Last updated on December 10th, 2023 at 07:43 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Australia, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip to Australia, including general travel info, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in Australia.
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About Surfing in Australia
Surfing is an integrated part of the Australian DNA. Due to the abundance of great waves, almost everybody surf here. In fact, some of the best surfers in the world are Australian. Famous names like Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, and Joel Parkinson are only the tip of the iceberg. Actually, Australia has produced more world champion surfers than any other country. Moreover, it has the second-largest population of surfers on the planet (after the USA).
Australia is an Island. A huge one, but still an Island. Therefore, it is exposed to all different swell directions. As a result, when surfing in Australia, you can find perfect surf conditions every single day at some beaches. With such a huge coastline and selection of surf beaches in Australia, any surfer will find the right wave for himself. From beach breaks to points and reef breaks, Australia has it all. Therefore, if you want to surf in Australia, it doesn’t matter what your skill level is. On the one hand, Australia has excellent beaches for learning and practicing, but on the other, some of the biggest pro surf competitions take place here.
Surfing in Australia is a cultural thing, it is just a way of life for the Aussies, and therefore, Australia’s surf scene is always on fire. So, if you love surfing, you should visit here at least once in your lifetime to see what it’s all about.
The Best Surf Spots in Australia
The surf spots in Australia can be divided into 4 different areas:
1. The East Coast, where Queensland and NSW are, is home to the most famous surf spots in Australia, and this is the area where the major surf scene is centered.
2. On the South Coast, you will find huge waves and epic conditions.
3. The West Coast is the least visited one, but it has some world-class waves from the challenging kind.
4. The North Coast, which doesn’t produce any surf, primarily due to some deep reef shelves that block the swell and large population of crocodiles and jellyfish.
Obviously, there are many breaks that no one has heard about, and it’s impossible to mention them all. However, in detail, these are the main surf spots in the Australia:
Surf Spots in Australia’s East Coast:
Noosa:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Beginner to Intermediate.
Description- On the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Noosa is a longboard’s paradise. Since the break here is soft and pilling, it offers a long ride for all skill levels. Also, due to its forgiving break, Noosa is one of the best surf spots in Australia for beginners who want to learn and practice.
The Gold Coast:
Break type- Point breakes.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- About a 1-hour drive from Brisbane, this is where you will find the most famous surf beaches in Australia (and the biggest crowds too). In fact, along this amazing beach strip, there are a few world-class breaks, one after another. It starts with Snapper Rock, where a massive barrel breaks in front of a big rock. Then, it continues to Superbank, a man-made sandbar that creates one of the longest rides in the world with some long open barrels. After that, Kirra is probably the best sand bottom point break in the world. Finally, Burleigh Heads, Narrow Neck, and Duranbah are also world-class waves. Each of these breaks is a reason to come all the way to surf in Australia. The Gold Coast is where most of Australia’s surf scene is centered and where any surfer should want to be.
Byron Bay- The Pass:
Break type- Point break and a beach break.
Skill level- Beginner to Intermediate.
Description- This hippie town is probably the most popular one among surf travelers. It seems to have a special magic and perfect mix of surfing and meeting new people from all around the world. Most of the breaks in Byron Bay are suitable for beginners. However, at the end of the beach, you will find a right-hand point break called The Pass. This is where you can get some long rides with barreling sections. Despite the massive crowds in the water, do not miss out on this spot. Also, a bit further, Lennox Head is another perfect right-hand point break you don’t want to miss.
Read more in our post about surfing in Byron Bay.
Black Rock:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Located in southern NSW, Black Rock is also known as “The Aussie Pipe”. Unlike most surf spots in Australia, this one is a powerful Reef break suitable for experts only. Therefore, if you can handle a hollow wave over a shallow reef, you will get amazing rides here. But if you are a beginner or out of shape, this wave will eat you alive.
Northern Beaches:
Break type- Beach breaks.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This 20-km beach strip north of Sydney hosts several good surf spots. Generally, the further you go from Sydney, the fewer crowds you will have to deal with. However, that doesn’t mean you will be alone in the water. When surfing in Australia, part of the deal is being in packed lineups. Manly Beach, Palm Beach, and North Narrabeen are all incredible surf breaks. Moreover, these beach breaks suit all levels, from beginner to advanced. This area is very consistent and offers excellent waves all year long.
Bondi Beach, Sydney:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This is the main beach of Sydney, and it perfectly represents what Australia is all about. With consistent waves breaking over endless sandbars, boards to rent, and a great atmosphere, Bondi Beach is just about having fun. Well exposed to any swell, Bondi Beach offers multiple peaks to choose from. They are all great, and they are all crowded. This is also a great place to take a surf lesson with an instructor.
Surf Spots in Australia’s South Coast:
Bells Beach:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Unlike the East Coast, the Victoria area doesn’t have many world-famous surf beaches. However, it is home to Bells Beach, an iconic right-hand point break just about a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road. This beach also hosts the yearly Rip Curl Pro surf competition each March or April. Bells Beach picks up massive swells and produces long and hollow rides on a regular basis. Some say Bells Beach is where the whole Australian surf culture started. Therefore, if you come to surf in Australia and you can handle powerful waves, you definitely should visit this one.
Winkipop:
Break type- Point break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- A bit south of Bells Beach, this spot is less popular but just as good, if not more. Winkipop is also a right-hand point break that crushes over a reef. The waves here are strong and produce great barrels. Therefore, this spot is for experts only.
Surf Spots in Australia’s West Coast:
The Australian West Coast is known for its absolutely spectacular beaches. Having been exposed to the same swells that hit Indonesia, it is home to countless great surf breaks of all kinds. However, depending on your skill level, you need to know which ones are right for you. For instance, the beaches around Perth are primarily for beginners. Since the Rottnest Island is just in front of it, most of the swell gets blocked. However, if you go further North, South, or even to the island itself, you will find some more challenging waves.
In general, the West Coast is suitable mostly for experienced surfers. The swells here are huge (sometimes 15-20 feet and more), and the great white sharks are out there regularly. However, if you dare to deal with the above, you will get some unbelievable waves.
Margaret River:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This is the most famous surf spot on Australia’s West Coast. In fact, many big wave surfers come to surf in Australia just to hang out on this beach. It is situated about 3 hours south of Perth and is a swell magnet. When you look at the lineup at the main break, you will notice some surfers wearing helmets. Regardless of your level, this is a wave you must respect. It produces massive barrels over a shallow reef and will force you to be at the top of your game. If you are not experienced with big wave riding, this spot isn’t for you.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Australia.
Surf Seasons in Australia
In general, you can surf in Australia year-round. Since it has such a diverse coastline, there are always good waves somewhere. However, some months are easier to score than others. Also, due to its size, the Australian Island has different weather zones, and the surf conditions can be different in each area.
These are the basic guidelines for the surf seasons in Australia:
The summer, between December and February, is typically hot and humid. While the waves are not 100% consistent, it is also the Cyclone season. Therefore, every time one of these storms hits the ocean, you can expect about 1 week of big swell and great waves. Also, this is the time of year when the water is warm (about 26°C), so a pair of shorts is enough in the northern areas. In the southern regions, a vest or a short wetsuit will do.
Autumn, between March and May, is the best surf season in Australia. During this time, the water is still warm, the swell is consistent, and the offshore wind blows almost daily. If you want to get some glassy conditions, this is the favorite time to surf in Australia.
The winter, between June and August, produces big and consistent swells. During this time, the water is colder (about 20°C) and requires a 3/2 wetsuit. However, the conditions are very reliable, and the surf is up every day.
The spring, between September and November, is the dead time for surfing in Australia. Unfortunately, this is the least consistent time of the year. Even though you can get an occasional swell here and there, you better plan your surf trip to the other seasons.
Surf Camps in Australia
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches of Australia is at a surf camps. So, these are some of the most recommended ones:
1. Surf Camp Australia– The camp operates both in Byron Bay and in 7 Mile Beach. It offers all-inclusive surf packages for beginner and intermediate surfers.
For more details about surf camps in Byron Bay, please click here.
2. Australian Surf Tours, Sydney– The camp provides tons of knowledge and energy through surfing programs that educate and empower its students to live the lives that they dream about. At Australian Surf Tours, you will find a great variety of programs, from a 1-day tour through a 1 or 2-week surf package and even a few months.
For more details about surf camps in Australia, please click here.
3. Margaret River Surf School– The Margaret River Surf School aims to give everyone the chance to experience the joy and excitement of catching waves and extending their abilities.
For more details about surf camps in Australia, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Australia
When coming to surf in Australia, you obviously want to stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best spots. These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in the country:
1. A PERFECT STAY – Quiksilver Apartments, Byron Bay– Just 50 m from Main Beach, A PERFECT STAY – Quiksilver Apartments feature surf-inspired décor with wooden floors and white interiors. All apartments have free WiFiWiFi and a private patio with stunning ocean views. Located above Byron Bay’s Quiksilver store, the apartments are next to a pub with live entertainment. Cafes, bars, and restaurants are on the doorstep. Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is just 36 km away.
2. Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort– Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort features a central location on Hastings Street, just 1.6 km from Noosa National Park. It offers an on-site restaurant, a day spa, and a heated outdoor pool. All studios have a private balcony with views of either Noosa Village, the resort’s pool, Noosa River, or the beautiful Laguna Bay.
3. FLOOD22B- Sunny Bondi, Sydney– Located in Sydney, a few steps from Bondi Beach and 1.4 km from Tamarama Beach, FLOOD22B – Sunny Bondi provides accommodation with amenities such as free WiFiWiFi and a TV. This apartment is 8.1 km from Central Station Sydney and 8.9 km from Hyde Park Barracks Museum.
For more surf hotels in Australia, check out our post about the best surf resorts in Australia, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Australia
There are countless surf spots in Australia, so surfers of all levels can find breaks that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Noosa and Perth. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride fantastic barrels in Margaret River or Bells Beach.
Which town in Australia is Best to Stay At
On a surf trip, it is best to focus on one area to spend more time surfing and less traveling. However, there are many great surf beaches in Australia, and sometimes, it can be hard to choose where to stay. So, considering the waves and the general atmosphere of the place, these are the most recommended locations to stay at:
1. Byron Bay– The town is magical, and besides beautiful waves, you can meet travelers from all over the world.
2. Gold Coast– This is the most wave-rich surf beach in Australia, with a variety of world-class waves of all kinds.
3. Noosa– If you are a longboarder, this long wave is all you need in a surf vacation.
4. Margaret River– This is the best surf spot on Australia’s West Coast.
Australia– Travel Information
Language– English.
Population– about 25 million.
Currency– Australian dollar.
Calling code– +61.
Time zone– GMT +8/+9/+10, depending on the area.
Pros– World-class waves and a wide variety of surf spots.
Cons– crowded as hell, sharks, cold water in most areas.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, Surfing in Australia is a fantastic experience. This country embraced surfing as part of its culture, and with so many great surf beaches and great waves, it can be a perfect choice for your next surf trip. We hope you liked our surf guide about the best surf spots in Australia. Have a great surf trip!
Finally, check out the surf at Australia’s neighbors in the Pacific Ocean New Zealand, Fiji, and Tahiti.
