Tombstones
Tombstones (Tombies) is one of Australia's most serious waves—a long, freight-train left barrel that runs for 300-500 meters along a shallow reef at Gnaraloo Station in remote Western Australia. The wave is named for the tombstone-shaped rock formations on shore and is known for its triple-suck takeoff that requires precise positioning. The location requires a 150km dirt road drive from Carnarvon. Camping at the station puts you in the middle of nowhere with world-class barrels and plenty of sharks for company.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 260°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (155°)
- Offshore range
- 120° - 190°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.8m - 1.8m
- Danger below
- 0.5m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: 150km dirt road from Carnarvon. Camping at station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Tombstones?
Tombstones works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.8m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window. Below 0.5m it gets dangerously shallow.
What wind direction is offshore at Tombstones?
Offshore wind at Tombstones blows from the SSE (155°). Anything in the 120° to 190° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Tombstones?
Tombstones wants SW swell (200° to 260°) between 1.5m and 4m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Tombstones?
The main season at Tombstones is Sep, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May. Best at season transitions. Sep-Nov and Mar-May.
How do I get to Tombstones?
Fly into LEA, then allow about 180 minutes by road. 150km dirt road from Carnarvon. Camping at station.
What kind of wave is Tombstones?
Tombstones is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May
Best at season transitions. Sep-Nov and Mar-May.