The Best Surfing Beaches in Australia
April 28, 2017
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Australia is surely one of the best countries on the planet to visit if you’re a surfer. No matter which coast you go to, there is an abundance of fantastic surfing spots to explore.
One of the world’s top surfing destinations, Australia’s 37,000 km (23,000 miles) of coastline are dotted with beaches, natural wonders and secret corners worth discovering at an easy pace. Plus, the surf in Australia offers everything you might dream of, from big wave surfing and challenging point breaks to gentle beach breaks and plenty of beginner-friendly waves to catch. Without further ado, here’s a list of some of the best surfing beaches in Australia!
Queensland
Image Credit: Luke Chapman
Queensland has some of the best surf beaches in Australia, if not the world. The Gold Coast has many surf beaches (no wonder there’s a place called Surfers Paradise!), but there are also some top surfing spots further north.
- Noosa Heads is a great place if you’re looking to learn to surf. The waves aren’t too harsh, there are plenty of surf schools around and it’s generally not too busy.
- Stradbroke Island has some great spots, both on the north and south of the island. The beach off South Stradbroke Island, known to locals as “T.O.S.” (The Other Side) is one of the better spots, as well as Point Lookout at the north.
- Greenmount, Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast are collectively known as the “Superbank”. These three surf breaks are man-made, caused by sand dredging from the mouth of the Tweed River and can create some awesome waves. Given the right conditions, surfers can ride a wave for nearly 2 km (1.2 miles)! It can also be one of the busier spots on the coast, especially on weekends. Don’t be surprised if you bump into world champs Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning or Steph Gilmore here.
- Burleigh Heads has some great waves, especially during big swells. Be careful around the rocks!
- Duranbah is right on the border with New South Wales, southeast of Point Danger. The waves here are consistently good, and it’s easy to see why “D-Bah” is a favorite with locals and pros alike.
New South Wales
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- Angourie and Yamba on the New South Wales north coast offer 13 surf beaches that will satisfy beginners to pros. Angourie Beach was the second National Surfing Reserve to be declared in Australia in 2007 and is the home to surfing legend Nat Young.
- Crescent Head, north of Port Macquarie offers some great spots along its 25km coast for beginners and longboarders.
- Boomerang Beach near Forster-Tuncurry is claimed as one of the best surfing locations in NSW. You can even swim or surf alongside dolphins at the northern headland.
- Not far from Boomerang Beach you’ll find Lighthouse Beach and Treachery Beach at Seal Rocks. If there’s a southerly swell, you’re in for some awesome surfing.
- Sydney’s Northern Beaches have plenty on offer for the visiting surfer. Between Dee Why Beach and North Narrabeen, you’ll find the Long Reef Bommie – a must for any keen surfer visiting the area.
Victoria
Image Credit: Luke Chapman
- The surf at Bells Beach near Torquay can rise to 5 m (16 ft) and is home to Australia’s oldest surfing competition – the Rip Curl Pro. Situated along the Great Ocean Road, Bells Beach is a recommended surfing spot in Victoria, even if just to watch the locals in action.
- Phillip Island has some great beach breaks and point breaks, plus you can stay to watch the penguins!
- The Well offers a grinding reef break suitable for more experienced surfers. Take some time to get used to the wave, as it’s easy to get battered on the reef here.
- Jan Juc adjoins Torquay, with cold swell coming in from the Bass Strait. It’s suitable for all surfers. When all the other spots aren’t performing, everyone heads to Jan Juc.
Western Australia
Image Credit: Luke Chapman
- Margaret River – I know what you’re thinking… Margaret River is all about wine, not surfing! Yes, Margaret River produces world-class vino, but it’s also home to some of Australia’s best surfing! Some 260 km (160 miles) south of Perth, Yallingup offers some of the best all-round surfing in the country. Further south you’ll find Surfers Point at Prevelly which offers up some of the craziest big waves in Western Australia. Not for the faint of heart!
- Secret Harbour, between Mandurah and Rockingham, will provide you with consistent rolling surf, with plenty of spots good for beginners.
- Rottnest Island, famous for its wildlife, also offers some great surfing action with many reef breaks.
- Esperance is home to one of the most talked about waves in the world – the “Cyclops,” yet few can claim to have surfed it.
With an abundance of world-class surf spots, Australia could be your next holiday destination. Go to BookSurfCamps.com and choose a surf camp in Australia and get ready to explore its legendary breaks. Read more of Luke’s articles on his website, Top 100 Experiences, and be sure to check out his Australian landscape photography that will surely convince you to take a trip to the continent.