Why you’ll love it

Tasmania’s east coast has no shortage of prime surf spots. Step off almost anywhere along the Great Eastern Drive, from Orford to Anson’s Bay, and you can take your pick of uncrowded breaks to suit surfers of every stripe—whether you ride a shortboard, longboard, stand up paddleboard or bodyboard. Add friendly locals and a mild year round climate and you have something very close to the perfect surfing experience.

Where you’ll find it

The region’s best surf spots are clustered along the Surf Coast, between Bicheno (including Red Bill Beach) and St Helens Point. The beaches at Seymour, Chain of Lagoons, Four Mile Creek, Falmouth, Scamander and Beaumaris offer reliable swells year round, with crystal clear waves rolling into smooth white sand just about everywhere you look.

You can check recommended local breaks and current surf conditions online at Swellnet.

You can book in a lesson at 42 South Surf School

You’ll also find surf shops in towns along this stretch of coast, where you can buy or hire gear and acquire some local knowledge on where to find the best breaks.

When you can do it

Summer is an idyllic time for surfing here, with longer, warmer days, but autumn and winter often brings bigger swells and better conditions—and fewer people in the water. As someone wise once said, there’s no such thing as bad (or cold) weather, just the wrong clothing (or wetsuit). With the right gear, you can surf a choice winter swell on the east coast and have the break almost to yourself.

How long will you need?

As any surfer will tell you, surfing takes as long as…well, as long as surfing takes! Check local swell and tide conditions to time your surf, and then take as long as you like to ride those east coast waves.

To help plan your visit check out travel times and driving distances