The best surfing spots in Australia

Surfing is a natural way of life in Australia. It’s a continental country with thousands of kilometres of coastline and incredible spots. You’ll find what you’re looking for on one of its many beaches. Discover the ten best surf spots in this fabulous country, where the journey promises to be as sensational as your surf. Wildlife, paradise beaches, perfect waves. This is not a dream! We promise you won’t regret it.

Tea Tree Bay, Noosa

Noosa is a popular destination for surfers of all levels, with gentle waves that are easy to ride. The region is also known for its beautiful beaches and national parks.

From the Noosa National Park car park, it’s just a 500-metre walk through the Gumtrees to a stunning beach. The sand and rock combine perfect surfing conditions with northeasterly waves and southerly winds! Here, you’ll have the chance to tame waves of 200-300 metres at best. However, be careful and respect its passage.

Currumbin, Gold Coast

North of the famous Kirra, Coolangatta and Snapper cliffs, you can discover the Currumbin Estuary. Here, you are guaranteed to enjoy the waves that form on the sandy bottom when you leave the river. However, this place is not recommended for beginners as the currents can be powerful!

Tallows Beach, Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a popular surfing destination with top-quality waves for surfers of all levels. The area is known for its beautiful scenery, trendy cafes and vibrant nightlife.

Tallows Beach is the most popular tourist destination in Byron Bay. It is located near the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse, which can be seen from a distance. It’s protected from the northeast winds, so you’ll have plenty of left and right turns. Surfing is a way of life in Byron Bay. Like nowhere else, you can immerse yourself in the hippie atmosphere of this small town. Finally, be respectful of other surfers as you pass by.

Pass Pass is also a popular surf spot in Byron Bay that is very popular with longboarders. This spot offers easy waves for beginners and more powerful waves for experienced surfers.

Macaulay, Coffs Harbour

It is best to get up early in the morning to get to this place. The night before, it’s best not to park the van too far away (be careful not to stay in the car park opposite). You may get into trouble with the park rangers). The waves here are gentle and, therefore, ideal for beginners. In addition, they are close to the coast. In other words, you don’t have to swim for a long time before you can enjoy them. This is a popular spot among locals, so respect other enthusiasts.

Boomerang Beach, Fotir

It’s hard to forget this place, with its vast open beach offering many possibilities. Here, you can surf left and right with all possible tides. The sandbanks on this beach move frequently, so we cannot guarantee long swells. This is also a place that dolphins especially love! Sometimes, they will be happy to accompany you on your walk.

Lorne, Victoria

Lorne is a magical place west of Torquay, home of the World Surf League. Here, you can tame waves 400 to 500 metres high at best! The ocean offers wave lines as far as the eye can see on the horizon.

Bells Beach is also known for the annual Rip Curl Pro competition. This spot is ideal for experienced surfers due to its powerful waves and big surf.

Nearby, Torquay is home to some of the biggest surfing names and is the gateway to Great Ocean Road, ideal for all surfers. It is also home to the Surf World Museum, which tells the story of surfing in Australia.

Margaret River, Supertubes

This place offers a variety of waves suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers and is also famous for its local wines. If you visit Myou, you’ll have the chance to see some of the world’s best surfers at Margaret River Pro.

The Box is also a legendary surf spot near the Margaret River, offering powerful, gentle waves for the most experienced surfers.

Triggs Beach, Scarborough Island

This is the perfect spot, but it can get very crowded quickly. It is. Feel free to stop at the Little Cre’ tures Brewery in Fremantle. You won’t be disappointed!

Bondi Beach, Bondi (Sydney)

Australia’s most famous beach is ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. Located just a few kilometres from the centre of Sydney, Bondi Beach is Australia’s most famous and iconic beach.

Bondi Beach offers surfing conditions that vary depending on the weather and the tides. The waves are generally medium-sized, making the beach ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. The best waves are often found in the centre and south of the beach, where reefs and sandbars can create good left and right turns. However, Bondi can also challenge more experienced surfers on high tide days.

Rules you need to know

Choosing the right place to surf

There are several factors to consider when choosing a surf spot. For example, if it’s a beach break (waves crash on the shore), it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for beginners. On the other hand, the waves of a beach break can be heavy and hollow. Strong currents can also be generated, but access to them can be difficult, especially if the beach is steep or surrounded by deserted areas. Don’t put yourself in danger!

Get in a queue

Despite Darwin’s seaside location, the beaches here are not popular. During the warmest period – from October to May – the sea is full of box jellyfish, considered the most poisonous and dangerous sea jellyfish on the planet. Their burns not only cause excruciating pain but can also lead to death. Another danger is the saltwater crocodiles, which are common in all water neighbourhoods of the city. Despite all the dangers, Darwin has beaches, and the beach holiday culture is well-developed. Casuarina, Mindil, Wave Pool, Fanny Bay and Bundilla beaches are commonly cited among the most famous beaches.

Priority rules

There are rules to help avoid collisions and conflicts when paddling to catch a wave. They should apply to everyone in the water. Regardless of the type of wave, the person closest to the top has priority! Do not cut off a surfer if you are catching a wave.

If several people are paddling on the same wave, you should quickly analyse whether you can catch it or back off because of doubts.

If another surfer has started swimming to catch a wave, you have to give them priority. On the other hand, with a longboard or SUP, you can get on the wave much faster than with a shortboard. So don’t abuse these rules if you don’t want to attract disapproving looks from other surfers.

You may also be sitting ‘too’ deep and too close to the peak. If you notice this quickly enough, signal your neighbour to swim away. Even if some surfers ignore these rules, it’s best to follow them for safety and respect; this way, you’ll be sure not to be blamed.

After a great first wave, you’re in the strike zone! Getting back on track quickly is more complex than you might imagine. If you catch the first wave in a set, it may be followed by other, much bigger waves. Then, you have to wait and dive under the waves. Watching the surfers on the waves behind you is essential because they have priority. In other words, if you’re not sure you’ll make it over the shoulder of the wave before the next surfer comes along, it’s better to head for the foam.

Risks of surfing in Australia

Australia certainly has some of the best surfing spots in the world, but they are not entirely safe. To practice this sport, you must be vigilant and learn about the weather conditions and the environment you will surf. To ensure you know everything, the best way is to talk to the locals, who can tell you about any peculiarities (rocky reefs, tides, sharks, etc.). Sharks love warm, shallow water, as do surfers. So you’ll have to learn to share the playing field… However, don’t be overly worried, as shark attacks are rare. The first time you see a shark, you might panic. You won’t know the difference between a shark fin and a dolphin fin immediately, but you will soon!