The Cowaramup Bombora ("Cow Bombie") surf break, location of 2011[5] and 2015[6] Oakley Big Wave award-winning rides, is 2 km offshore west of Gracetown.

In September 1996, five adults and four children were killed in a cliff collapse while watching a surfing carnival on the local beach close to town.

[10] A rehabilitation project was commenced on the cliff tops overlooking the site where the tragedy occurred, following funding by the state government, in 1997.

[11] In 2004 a surfer, Bradley Smith, was attacked and killed by a great white shark at a beach close to town.

The man was attacked while surfing and was found unconscious after being washed up on rocks near the beach with a huge gash on his leg.