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.
Tombstones 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
- 200° - 260°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.6m - 3.4m
- 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
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: 150km dirt road from Carnarvon. Camping at station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Tombstones?
The Tombstones profile favors mid to high tide, ideally between 0.8m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile flags a low-tide hazard below 0.5m.
What wind direction is offshore at Tombstones?
The Tombstones profile uses wind from SSE (155°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 120° to 190°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Tombstones?
The Tombstones scoring profile favors swell from SW (200° to 260°), a swell-height range of 1.5m to 4m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists LEA as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 180 minutes. 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.