark. Short walk south.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Three Bears?
Three Bears is a reef break in Yallingup, Australia, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Three Bears?
Three Bears picks up swell from the SSW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.5m. 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 Three Bears?
An E wind is dead offshore at Three Bears, and anything from the NE round to the SE 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 Three Bears?
Three Bears isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Three Bears?
The most reliable run of swell at Three Bears comes Mar to Oct. There's a second window in Jan to Feb and Nov too. Best autumn through spring. Consistent exposed reef picks up most swells.
How cold is the water at Three Bears?
The water at Three Bears averages around 20°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Three Bears good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Can get crowded. Reef entry requires care.
How do I get to Three Bears?
The nearest airport on our list is PER, then it's roughly a 2.5-hour drive. Access from Yallingup Beach carpark. Short walk south.
What other surf spots are near Three Bears?
The closest breaks we track are Smiths Beach (7.6 km), Yallingup (8.4 km) and Injidup (15 km), handy when Three Bears isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Jan, Feb, Nov
Best autumn through spring. Consistent exposed reef picks up most swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Smiths Beach
🏖️ Forgiving sandy reef • Yallingup beauty • Margaret River for all
Yallingup
🏖️ Protected Cape Naturaliste • Friendly reef right • Noongar country
Injidup
🏝️ Hidden bay beauty • Multiple peaks • All abilities welcome
The Guillotine
🔪 Gracetown reef • Very consistent • Uncrowded
Cow Bombie
🏔️ Australia's biggest wave • 2km offshore • Margaret River power
South Point
🌿 Gracetown left • Beginner friendly • Works in onshore