The island state of Australia, Tasmania, lies in the firing line of south-west Roaring 40s swells. The dominant wind direction is from the west and with the inlet rich, south-east facing coastline offers numerous surfing opportunities. The most famous wave in Tasmania is the mutant Shipstern Bluff, however this does not represent all the waves on the island with lovely long right points and quality beach breaks dotted around the Island.

Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by the 240 km stretch of Bass Strait. Tasmania is a land apart; a place of wild and beautiful landscapes and friendly, welcoming people. Tasmania enjoys a temperate climate, excellent wine and beautiful food including a diverse range of locally caught seafood. Tasmania also has a rich history and a relaxed island lifestyle.

According to experienced travellers who have traversed the globe in search of excellence, Tasmania has one of the 10 best beaches in the World. The average summer temperature is a comfortable 21°C, whilst winter averages 12°C.

Water temperatures vary between a chilly 11 -15 degrees celcius or 52 to 59 degrees farenheit. Tasmania is a relatively new surf destination for the world but has been surfed regularly by Australians since Cedric Cane pioneered it in 1926.

Undoubtedly Tasmania's big surf, big wave paradise is at Marrawah, on the far north west of Tasmania. Marrawah is Tasmania's western most settlement; the furthest settlement from Hobart being some 491 km north-west of Hobart and 292 km north-west of Launceston. Farming, including dairy farming, and tourism are the main commercial activities. The area has several important Aboriginal sites, such as Aboriginal carvings at Mount Cameron West and Sundown Point.

The record wave in this area was measured at almost 20 metres with wind and surf rolling in uninterrupted for almost 17,000 kilometres.

Marrawah is the venue for the National Wave Sailing Championships; a highly sought after title worth $22,000 and held over 5-days in February that combines wind and wave skills to attract competitors and visitors.

The West Coast Surf Classic, an amateur surf carnival that has been going for the past 30 years, follows this event each March long weekend and attracts up to 1000 spectators and competitors.

Many competitors take the opportunity to explore the Wilderness experience down the Tarkine coast, and even travel as far south as to Strahan. In addition to the surf there's cray fishing, abalone diving, cruises on the Arthur River and night tours to see Tasmanian devils on King's Run wildlife reserve.