Shipstern Bluff
Shipstern Bluff is one of the most terrifying waves on the planet—a Tasmanian slab famous for its mutant "steps" that form mid-face as the wave throws over a shallow reef ledge. Located at the end of a remote Tasman Peninsula, Shipstern requires either a 2-hour hike through rugged national park or a long jet-ski ride through great white shark territory. The wave is cold, isolated, unpredictable, and thoroughly hostile to human beings. Yet the barrels are other-worldly. This is big wave surfing at its most raw and unforgiving.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 260°
- Size range
- 2.5m - 8m
- Ideal size
- 6.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
2/10
👥 Autumn Break (Apr 4 – Apr 19) — expect extra crowds
Access: 2hr hike through Tasman National Park or 30km jet ski/boat ride.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Apr, May, Sep
Winter big wave season. Antarctic storm swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Eaglehawk Neck
🏔️ Tasman Peninsula power • Near Shipstern • Dramatic cliffs
Clifton Beach
🥶 Hobart's home break • Cold water culture • Southern Ocean accessible
Cloudy Bay
🌊 Southern Ocean power • Bruny Island wilderness • Tassie's hidden gem
Pedra Branca
🇦🇶 Facing Antarctica • Great white territory • Final frontier