Shipstern Bluff is a right-hand slab at the southern end of the Tasman Peninsula, below sheer cliffs in Tasman National Park. It's one of the heaviest waves in the world, famous for the steps and ledges that form on its face as it breaks over shallow rock. This guide is about understanding the wave, not an invitation to surf it.
Why it's so heavy
Deep water runs right up to a shallow rock shelf. Big Southern Ocean swell hits that shelf and jacks up suddenly, and irregularities in the rock create the famous "steps" on the wave face. Wipeouts happen in very shallow water, far from help.
Getting there
Reaching the bluff on foot means a long walk through the national park, often more than an hour each way. Many big-wave surfers and photographers come by boat or jet ski instead. Either way, it's remote, and help is a long way off.
Who it's for
Shipstern is for experienced big-wave surfers with proper safety support. For everyone else, it's a place to watch from the cliffs or in film. If you're looking for waves around Hobart, Clifton Beach is a far better bet.
We don't text on a forecast. We text when the live readings for Shipstern (swell size, period, direction, wind and tide) all fall inside the window that particular break needs, and only in daylight.
Related reading: Clifton Beach Surf Guide and What Makes a Wave Barrel.
Closest spot guides
- Clifton Beach, about 45 km away
- Cape Woolamai, about 570 km away
- Bells Beach, about 620 km away
- Winkipop, about 620 km away
Or browse every break we cover in our Australian surf spot guides by region.