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
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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
Access: 150km dirt road from Carnarvon. Camping at station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Tombstones?
Tombstones is a reef break in Gnaraloo, Australia, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Tombstones?
Tombstones 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 1.5m and handles up to about 4m, with the sweet spot around 2.6 to 3.4m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Tombstones?
A SSE wind is dead offshore at Tombstones, and anything from the ESE round to the S 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 Tombstones?
Tombstones is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.8m to 1.8m on the local chart. Below 0.5m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf Tombstones?
The most reliable run of swell at Tombstones comes Mar to May and Sep to Nov. Best at season transitions. Sep-Nov and Mar-May.
How cold is the water at Tombstones?
The water at Tombstones averages around 23°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Tombstones good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). World-class but dangerous. Shallow reef with ugly steps. Very remote.
How do I get to Tombstones?
The nearest airport on our list is LEA, then it's roughly a 3-hour drive. 150km dirt road from Carnarvon. Camping at station.
What other surf spots are near Tombstones?
The closest breaks we track are Red Bluff (23 km), handy when Tombstones isn't working. Fun fact: it's the third most northerly break we track in Australia.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May
Best at season transitions. Sep-Nov and Mar-May.