Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach is Hobart's most accessible surf spot—a crescent-shaped beach on the South Arm peninsula that catches SE swells from the Southern Ocean. The beach offers multiple peaks and is sheltered from the prevailing westerlies by the peninsula. When solid S-SE swells hit, Clifton produces punchy beach break waves that can get surprisingly good. The water is cold year-round, requiring a thick wetsuit even in summer. The proximity to Hobart makes it the go-to spot for the Tasmanian capital's small but dedicated surf community.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (170°)
- Direction range
- 140° - 200°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 270° - 360°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.4m
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Autumn Break (Apr 4 – Apr 19) — expect extra crowds
Access: Easy access from Hobart. Beach carpark.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Winter swells from the Southern Ocean. Cold water year-round.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Eaglehawk Neck
🏔️ Tasman Peninsula power • Near Shipstern • Dramatic cliffs
Shipstern Bluff
👹 The infamous steps • Tasmania's cold-water demon • Big wave surfing's final frontier
Cloudy Bay
🌊 Southern Ocean power • Bruny Island wilderness • Tassie's hidden gem
Pedra Branca
🇦🇶 Facing Antarctica • Great white territory • Final frontier