Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 10:51 am
In this post you will find the 5 most recommended surf spots in Australia for beginners. So, if you are new to the sport, don’t worry, there are many great beginner surf beaches along the Australian Coastline.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in Australia
Australia is one of the best surf destinations in the world for beginners, for experts, and for everything in between. Its huge coastline receives consistent swells and contains an incredible amount of surf spots of all different kinds. Some of the waves here are definitely world-class, which explains why some of the best surfers in the world are Australian.
Now, as good as it is, you must have heard about sharks, shallow reefs, and aggressive waves in Aussie land. So yes, some surf spots here are suitable for experienced surfers only. However, you will be happy to know that there are also many surf beaches for beginners in Australia.
In detail, these are the best surf spots in Australia for beginners:
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is a famous “hippie” town on the East Coast of Australia. In fact, it is one of the favorite destinations in the country among both surfers and travelers. In addition to the great chill atmosphere Byron has to offer, the surf here is absolutely fantastic.
The right-hand point break at The Pass is, without a doubt, the most famous wave in the area. Since so many surfers come from a distance to surf this wave, it is always extremely crowded. However, within a short walking distance, there are also several great surf spots for beginners. For instance, at Watego’s, you can get some long, mellow rides that will blow your mind. Due to the slow break here, it is a favorite spot among longboards and paddleboards. Moreover, if you are a complete newbie, the beach break at Clarkes Beach is the perfect place to take some surf lessons.
The whole area of Byron Bay is surrounded by many other surf spots. So if you take a short drive, you can spend a few hours in any of them and escape the crowds. Apart from that, Byron Bay is very tourist-oriented, so there is a great variety of hotels, bars, shops, restaurants, and pretty much everything you want.
For details about beginner surf camps in Byron Bay, please click here.
Noosa
Noosa Head is a wonderful world-class wave in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Due to its location in the northern part of the coastline, the water here is warm year-round. In fact, it is one of the few spots in Australia where you can actually surf wearing only your shorts or bikini and feel very comfortable. On top of that, Noosa is maybe the best beginner surf beach in Australia.
The right-hand point break at Noosa is absolutely a dream. The waves here break very softly and roll slowly inside the bay. The ride is long, gentle, and super fun. Of course, longboarders absolutely love this spot, and novice surfers as well. When you have such a fantastic wave, you cannot expect to be alone in the water. And yet, surfing this wave is definitely worth it, as this is probably one of the best beginner-friendly waves you will ever surf.
For details about beginner surf camps in Australia, please click here.
Greenmount Beach, Gold Coast
Some of the best surf beaches in Australia are spread on the Gold Coast. Amazingly, here, you can find world-class surf spots one after another. For that reason, most surfers who come to Australia on a surf trip will spend their time in this area. In addition to the perfect waves along the Gold Coast, there are also several good ones for beginners. For instance, Greenmount Beach at Coolangatta is one of Australia’s best beginner surf beaches. You will find it in a relatively uncrowded spot at the southern end of the beach strep. Luckily, the waves here are soft, gentle, and break over a sandy bottom.
For details about beginner surf camps in Australia, please click here.
Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is the main beach of Sydney, so it will probably be your first stop when traveling to Australia. It is where the whole beach culture of the city is centered. For that reason, Bondi Beach is always packed with people, in and outside of the water. The beach break at Bondi Beach is well exposed to any swell, and therefore, it is a very consistent surf spot. That also means that during small swells, anyone can easily surf here, but when the swell gets big, the currents are strong and dangerous. However, beginners tend to get in the water on either the south or the northern end of the beach, depending on the swell direction. These corners are much more sheltered from the waves and offer a friendlier surf environment.
Bondi Beach is definitely not a world-class surf spot. Compared to other breaks in Australia, it is barely an average. However, it is a great surf beach for beginners and a perfect place to take a surf lesson or rent a board. Moreover, it is a beautiful place to enjoy everything a big city has to offer apart from surfing.
After surfing in Bondi Beach, if you want to change the environment, check out Manly Beach at the northern beaches of Sydney. This beach is slightly more protected from the swells, so it is an excellent option for the bigger days.
For details about beginner surf camps in Australia, please click here.
Perth
Unlike the previous spots, this one is situated on Australia’s West Coast. The whole area receives massive swells, and the waves here are usually very aggressive, especially at Margaret River. However, the beaches around the city of Perth are actually beginner-friendly. Due to Rottnest Island, which blocks most of the swell, the waves here are relatively small. Trigg Beach is the most recommended one for beginners, with consistent waves and various surf schools. Although Perth is pretty isolated and hard to reach, it is definitely an interesting area to spend some time in during your surf travel.
For details about beginner surf camps in Australia, please click here.
What Should You Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to Australia?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip With Online Surf Training
As a beginner surfing in Australia, you are going to face several challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be tough to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice specific online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your surf fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to Australia.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional surf instructors? To find the best beginner surf camps in Australia, click here.
Conclusion- Final Thought
In short, these are the best surf spots in Australia for beginners. This surf paradise has something to offer any type of surfer. From soft beach breaks to barrels over shallow reefs, everything is here at reach. It is a perfect place to learn, practice, and improve your skills. Just remember, surfing is a cultural thing in Australia, and almost everywhere you go, you will have to share your waves with other people. So embrace it, be careful, and be kind, and you are
guaranteed to have a wonderful Aussie surf experience.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Australia, or the one about surf resorts in Australia.
