On the south side of Port Albert Inlet is a very dynamic tidal shoal called Clonmel Banks. It lies a few hundred metres off the normal run of the coast and is low, with little vegetation cover. Even here it is still sheltered by shoals further offshore. Waves average less than 1 m and a narrow continuous bar runs along the island. On adjoining Snake Island, the beach is initially oriented south-east, receives waves averaging 1 m and has a bar cut by rips every 250 m. The orientation of the island changes at Corner Inlet and the western side actually forms the northern side of the inlet. Wave height drops to a few decimetres and the beach becomes steep and barless. The deep inlet and its strong tidal currents lie just off the western beach.
The only access to these islands is by boat and though there are no facilities, camping is permitted on Snake Island.
Beach Length: 9km
General Hazard Rating:
5/10
Patrols
There are currently no services provided by Surf Life Saving Australia for this beach. Please take the time to browse the Surf Safety section of this website to learn more about staying safe when swimming at Australian beaches.
Click here to visit general surf education information.
SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate.